PREGNANCY + BIRTH PREPARATION

“Amity did a great job in preparing us for what to expect (as much as is possible) during labor and especially for the emergency c-section we had to have due to fetal distress. The “bag of tools” we brought into this experience was very valuable for both myself and my partner, and I felt very capable in dealing with my labor as it progressed, encountered some problems, with an eventual transfer to the hospital. Despite these unforeseen circumstances, we felt like we were able to deal with the changing situation because of this class.”

“Amity was a gentle, knowledgeable and caring facilitator. I definitely feel the time in class has opened me to new ways of being at the center of our birth.”

“The class was excellent. I didn’t really know what to expect going into it, but felt it was absolutely worth it by the time we came out of it. Amity is a gracious and compassionate teacher. She is full of wisdom and insight, with an abundance of humility that allows each parent-to-be to explore and share their own innate wisdom.”

“I am so hugely grateful we were able to meet and that Kerry and I were able to learn so much from you in our weekend immersion. You should know, that class brought us so much closer together as a couple, and we feel truly blessed to have gained so much from it. Thank you again for your wisdom and teachings.”

“I would recommend this class to any pregnant woman or her partner. It was a truly unique and wonderful way for me to connect to my fears and questions about labor, and the fears of my partner and talk about how to cope with them honestly. We feel so prepared for birth and have learned so much about each other; I can’t imagine how I would feel if we hadn’t had some of the exercises that helped prepare us. Amity really helped each person (not just the mothers!) to look deeper than his/her questions to see what issues were beneath. Our class was the highlight of my week, everyone felt safe enough to contribute, and I will miss it very much in the last few weeks before my baby comes!”

“She was one of the most attentive teachers, answering every question that came to mind – and having the patience to wait for those questions to arise. She really took the time to get to know us and figure out what kind of experience for which we were hoping. Furthermore, it wasn’t just the physical act of birth – she really helped us focus on our relationship and communication as a couple. It was the perfect balance of the hard (and kind of scary!) realities of birth mixed with the encouragement and support we needed. I think we both left the class feeling better informed and more prepared, but also excited for what was going to happen. We are so grateful.”

“Like many parents living in a socially progressive region, of course we had already done a great deal of reading and sought other ways of educating ourselves. This class gave us the opportunity to compare the methods we were already aware of with alternatives, and the methods being considered by our fellow classmates.”

“We took the weekend intensive Birthing from Within class with Amity. We got what we expected as far as factual learning, what we weren’t expecting is the emotional learning. During our birth it was the emotional learning we tapped into to get us through the unexpected events. Cannot recommend it enough!”

“This has been a great class. I’ve been extremely impressed with how you’ve been able to cover a lot of territory while staying somewhat unbiased and not presenting everything as though there is a “right” way. Even if the discussion took an opinionated turn, you gracefully and tactfully steered that thought/ issue/ opinion to a less biased place. I felt comfortable asking any and all questions without feeling awkward or judged by you.”​​​​​​​​​​

“Our instructor, Amity, brought her years as a birth educator and a as doula to create a fun, engaging, and informative learning environment. She provided my wife and I an opportunity to reexamine and become re-energized about your birthing plan. I especially enjoyed that everyone’s vision for their child’s birth was met with encouragement.”

“We talk about what we learned in your class all the time. It’s just such useful life information, not just birthing information. I’m 5 days out from my due date. Feeling great overall and looking forward to meeting the little one.”

“The Birthing from Within class taught by Amity was a pleasure to be a part of. My husband and I learned so much in the 3-day weekend course that we will take with us to our birth. Amity was engaging, thoughtful, and so much fun just to watch and listen to! She is a fantastic instructor and it is obvious how gifted she is at being a doula and an instructor. The tools used in the class keep you engaged and focused and the time goes by relatively quickly. We feel lucky to have had Amity as our instructor and it was great meeting the other couples in our class as well.”

“We had an amazing birth experience, and taking the Birthing From Within class was very valuable! Jason and I were very thankful for all the knowledge and ways of thinking that you helped open our minds to. Honestly, I believe the class helped my husband most of all! within minutes of Malia being born, he said, “I sure am glad we took that class!”

“Thank you so much for being such an inspiring mentor. You have taught me to trust in the natural process of childbirth, and you have instilled a great confidence in myself and my abilities to provide as a partner for my wife.”