Covid-19 Safety Update:
Birth preparation and healing are as important as ever, which is why we have shifted to an online format for all classes and birth story sessions. This decision will be reviewed in the Fall of 2021.
As an expectant parent you struggle with so many unknowns.
In Birthing from Within classes you'll get the skills and tools you need to overcome uncertainty and face birth with confidence and support.
Birthing from Within classes are designed to be a place where parents can safely explore, ask questions, try something new, move through the unfamiliar, and tap into the inner resources for birth.
UNDERSTAND HOW BIRTH WORKS
BUILD A PAIN-COPING MINDSET
CONNECT WITH YOUR PARTNER
PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED
Cultivating a resilient and open mindset for birth
Stages of Labor: How to cope and how to support throughout
Hands-on support techniques for birth partners
Collaborative communication with your birth attendant
Preparing for the Unknown through experiential learning
Strengthened connection between parents
Compassionate use of epidurals, induction, and cesarean birth
Fostering self-acceptance for the challenges of labor
Postpartum Transitions: adjusting to life with a new baby
Private Birthing from Within Classes
Who It’s For: Parents expecting their first baby together. The third trimester is the best time to take these classes.
What You Get: Immediate access to online videos and handouts to help you better understand the birth process, plus two private Zoom sessions (2 hours each) to help you and your partner take a deeper dive into birth preparation and learn to get through birth as a team.
Cost: $350/family
Summer Hours: Choose the best time for your family on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 5 pm - 9 pm CST for the month of August. (Sorry, July is booked solid!) Zoom classes only.
Fall Hours: Choose the best time for your family Monday-Thursday, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm CST for Zoom classes or in-person classes near 281/Bitters in San Antonio. (Masks required for unvaccinated people.) Mondays and Wednesdays 5-9 pm CST Zoom only.
*All people should have equal access to childbirth resources. To address racial and social disparities in healthcare, Black, Indigenous, or People of Color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those who are impacted by poverty are welcome to a discount on Birthing from Within classes. If you need an Equity Discount, please complete the Equity Discount Form here.
Birthing from Within Registration
Private Birthing Again Classes
Who It’s For: Parents expecting their second baby together. The third trimester is the best time to take these classes.
What You Get: Immediate access to online videos and handouts to review practical information about birth and postpartum, plus two private Zoom sessions (2 hours each) to help you and your partner take a deeper dive into your family’s unique needs for this birth.
Cost: $350/family
Summer Hours: Choose the best time for your family on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 5 pm - 9 pm CST for the month of August. (Sorry, July is booked solid!) Zoom classes only.
Fall Hours: Choose the best time for your family Monday-Thursday, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm CST for Zoom classes or in-person classes near 281/Bitters in San Antonio. (Masks required for unvaccinated people.) Mondays and Wednesdays 5-9 pm CST Zoom only.
*All people should have equal access to childbirth resources. To address racial and social disparities in healthcare, Black, Indigenous, or People of Color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those who are impacted by poverty are welcome to a discount on Birthing from Within classes. If you need an Equity Discount, please complete the Equity Discount Form here.
Birthing Again Registration
Learn what to expect in birth and become a well prepared team.
"I valued the honesty in this class. Everyone showed their vulnerable side and felt safe. That is rare and it made everything that much more amazing. I loved watching my hubby learn and ask questions. This class took us from being on different pages and him being scared, to unity and confidence."
- Anonymous Mother
"These classes brought us WAY closer. Even though this is my 3rd [baby], I feel I learned a ton and am more prepared."
- Angely, pregnant mother
"Birth is the world of the unknown, but Nikki’s class helps you prepare for almost anything being thrown at you. Nikki, herself has a magical way of making everyone feel valued in their experience and challenged everyone to grow individually. The class itself also connects you and your partner in a way that most don’t before. I loved being surrounded by others going through the same journey sharing our thoughts and ideas while holding my wife’s hand or leaning on her shoulder for support. This review is only a small tidbit on how impactful this class was on my life. Forever grateful and wish I could do it again!"
- Dani, pregnant mother
"Nikki was extremely personable and helpful. She stayed after class to address concerns, which was much appreciated. The class was an awesome experience and has made me more aware and prepared to face labor."
- Sekinat, pregnant mother
"These classes have helped us feel more prepared, connected, understanding, and patient with each other and ourselves."
- Shelley, pregnant mother
FAQ About Our Childbirth Classes
A: Normally I offer only in-person classes, but for the duration of the Covid-19 outbreak, all classes will take place online via Zoom. This decision will be reevaluated in Fall 2021.
A: Birthing from Within shares common ground with classes like Lamaze, The Bradley Method, Hypnobirthing, etc. in that it provides practical information to help parents understand the physical process of birth. However BFW is different from other prenatal classes, books, and internet searches in that it prepares parents for birth as a rite of passage.
A rite of passage involves new challenges, new learning, and awakening a part of yourself that has not been discovered yet. Embarking on a major life shift requires preparation and support. Taking a class that acknowledges this transformation creates space for parents to explore the emotions, fears, relationships, and changes that are present during birth and parenting, alongside learning practical information. Birthing from Within classes help parents enhance communication and learn to cope together as they navigate the shifting terrain of birth and parenting.
A: Yes, please! Birthing from Within classes are designed for pregnant parents to be accompanied by at least one support person. If there is a class that your partner or co-parent cannot attend, you're welcome to bring along a supportive friend, family member, or doula to accompany you. It’s also ok to come to class on your own.
A: Any time in the third trimester is ideal. That said, take the class when you have space in your family's schedule!
A: No. Birthing from Within classes are not just inclusive of, but highly useful to parents for all kinds of birthing environments and preferences. Parents will gain skills to help with an unmedicated birth in classes, but also learn how to use technology in a way that best suits them, at a time that best suits them.
Deepen your birth preparation with my pregnancy journal!
The Heart Centered Pregnancy Journal will help you connect with your partner, your community, and yourself.
As a mother, I understand how confusing it can be to sort through all of the information and opinions as you prepare for birth, which is why I wrote a book to guide parents in accessing the internal and external resources they need to get through birth, based on my work with hundreds of growing families since 2012. Learn more about me and my work here!
Deepen your birth preparation with my pregnancy journal!
My Heart Centered Pregnancy Journal will help you connect with your partner, your community, and yourself.
As a mother, I understand how confusing it can be to sort through all of the information and opinions as you prepare for birth, which is why I wrote a book to guide parents in accessing the internal and external resources they need to get through birth, based on my work with hundreds of growing families since 2012. Learn more about me and my work here!
Nikki Shaheed
Podcasts & Blog Posts
BFW Childbirth Preparation
An interview with Nikki Shaheed by Finding Your Village
Birth and the Unknown
An interview with Nikki Shaheed by Birth Words
Birth as a Rite of Initiation
A video series with Nikki Shaheed by MAPA: Conscious Parenting
Processing Your Birth Story
An interview with Nikki Shaheed by Yoga|Birth|Babies Podcast
Birth Story Healing
An interview with Nikki Shaheed by MamAmor Podcast
Getting to the Heart of Birth
An interview with Nikki Shaheed by Birth Circle Podcast
