UNDERSTAND THE BIRTH PROCESS
BUILD A PAIN-COPING MINDSET
CONNECT WITH YOUR PARTNER'S SUPPORT
PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED
How to get ready to meet your baby...
1. Check your calendar and register for a group Birthing from Within class series
2. Receive guidance for discovering the resilience and wisdom within you
3. Learn how to connect with your support team to work through challenges together
No one should have to experience birth feeling disconnected and unprepared.
Learn what you need to know to approach birth with the confidence you deserve.
What Will I Learn in Class?
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 they already possess for birth.
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
Strengthened connection between parents
The language of Labor Land: protecting the birth space
Preparing for the Unknown through experiential learning
The crucial role of hormones and brain waves in labor
The inner journey through birth and postpartum
Collaborative communication with your birth attendant
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
Registration Details
Duration: 12 hours of face-to-face instruction with 1 hour/week of supplemental videos to watch at home.
Location: All classes are currently held online through Zoom.
Cost: $325/family. $297 early bird.
Payment: Pay in full or reserve your space in class for a $100 non-refundable down payment. Full payment must be completed before the first class.
January 6th - January 27th
Wednesdays, 6-9 pm Central Time
(early bird ends 12/23)
February 4th - February 25th
Thursdays, 6-9 pm Central Time
(early bird ends 1/21)
March 3rd - March 24th
Wednesdays, 6-9 pm Central Time
(early bird ends 2/17)
April 7th - April 28th
Wednesdays, 6-9 pm Central Time
(early bird ends 3/24)
May 5th - May 26th
Wednesdays, 6-9 pm Central Time
(early bird ends 4/21)
*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 would like an Equity Discount, please register through the Equity Registration Form.
What Parents Are Saying About Birthing From Within
"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
Learn What to Expect and Become a Well Prepared Team
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
Podcast Appearances
An interview with Nikki Shaheed by Yoga|Birth|Babies Podcast
Blog Posts
FAQ About BFW 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.
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. Unless you see it on the class calendar, I don't offer classes on weekends or meet for private classes, so take the class at whatever point in your pregnancy you need to!
A: My average class size is 4-6 couples.
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.