The experience of being pregnant and giving birth are significant life events for women and for those she is in relationship with. Past thoughts and experiences with childbirth will impact the ways women and their families approach birth. Birth Educational Counseling and Preparation create a space to explore and negotiate concerns including the joys and difficulties of becoming a mother, father, brother, sister, grandmother and so on.

This program consists of 4 counseling sessions in the Peterson method to address emotional changes of this period in a woman's life and realistically prepare for labor. The Peterson method utilizes a body-centered approach for actively coping with labor, and light hypnosis and active visualization for imprinting the body with the sensation of labor. Personalized suggestions that resolve your particular concerns are an important part of the individualized preparation.

Birth Counselor Interview - We will explore your past history of birth, childbirth and past and present family relationships

Body-Centered Hypnosis - We will address your individual concerns in the context of deep relaxation and active visualization of the childbirth process resulting in an cd for your personal preparation at home

Identifying Your Natural Coping Style - We will discover how you process new information and create active strategies for coping with pain to use for effectively dealing with contractions in active labor

Postpartum Interview - We will consolidate your feelings about childbirth, integrating your newborn into the family and postpartum adjustment

Birth is a significant experience in family life and in a woman's development. Research shows that how a woman experiences childbirth impacts her feelings of self-esteem and confidence as a mother. Women need and deserve emotional support services during pregnancy and the early years of mothering. The following special needs often surface during this time and can be addressed in counseling:

* having a baby over the age of 35
* blending career and family
* resolving past childhood neglect or abuse
* resolving past traumatic birth or childbirth
* premature labor
* vaginal birth after previous cesarean
* postpartum depression
* sibling bonding and rivalry

Expressing your needs is the first step to finding your own answers. Your emotional health and well-being are primary factors in a healthy delivery and postpartum experience.

Contact Erica for an appointment. withawareness@gmail.com

or call 573-999-4126

For more information about The Peterson Method, visit http://www.makinghealthyfamilies.com