Episode 53: Birthing From Within Childbirth Preparation: Interview with Nikki Shaheed
In today’s episode I am kicking off the series about childbirth preparation classes.
I am featuring a different type of birth education program each week in the month of May.
I had the privilege of interviewing Nikki Shaheed and she is a certified Trainer, Mentor, and Doula for Birthing from Within, as well as the author of Heart Centered Pregnancy Journal. Nikki is passionate about bringing balance and self-compassion to the childbearing year. She lives in San Antonio, TX with her husband and three amazing children.
In this episode we discuss:
Background of Birthing From Within
Created by Pam England, who is the author of Birthing From Within
Her birth experience led her to ask herself: what did I need to know as a mother that I didn’t know as a midwife?
That question inspired her quest to find self compassion and a way to help people to have more realistic and holistic expectations before they give birth
What is the BFW “unmethod”?
There is no way to get it wrong with Birthing From Within, it is not outcome based
It is all about developing self love, self acceptance and doing what the moment calls for without being held back by conditioning or judgment
Words we use in birth
The words we use are powerful and create imagery
The term “natural childbirth” makes Cesarean or medicated birth seem “unnatural”
You cannot plan out your birth
You can prepare for birth, but you cannot control birth outcomes
Center preparation around the foundational concept that you are stepping into the unknown
Nikki likes to call Birthing From Within the “self compassion buffet”
Self compassion is the most important thing to pack in your birth bag
What will parents learn about childbirth, as well as themselves?
Parents will learn the “nuts and bolts” of birth
Stages of labor
Common procedures that can occur during birth
How to prepare the for the unknown
Birth Art
Embodied experience that allows parents to practice figuring out what to do when they don’t know what to do
Wise and compassionate mentor is there to encourage them to keep going
Emphasis on the postpartum journey is a big differentiator between Birthing From Within and other birth preparation programs
Find a Birthing From Within Birth Education Mentor
How to get in touch with/follow Nikki
NEW: $29 Birth Class
Get the Postpartum Online Course!
Follow me on Instagram and on TikTok
Find other episodes at: www.findingyourvillage.com/podcast