Bloom where you are planted

This morning I had a wonderful conversation with a high school girlfriend of mine and we were talking about the challenges of family life, our new careers and how to make it all work out. At a time where she was having emotional challenges in her life, her grandmother had sent her the message 'Bloom where you are planted'. When she told me this, it deeply resonated for me. Despite the challenges and constantly swimming against the current, I will bloom where I am planted!
I took this picture of a beautiful iris as we climb the base of Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. It was quite surprising to see such beautiful flowers in the midst of black volcanic rock with little or no vegetation. I hope that this will fill your hearts with comfort and encouragement as it did for me!

The birthing of a mother

" birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers ~ strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength."

Barbara Katz Rothman, Birth Sociologist & Author

Why a Doula?

Women's Wellness Day

The Women's Wellness Day has become an annual event for our area! This year it will be on Saturday May 2, 2009. It is a day where women from surrounding communities gather to share, to laugh, to become inspired, and to take a break! Come check it out in Plamondon Alberta. I will be displaying Birthing From Within as well as offering three different sessions about Reflexology! Check the local newspaper for more information.

Upcoming Class June 2009

Once again I will be offering the Birthing From Within Childbirth Preparation classes at Thrive Yoga Studio on June 5, 6 & 7. Thrive is located just outside of Lac La Biche, Alberta. It is nestled amongst huge spruce trees by the lake. Each class includes 15 hours of class time.
Experience the Birthing From Within Difference! Register today!

Email Michele at naissance@mcsnet.ca

Upcoming Class in May 2009

I will be offering my Birthing From Within Childbirth Preparation classes at Casa de Luz on May 30 & 31 2009. Casa de Luz (meaning light house) is situated just outside Sherwood Park in a very quiet and peaceful area. The backyard is a natural sancutary where one can listen to the sound of water falling, birds singing and admire all the beautiful flower gardens. Each class includes 15 hours of class time.
Experience the Birthing From Within Difference!

To register or for more please call: Casa de Luz at 780-922-6875 or email casadeluz@shaw.ca

The Doula Spirit

As your doula, I provide physical and unconditional emotional support to you and your partner during labor and delivery. I am a companion on your journey. I have witnessed many births and hold no judgment to how you move through this profound rite of passage. I hold your space. I validate, motivate, educate, initiate, and then together we CELEBRATE! My care includes: two prenatal visits, on going phone and email support, on call two weeks prior to due date, support during labor, birth and immediate postpartum and two postpartum visits.

The story of the Labyrinth

The labyrinth is an ancient symbol that represents our journey through life. A labyrinths beautiful form appears to be so complex; somewhat like our lives, yet when we trust the Path we find the center.
Labyrinths have become a perfect symbol of a woman's journey through pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum.
As part of my gourmet childbirth preparation classes, I introduce laborinths. We learn how to draw them and relate to their symbolism for the journey ahead.

''the first path a human being ever travels...is the path that leads out of the maternal womb. Every human being's first labyrinth is that of woman.'' Jacques Attali : The Labyrinth in Culture and Society

Thanks

I just wanted to say Thanks to two of my friends for helping me out with this blog. One of my friends drew that beautiful logo you see on the right and the other one gave me some photographs of pregnant women that she took. I appreciate your help and friendship!

Current Class Schedule

I will be offering the very first Birthing From Within Childbirth Preparation Class on March 13 & 14, 2009! My class will take place at Thrive Yoga Studio just outside of Lac La Biche, Alberta. It is serenely located nestled amongst huge spruce trees by the lake. Experience the Birthing From Within Difference!
Each class includes 15 hours of class time. Register today for the upcoming class!
Contact Michele Dallaire, naissance@mcsnet.ca

Soulful Mamas (Mothering Circle)

This is a gathering for newborn mothers who are in a sacred place developing a relationship with your new baby (pre-crawling). As you explore your new identity as a mother and begin your journey as a parent, this circle helps you come together with other mothers to support one another. We share our experiences, challenges and our awakenings as mothers.

Gourmet Childbirth Preparation Class

This gourmet class consists of 15 hours of class time including:
Explore 'Your Deepest Question'
Effective Pain Coping Practices
Stages of Labor and Birth
How to gather information
Develop confidence & a positive mindset
The Compassionate Use of Drugs & Epidurals
Special Class for Fathers & Birth Partners
Welcoming Your Newborn
Transition to Parenthood
Discover Birth Art

Blessing Way Celebrations

This is a special way to honor the new Mother as she is sent off on her birthing journey. I am happy to customize a special ceremony just for you and your women friends that you will always cherish.

Belly Casting

What better way to preserve your body's amazing shape that nourished, protected & gave birth to your baby? Belly casts can be created in the privacy of your own home or with your friends or doula. Kits are available to purchase or you may choose to have a full service session with a professional. Decorate it the way you want for a cherished memory!

The Birthing From Within Difference.....

Birthing From Within classes are unlike any other childbirth classes. It is a soulful and holistic approach that gives parents the tools to birth-in-awareness. This class helps prepare you for birthing, as well as becoming parents.
Birthing From Within childbirth preparation classes help you uncover and learn to trust what you already know deep within your heart and your body. Surrendering to the power of birth gives you the power to do what you need to do in birth. Learning to let go, to honor your birthing process, and to birth in awareness regardless of where the path may lead.
In these classes, parents practice and master a variety of proven pain coping exercises that builds confidence.
Smaller intimate class sizes allow couples to connect and learn from each other. Each class is unique and geared to what the needs of the parents are.
Our class provides a special time set aside for the dads and birth partners to gather with the mentor to ask questions, share information and explore the importance of their role.