Indigo Forest

All classes are registered (734.994.8010) and held at Indigo Forest unless otherwise indicated.  Call if you have not received a confirmation the week of the class; if the minimum class size is not met you will be offered a refund or a place in the next class of your choice.

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Birthing From Within
Birthing From Within classes will help prepare you for your journey through birth into parenthood, not only by filling in the blanks of information you may be seeking, but also by helping prepare you emotionally, mentally and spiritually. You will deepen your intuitive knowing through thought-provoking dialogues, birth videos, and memorable exercises including games, and individual exploration through drawing, sculpture and painting.  In your Birthing From Within® class you will begin to build a pain-coping mindset; explore birth culture, pregnancy and birth logistics; tame your “Birth Tigers”®, and use your B.R.A.I.N. to obtain needed information to make decisions, welcome your baby, and plan for postpartum healing and adjusting.
Taught by Krista Dragun.  Six-week series with optional 7th reunion class.   Monday, March 22 – April 19 or June 7 – July 12; 6:30-9:00 pm.   Cost per couple is $240.  To register, contact Indigo Forest or Krista directly at kmdragun@yahoo.com.

Birth Story Circle
Birthing mothers, fathers, and everyone who witnesses a birth can be uplifted by the mystery and power of birth, and at the same time, be haunted by feelings of confusion, powerlessness, shame, blame, or regret about a particular moment they feel they failed or were failed. Left unresolved, negative feelings and beliefs undermine the joy and confidence of parenting, and can negatively affect relationships with partner, baby, friends and work.  In this workshop you can change the way you feel about your birth by learning how birth trauma does not always begin with birth, recognizing predisposing factors and the sources of birth trauma, and beginning to heal your own birth trauma or grief.
Taught by Krista Dragun. Sunday, April 11 or June 13, 6:30-9pm, cost is $60.  To Register contact Indigo Forest or Krista directly at kmdragun@yahoo.com.

The Circumcision Decision
Often one of the most heated topics parents face, this class will respectfully bring research, information, and insights to the question of circumcision & your baby boy.  We will address social concerns, ‘looking like Daddy (or not)’, family & religious conflicts, care of the intact penis, and will provide resources for your continuing discussion.  Class includes information from the instructor’s nine months of research into circumcision for the Senior Project of her Premed Degree.
Taught by Beth Barbeau.   Thursday, April 29 , 6:30 – 8:45 pm.  $45 per mother &  partner/support person.

Holistic Childbirth Education
With an emphasis on a holistic pregnancy & normal birth, this practical class covers what to expect in labor, handling the powerful sensations of birth, pain management choices, and the physical and emotional aspects of becoming parents.   We will also address coping with the unexpected, decision-making under stress, medical options & interventions, and preventing C-sections.  Suitable for parents desiring a natural birth in any setting, this series includes essential post-partum information for a quick recovery and enhanced family bonding, as new parents most commonly report wishing they had spent more time preparing for life after the birth!
Taught by Beth Barbeau.   Usually a 7 week course, this series is currently available as a condensed private class, personalized for your situation and concerns.  Cost is $50/hour at Indigo Forest, but may be negotiated to be taught in your home.  Call Indigo Forest and ask for Beth.

Parent-Doula Meet & Greet
The “Parent-Doula Meet & Greet” is a quarterly event at Indigo Forest, and provides an efficient way for parents and doulas to find each other.  After a brief review of the benefits of doulas (professional labor/postpartum support), parents get a chance to hear local doulas take several minutes each to introduce themselves, and then parents and doulas mingle together over tea and snacks.
Hosted by Indigo Forest, Saturday, June 5, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm.  This event is Free, although pre-registration of both doulas & parents strongly encouraged as this is a ‘first come/first serve’ event.

Strategies for Natural Birthing in a Medical Setting
This one-session class is a powerful stand-alone or add-on to any Childbirth Ed Class.  With our local Caesarean Surgical birth rates above 30%, what can you do to maximize your chances for a healthy, satisfying, vaginal birth?  Emphasizing both the positive and the practical, this frank, pro-active class is geared to couples near birth, and will cover why labor support such as Doulas cut the C-section rate in half, safe ways to keep your energy up and your labor effective, how to use lighting to cut your labor time, and many more research and experience-based ideas for your consideration.  Bring your questions and a notepad; pregnant moms are STRONGLY encouraged to bring partner/support person along.
Taught by Beth Barbeau.  Thursday, April 8, 6:30 – 8:45 pm.  $45 per couple, you are also welcome to bring an additional friend/relative who you’ve asked to be at your birth.

VBACs – Having a Vaginal Birth After a Caesarean
Have you had a Caesarean birth and would like to maximize your chances of having a vaginal birth this time?  This one-session class will offer current research about safe VBACs; keys for positioning your baby in the most ideal position for birth before labor begins, strategies for successful laboring and birthing; proactive measures for building your confidence along with a supportive team; and the opportunity to discuss pressing concerns.
Taught by Beth Barbeau.  Thursday March 24 or May 20, 6:30-8:45pm, $45/couple.