If you wonder whether birth can really be calm and comfortable, consider the animal kingdom. Have you ever witnessed a pet or other animal giving birth? It doesn't surprise us that animals retreat to a safe place - often where they can be alone--and that they seem to relax and go within themselves to let Nature take its course. This natural instinct is part of our biology, too.

I teach Hypnosis for Birthing groups of women and their birth partners in 5 classes that are each 2-1/2 hours long. You will leave empowered in these ways:

• You will be well-educated about the birth process, and you will know how your body and your baby's body are engineered to support natural childbirth;

• If you plan to give birth in a hospital or birthing center, I'll give you and your partner suggestions and techniques for sharing your preferences with your medical staff, so that your birth plan is not unintentionally hindered by business-as-usual attitudes.

• You will be competent in a variety of powerful self-hypnosis techniques that will greatly enhance your experience by helping you to completely relax and trigger your body's natural anesthesia to make your birth comfortable, calm, and joyful.