Any views on Susan Messina with Birthworks?

[Anonymous]

HI. I am looking into doing a childbirth course with Susan Messina who does Birthworks. Anyone done a course with her or have any views? It looks like birthworks is more my style than others (Bradley, hypnobirthing), but I'd be interested in views on the instructor. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

We took her class and would highly recommend it. Susan is a great teacher and offered balanced opinions. Although the class focuses on natural childbirth, she talked about reasons why pitocin or an epidural is sometimes a good thing, and she didn't try to force any one viewpoint on us. My husband and I really looked forward to attending the class each week and felt prepared (as much as one can be) for our baby's birth.

[Anonymous]

I also highly recommend Susan's class. I went into it unsure of what kind of birth experience I wanted, and did end up having an epidural when I gave birth. Even though I was in the minority (in considering having the epidural) I never felt judged - Susan is very supportive of everyone making the decision that is right for them. I felt her goal was to provide you with all the information and tools that you need going into the experience. There were great discussions about your fears, and about what you might feel if your experience is not what you had hoped or planned for that I thought were very helpful.

[Anonymous]

Can't offer any information about the class, but Susan is an acquaintance, and she is a lovely person.

[Anonymous]

Another recommendation for Susan! Although after giving birth and now knowing the type of birth experience I feel most comfortable with, I wil probably do Bradley or Hypnobirthing with #2, Susan was perfect for preparing for birth #1. Her goal is to be informative and nonjudgemental; she gives you factual information and supplements with lots of articles, videos, class discussions, experiences from first time parents, etc. One of my favorite things we did was prioritize our 'birth wishes' which really helps clarify what you want throughout pregnancy, labor, delivery and after if you are on the fence. I have heard from friends who took childbirth classes through hospitals that they felt like the hospital courses can be geared more towards teaching you how to be a good patient when giving birth, not necessarily what you want and what's best for you. Now I'm not sure if that's true or not, but I do know that Susan always has her students best interest in mind and gives you all the information you need to feel confident and as ready as you can be to give birth. Congrats OP on your pregnancy!

[Anonymous]

OP, can you post a link to her website/contact info. I'm just begining to look into birthing classes.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I'm not the OP, but a PP. Her website:

http://www.susanmessina.com/

and email is [e-mail]

HTH!

[Anonymous]

http://susanmessina.com/

[Anonymous]

OP here. thanks so much for all your replies. I am going to look into a class and hopefully it will leave me very prepared and ready for labour!! (well as ready as I can be!)