Mindful Birth: Presence, Power & Preparation
A 4-Week Online Series for Expectant Parents
Facilitated by Mandolin Restivo, BSW, MA
Dates: July 10, 17, 24, 31 | Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM EST
Location: Online via secure video platform
Registration: $200
A Mindful Approach to Childbirth and Early Parenting
Pregnancy can be overwhelming—and the transition into parenthood is often full of big emotions, unanswered questions, and deep transformation. Mindful Birth: Presence, Power & Preparation is a 4-week online series designed to support expectant parents with emotional clarity, practical tools, and a grounded approach to labor and postpartum.
This trauma-informed, mindfulness-based childbirth class combines evidence-based education with guided emotional preparation. Whether you’re a first-time parent or growing your family, you’ll gain skills for navigating labor, birth, and early parenting with more confidence, calm, and connection. This program helps you and your birth partner to:
- Reduce fear and anxiety about childbirth
- Build practical pain-coping skills and emotional tools
- Strengthen connection with your birth partner
- Feel more prepared for postpartum mood shifts and recovery
- Increase confidence in your body, your choices, and your inner strength
What You’ll Learn
This course is adapted from Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Each 90-minute session includes:
- Guided mindfulness practices (body scan, breathwork, gentle movement)
- Up-to-date childbirth education (based on ACOG and MBCP guidance)
- Labor and pain-coping strategies using breath, movement, and presence
- Emotional and mental health support for the perinatal period
- Weekly take-home practices and group reflection
Why Mindfulness-Based Childbirth?
Mindfulness isn’t about having a “perfect” birth—it’s about showing up with presence, patience, and power. By tuning in to your breath, body, and emotions, you’ll learn how to meet labor and early parenting with clarity and compassion.
Mindfulness helps with:
- Labor pain management through breath and movement
- Reducing birth-related fear and stress
- Improving emotional regulation and sleep
- Enhancing partner communication and bonding
- Supporting postpartum recovery and mental wellness
This birth preparation course is ideal for:
- Pregnant individuals in their second or third trimester
- Partners or support people who want to feel more prepared and connected
- Parents seeking a holistic, low-intervention approach to birth
- Anyone who wants to reduce anxiety and feel more emotionally resilient
Weekly Session Themes
Week 1 (July 10): Why Mindfulness? Why Now?
Understand the role of mindfulness in pregnancy and parenting. Learn how emotional awareness and stress regulation can shift your birth experience.
Week 2 (July 17): Labor Physiology, Pain & Presence
Explore how labor works, the fear-tension-pain cycle, and how mindfulness-based techniques can help you stay grounded during contractions.
Week 3 (July 24): Emotional Preparation & Mental Health
Recognize mood changes in pregnancy and postpartum. Learn how to build a support system, practice self-compassion, and communicate effectively with your partner.
Week 4 (July 31): The Postpartum Landscape
Prepare for the identity shifts of new parenthood. Learn mindful strategies for bonding, recovery, and adjusting to life with a newborn.
Space is limited to maintain an intimate and supportive group setting.
Empower yourself with presence. Prepare with confidence. And know that you are not alone in this journey.