When I think of childbirth, I am absolutely blown away by the process that our bodies intentionally go through in order to perpetuate the species. It is absolutely amazing that two things smaller than the end of a strand of hair develop into an eight pound human! Furthermore, the effect that the eight pound human has on our lives drives me to leave my family a few nights a week to discuss and educate others on this vast change they are about to encounter.

My own birth experiences shocked and awed me. The support that my community lent me for the transition to motherhood fundamentally changed me. The thought that all mothers don’t have this support leads me to my job as an educator. If I can spend one night a week creating a space for a Mom to consider herself, to expand her knowledge of herself and of her possibilities, that is pay enough, but don’t tell my boss.

When you add in Dad, Partner, or Extended Family and their abilities to assist this woman in her pregnancy, birth and new life as Mother, you have the making of a dynamic evening of powerful realizations. To be a part of that is profound. Plus, actually educating women about what their bodies are built to do is really gratifying. If one more woman considers that birth can be enjoyable, rewarding and most importantly NOT HORRIBLE, then my job is done. And every six weeks or so, I have the opportunity to start it all over again. Could there be a more perfect job?

Jennifer Fisher, Continuing Education Co-Chair