Past Events
Michelle
L'Esperance, CPM, began attending births in 1996, and began teaching expectant parents & working as a doula in 1999. She has been teaching and mentoring new & aspiring
doulas since 2001. Below is a sampling of past courses offered.
Giving Birth: Anthropological, Physiological, and Professional Perspectives- January Term elective course, Smith College, 2008 & 2009.
Giving Birth: Stories & Insights (sample past event)
Sept. 2008 & January 2009. 90 minutes.
Co-facilitated by Vicki Elson (Childbirth educator, creator of
LABORING UNDER AN ILLUSION: PORTRAYAL OF CHILDBIRTH IN THE MASS MEDIA) and Michelle L'Esperance, Certified Professional Midwife.
Gather
with other women to contemplate the significance and memories of your
birth experience. Long after our slippery newborns are padding around
in footie jammies or getting their first pimples, our memories of their
births remain vivid and charged. Take an evening to delve into your
birth story(ies) again, treasuring the beauty and seeking more peace
with it if you need to. Participants are invited (not required) to tell
their birth story to the group in an accepting, tenderhearted space.
The evening will include a teaching on Tapas Acupressure Technique, a
simple self-treatment that can help relax the nervous system and ease
feelings of conflict or disappointment. We will conclude with a
visualization/meditation. This
gathering is an optional component of the Doula Training Workshop.
Space is limited; please RSVP to (413) 203-4479 or email Michelle. Babies-in-arms and partners are welcome to attend.
Sliding scale $3-15, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit a local cause.
Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009 - 1:00-3:30PM. This day's class will be co-taught by participants in the Doula Training Workshop.
This non-athletic class draws on
the body wisdom of yoga and dance, offering pregnant women the
opportunity to learn practical techniques for a smoother, easier birth. Click to the Creative Movement page to learn more. Sliding scale; donations accepted to benefit MotherWoman. Preregistration is required and space is limited; please RSVP to (413) 203-4479 or email Michelle. To be held at the Red Barn at Hampshire College, near Admissions.
Suggested donation $10-$20; no one turned away for lack of funds.
Four full days over two consecutive weekends, January 24, 25, 31, and Feb.1. 9:30AM-5:00PM. Florence, MA. Max enrollment 20.
$500; discounts may apply.
Registration for this event is now full. If you would like to be placed on the waitlist, or would like to receive information about the Fall '09 workshop, please email or call.
January 2009, April 2009, one day, 9AM-5PM. $108. Open to aspiring and experienced
postpartum doulas.
Fall 2010 Birth Doula Training- Franklin Medical Center, Greenfield MA. Oct. 16, 17, 23, & 24, 2010.
