Instructor Training Workshop

Transcription

Instructor Training Workshop
Strength| Wisdom| Celebration
Go to the Index 63
Mission Statement
The whole sisterhood of mothers giving birth with confidence and joy, and being able to find a
Dancing For Birth™ class to nurture and educate them.
About this Workbook
How exciting to come together in our circle of sisterhood from near and far to dive deeply into the
interconnectedness of movement and birth! You’ll find that Dancing For Birth™ goes beyond prenatal
fitness and wellbeing, discovering and claiming intuitive, woman-led birth for ourselves and future
generations of mothers and babies.
Some of the ideas covered in this manual (such as optimal fetal positioning) are well-known to those
who practice the midwifery model of care, but are still relatively unknown to those who practice the
medical model of care. All other content is my original work. Some of my most important discoveries are
noted with the symbol above (our logo).
You will notice green cross-references that will help you jump throughout to relevant pages. The links at
the tops of the pages take you to the index so you can jump to a specific page by clicking on the page
number. There are images and active hyperlinks that will take you to external links throughout the
document, which will activate with a hand (click to follow the link). We’ve included pages in the manual
that can be used as handouts. They have a title in the header and have the logo and copyright at the
bottom of the page. You have permission to reproduce the handouts in their entirety for your students.
If you print this manual, we recommend putting it in a three ring binder with tabs for ease of reference.
My Story
I love to dance, so when I was pregnant with my first child I kept
dancing up till and then during my birth. Dance helped me connect
to my own womanly strength and primal birth wisdom. It was such
an empowering, ecstatic experience that I talked about it nonstop.
But I quickly realized that my birth was unusual. I learned that many
women expect to endure birth at best, but certainly not enjoy it. I
heard many birth stories, most were unnecessarily traumatic. This
was when I discovered my calling to create Dancing For Birth™
classes to help women celebrate pregnancy, look forward to giving
birth, and become mothers in the most effective and empowering
way possible. Reach me at info@dancingforbirth.com
Stephanie Larson,
Founder, Dancing For Birth™
© 2009-2015
www.DancingForBirth.com | 314-469-9118
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Agenda
Level 1
9:30am
Opening Circle
Welcome and Introductions Go to page 5
Advantages of Movement/Purpose of DFB Classes/Birth Timeline Go to page 8
Belly Dance Inspired Dance Moves for Birthing *Go to page 5
Characteristics of Dance Moves *Go to page 15
Optimal Fetal Positioning Go to page 12
12:30pm Lunch Break until 1:30pm
M.A.M.A Law Go to page 14
Powerful Woman* Go to page 41
Rebozo Techniques Go to page 13
Breech Techniques * Go to page 50
Physiological Reasons Dance Facilitates Birth Go to page 15
African Dance Inspired Dance Moves for Birthing * Go to page 16
Interpretive Movement & Musical Contractions Game *Go to page 17
Psychological Reasons Dance Facilitates Birth
Birth Dancing in Other CulturesGo to page 19
How and When to Use Dance to Help Pregnant Women Go to page 20
5:30pm
Conclusion of Level 1
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© 2009-2015
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Level 2
9:30am
Opening Circle Relaxation: Womb Regression Go to page 25
10:00am Demo Class Go to page 25
11:30am Workshop Resumes
Dancing For Birth™ Class Flow Go to page 26
Props Go to page 27
Rituals Go to page 28
Relaxation/Inversion/Centering Go to page 29
Choreography Go to page 30
Language of Movement Go to page 45
Abs/Pelvic Floor * Go to page 31
12:30pm Lunch Break until 1:30pm
Benefits of Exercise/Research Go to page 31
Certification/Business Overview Go to page 54
Partner Stretches/Including Partners * Go to page 34
Latin Dance Inspired Dance Moves for Birthing * Go to page 34
Caribbean Dance Inspired Dance Moves for Birthing * Go to page 34
Dance Moves for Specific Results *Go to page 35
Dancing For Birth™ Demo by Participants *Go to page 35
5:30pm
Closing Circle
*Physically Interactive Training © 2009-2015
Agenda is subject to change
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Instructor Training
Level 1 (Day One)
“If a woman had no preconceived notion of how to give birth and was without culture or
media to tell her how she should do it, she would birth by changing her position in response
to her body’s cues, becoming a mother as effortlessly and as knowingly as she grew from an
infant to a child, and developed from a child into a woman.” - Stephanie Larson
Opening Circle, Welcome, Introductions, Affirmations
1. What developments in society and birth culture make Dancing For Birth™ classes of critical importance
today?
List 3 reasons and how Dancing For Birth™ classes can fulfill the needs listed:
1.
2.
3.
2. Your observations of the advantages of dancing during birth:
a) Have you witnessed women spontaneously dancing during birth?
(rhythm, ritual, relaxation; slow dancing with partner, etc)
i) At what stage?
ii) How did it help them?
b) Do you already encourage women to dance during birth? Prenatally?
Postpartum with baby in sling?
c) What are some advantages of dancing during birth?
1.
2.
3.
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Dancer’s Posture and Warm Up:
abs engaged, shoulders back and down, head reaching up, feet rooted into floor, knees flexed.
Posture for third trimester and labor: Lordosis is permissible and the forward tilt of the pelvis can help
baby achieve optimal position.
Belly dance derived Dancing For Birth™ moves:
Coin hip scarves suggested for accentuating hip movement and creating percussive sound.
Movements are often isolated, so that the upper and lower body move independently.
Belly dance is an ancient dance created by and for women, relating to fertility, conception and birth.
It was considered sacred and men were not permitted to see it. Women danced in a circle and even
‘danced their babies out’ encircled by other women.
We do these moves primarily together in a circle.
Hip-knock “Knocking the Door” of birth open! (Feet are hip-width apart, side to side percussive hip
movement, which can accelerate to ultimately become the “Baby Come Out Shimmy”)
Hip circle “Birth Circle” also known as “Birth Spiral” spiraling the energy and the baby “down and out”
(Feet hip-width apart, hips move in a circle or spiral, arms raise from hips up to overhead prayer position,
hips change directions, arms come down through heart center, “sending the birth energy and the baby
down and out when the time is right”). Tip: great for aches associated with pregnancy such as lower back
pain, hip and groin pain.
Bouncing hip circle “Down Baby Down!” starting from “Birth Circle”, add the bounce. Variation, add
bounce to whole body circle. Also known as “Shhh Baby Shhh” for postpartum moms with abes in arms.
Tip: Use at beginning of class if any babies are fussy – they will settle almost instantaneously.
Circle in a circle “Circles of Love” hips circle, arms circle overhead, while rotating self in a circle.
Individual hip circles “Curvaceous Hip Circles” turn sideways with shoulder toward the center of the
dance circle, place right foot ahead left on the ball of the foot, both knees flexed, circles or spirals the
right hip only, use imagery of a pencil extending from hip drawing circles on paper if needed. Reverse
the direction of the circle or spiral. Turn to the other side and repeat. Arms can be added.
“Infinite Patience” hips trace an infinity sign (as it would appear on the floor) repeatedly, then freeze and
go in reverse direction. Arms mimic hip movement. Variation: change weight side to side.
“Infinite Patience” (variation) hips trace an infinity sign (as it would appear on the wall) repeatedly, then
freeze and go in reverse direction. Arms can be overhead in prayer pose. Variation: flex knees more or
less for variations in height. Tip: heel can come off floor.
© 2009-2015
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Whole body circle “Interdependence” with straight legs wider than hip width apart, body traces a large
circle, arms gather love/nurturing from center of the circle (representing their support circle) bring it to
the heart, then open to share the love/nurturing. Tip: A great stretch for the hamstrings and feels good
on lower back and hips. Invite class to pause wherever it feels best to savor the relief of the stretch.
Snake arms “Undulate to Elongate” arms extend overhead and undulate like snakes. Tip: eases acid
reflux, digestion, heartburn, creates length in torso and more room for stomach
Hip-roll walk “Wise Woman Dance” the dance circle opens to its widest, then we dance to the center,
right hip lifts, drops, circles, right foot steps, left hip lifts, drops, circles, left foot steps. Arms can raise to
side or overhead. Tip: when you get to the center give each other high fives, or send a hip bump around,
then go back to the outer circle and dance to the center again.
Shimmy “Transition Prescription” also known as “Baby-Come-Out-Shimmy”
Hips knock side to side quickly, like a vibration. Tip: Stephanie theorizes and strongly believes that the
trembling that characterizes transition in labor is Mother Nature’s design to shimmy the baby out, and
that this affirms that our primal birth position is vertical.
Shoulder–knock, shimmy “Mothers-Milk shake” shoulders alternate forward and backward motion,
moving the chest in a shimmy.
Turn, shimmy walk “Moving Through the Unknown” dance circle opens to its widest, then we dance to
the center. Right leg crosses over left, weight rests on right leg, left leg extends out to the side and left
hip knocks, then left leg crosses over right, weight rests on left leg, right leg extends to the side and right
hip knocks. Add a shoulder shimmy. When dancers arrive at the center of the circle they pivot in unison
and dance back to the outer edge of the circle.
Rocking hips w/arms “Rock the Baby” with feet hip width apart, gently move hips side to side. Tip:
visualize the pelvis as a cradle rocking, use arms as if rocking the baby, or place hands on belly to rock
baby in the womb.
Traveling around circle “I Welcome Change!” circle dance hips and arms undulate sideways, the circle
of dancers moves counterclockwise, making a full rotation, then the circle moves clockwise. Tip: linking
hands makes it easier. As the circle moves counterclockwise, ask for people to shout out changes that are
happening in their lives, as the circle moves the other direction, ask them to shout out the qualities they
are using to handle the change.
Hip knock “Innate Wisdom Hip Knock” with feet hip width apart, right hip knocks and right foot is on
ball of foot, then right foot steps back in place and it is repeated on left side. Repeat, turn ¼ to left and
repeat. Keep repeating and making quarter turns until facing to the inside of the circle again. Hands
touch right hip as it raises and extend out as left hip raises. Tip: hands can touch both hips if reaching
across belly is not comfortable.
Body-roll “Abundant Belly” body undulates. Tip: put one foot forward for stability and change weight as
body rolls. Add snake arms and walk for variation.
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Hip drop “Ample Hip Drop” turn sideways with right shoulder toward the center of the dance circle,
place right foot in front of left on the ball of the foot, both knees flexed, right hip lifts and then drops.
Repeat several times and turn to do on left side. Variations: 1) Lift, drop halfway, drop fully, pause, repeat.
2) Lift, rotate to the front, drop, lift rotate to the back, drop, repeat. Tip: start slowly, then go double time,
dancers can increase tempo as desired.
Open squat, hips rocking side to side “Birth Goddess” with feet wider than hip width apart, deep plie
(squat), straight arms extend upwards fully in a V shape with palms facing up, hips rock gently side to
side (as in “Rock the Baby”). Variation: take one step into the circle (to form a smaller circle), turn palms
out and everyone connects palm to palm around the circle. Tip: feel the positive energy that moves
around the circle when we connect in a supportive circle of women.
© 2009-2015
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BIRTHING ESSENTIALS
Two Essentials For Effective, Intuitive Birthing:
Sensation! Without sensation during labor, mom’s body can’t give her insights as to what her baby needs
from her.
Freedom of Movement! Without freedom of movement during labor mom can’t move in response to her
body’s cues and her baby’s needs.
When a woman has an epidural she no longer has sensation or freedom of movement. The
epidural eliminates the need for her to move in ways which make her feel better, and which
give the baby the specific usable space, assistance of gravity and movement which would
otherwise have helped the baby navigate, rotate and descend through the mother’s pelvis
precisely at each moment of the labor.
Dance moves which work well for birthing
Dance moves which work well for birthing have the following characteristics in common:
Tip: use this list when evaluating other dance forms for inclusion in your DFB classes or in your work with birthing women.
Work with gravity
Use forward bending posture
Allow pelvis to tilt forward instead of being tucked under
Keep knees loose and slightly bent
Keep pelvis loose and able to move freely
Create asymmetry of the pelvis
Focus on sending energy (and the baby) down and out
Keep the pelvis higher than the knees
Allow feet to be flat and grounded, with freedom of movement
Can be used together in a routine or singularly
Are done according to the mother’s preferred tempo and rhythm
Can be done from a supported position
Should be practiced prior to labor so they can be done spontaneously, without requiring thought
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Dancing For Birth™ Charades (an original concept by Stephanie Larson)
The goal of this activity is to visually and kinesthetically demonstrate the significant changes that the
modern lifestyle has made to the activity level and body positioning of the modern woman versus that
of our foremothers, and to use this to introduce the concept of optimal fetal positioning and suggest
corrective positioning and movement for the pregnant woman of today.
Both rounds must take place in order to effectively demonstrate the point.
First round: The instructor will begin by going to the participant to her left in the circle and either passing
out a card with an action or whispering an action to the participant. The participant silently acts out the
action and the rest of the group tries to guess what she is doing. Then the instructor gives and action to
the next person, until each person in the circle, including the instructor, has had a turn.
For the first round the actions can include:
Harvesting/pulling vegetables and putting into a basket.
Plucking fruit from a tree and placing in a basket.
Planting a garden.
Gathering or chopping wood.
Making a fire.
Cooking over a fire.
Scooping water into a vessel and carrying it.
Washing clothes in a river.
Scrubbing the floor on hands and knees.
Picking up a child and carrying the child.
© 2009-2015
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Next, everyone does their action at the same time, while gazing around the room at all the participants
doing their action. The second round then proceeds the same way.
For the second round the actions can include:
Sitting in a chair typing at a computer.
Sitting and texting.
Reclining, talking on the phone.
Reclining in a rocker.
Reclining on the sofa watching TV with remote control.
Lying on back in bed flipping pages of a book or magazine.
Sitting reclined in the bucket seat of a car driving.
Lounging playing a video game with thumb controller.
Giving birth on one’s back.
Grocery shopping with a cart
Next, everyone does their action at the same time, while gazing around the room at all the participants
doing their action. In this round it is actually the lack of action that is profoundly noticeable.
Then follows a group discussion which can include the instructor asking which round most closely
resembled modern day, which most closely resembled our foremothers, how survival played a role
then and now. The instructor can point out how in the first round the body position was mostly forward
leaning or hands and knees, and in the second round the body position was mostly reclining. Using the
baby model and female pelvis model the instructor can explain how the body position of the pregnant
woman relative to gravity can affect the position of the baby (forward leaning promotes anterior position
which is optimal, reclining promotes posterior position which is not optimal), define and discuss Posterior,
Anterior, Back Labor.
The group can then practice positions that can help resolve posterior position of the baby, such as “Baby
in the Hammock” (hands and knees), as well as positions to relax in other than reclining, such as on hands
and knees with the arms and upper body resting on a birth ball. The instructor can suggest that around
32 weeks gestation, mom omit reclining.
Enjoy the aha moments!
Variations of this game can be used as a warm up prior to dancing.
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Powerful Woman & Optimal Fetal Positioning:
“Powerful Woman’” intuitively, when birth is imminent, opens pelvis to double the outlet: opportunity to teach the
“Power of the pelvis”.
“Supported Powerful Woman”: 1.) against wall 2.) with two partners 3.) with one
partner 4.) lap sitting
Modified “Powerful Woman” when restricted to bed: raise head of bed, face it on
knees, lean over the head of bed.
Hands and knees “Baby in the hammock” to help rotate OP baby
Sleeping on Left
Positions for pushing
Sumo wrestler “Mighty Mama” stomping away fears and opening pelvis
Lap sitting
Open Lunge (closed lunge not recommended) “Opening for Birth”
Open Squatting (deep squatting not recommended)
Inverted on chair (for turning breech)
Backwards on chair or toilet
To encourage optimal positioning of baby, mom should be very aware of her posture and resting
positions 6-8 weeks prior to her due date. She should avoid all reclining positions and utilize: forward
leaning positions with her hips higher than her knees allowing pregnancy lordosis (her pelvis
naturally rotates forward creating an arch in her lower back), left side-lying positions with right knee
bent and forward to point belly slightly down, or hands and knees position. This will use gravity
advantageously to make it comfortable for the baby to assume the optimal position with head down,
and back resting in the “hammock” curve of her belly. 21
Use the original Dancing For Birth™ Charades Game to explore how modern lifestyle has changed
fetal position. Go to page 10
“Birth Goddess”
© 2009-2015
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Rebozo Techniques: (including traditional Mexican)
From the Knee Chest Position:
Jiggle
Ketchup bottle (included here but does not use rebozo)
Pull
From Standing:
Pelvis release
Jiggle
Forward leaning pull
Belly wrap
From Sitting:
Elevator
Knee to Knee with partner in Chair
Jiggle
From lying down:
Closing the bones (Mexican), Binding the womb with warm stone and herbs (Peru)
Pelvice Tilt, pull rebozo forward, under pelvis to release pressure for moms needing an epidural.
The Magic Reset Button Go to page 50
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M.A.M.A LAW
M.A.M.A. Law (Mothers Are Mammals Also)
For approximately 200 million years, mammals have given birth. The knowledge of how to give birth is
carried within them. You are a mammal. The knowledge of how to give birth is within you. As a birthing
woman you are primal and powerful. You birth best when you feel safe and are not interfered with,
directed or observed. You have mammalian Birth I.N.S.T.I.N.C.T.S to guide you and these are awakened
as you give birth. To help access these instincts, think and speak less and feel more. Move when you feel
like moving. Allow yourself to rest or sleep when desired. When the moment of birth is imminent you
may feel the need to:
Instinctively move
plaNt feet on ground
Stand up for spontaneous pushing
squaT with tailbone to the sky
raIse arms up to grasp
opeN knees and mouth
pelviC thrust (“birthing woman reflex”)
Take up baby
Stroke, smell, suckle baby
© 2009-2015
The Dancing For Birth™ move “Powerful Woman”
incorporates these Birth I.N.S.T.I.N.C.T.S
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PHYSIOLOGY
The physiological reasons dancing facilitates birth:
1. Asymmetry of pelvis creates more usable space for the baby to move, turn and fit through. (Even
optimally positioned babies must rotate 90 degrees in the pelvis cavity to fit their shoulders, because the
pelvis is widest from side to side at the top and from front to back at the bottom).1
2. Dancing movements increase the dimensions of the pelvis (for example, arched pelvis allows pelvis
to be most open at the inlet and outlet). 2
3. Upright, forward position helps baby achieve the desirable L.O.A. position (vertex left occipito
anterior – a baby on mother’s left side) This allows baby’s head to press against the mother’s cervix
optimally, aiding in dilation.3
4. Dancing during labor helps mom to let her body move with the contractions rather than resist
them. (Sinking down into contractions instead of trying to pull up out of them).
5. Dancing reduces physical tension, breathing is deeper and more regular, and adrenaline
(which could impede or stop labor by causing the circular uterine muscles to clamp
closed) is reduced.
6. Dancing creates changes in mom’s position which can positively affect the frequency, length, and
duration of contractions.4
7. Dancing harnesses the effects of gravity to mom’s advantage.
8. Dancing may have beneficial effects on the oxygen supply to the baby.5
9. If mom sings or hums with the music she is dancing to, she helps open her cervix and vagina
(these sphincters are affected by the openness of the mouth/ throat).6
10.Dancing allows the rhombus of Michaelis (the back of the pelvis) to move backwards and allow the
baby out without active pushing.7
11.Responding to her body’s cues through dancing eases mom’s discomfort and hastens progress.
12.Dancing creates continuous movement, which, by continually changing the relationship of the pelvic
bones to one another and the shape of the pelvis, may help baby attain a more favorable position.9
13.Dancing is a pain-coping skill that may eliminate the desire for drugs and interventions which could
interfere with the birth and mom and baby’s well-being.
14.If mom dances until or during the pushing stage, she is likely to remain in a position that will allow
baby the easiest and largest passage out.
15.Increasing the blood flow to and toning of the pelvic floor muscles by dancing may help prevent
tearing and episiotomy.
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African dance derived moves (set to music, using scarves around torso)
“The harvest” simulate gathering and putting vegetables (down low)
and then fruits (up high) in your imaginary basket
Feet are hip width apart, knees flexed. For down low, bend to the right
from the waist, deepen the knee bend, reach toward the groud with the
open right hand, come back up, repeat on other side. Alternate side to
side. For up high, stretch up tall through the torso, leaning toward the
right, reach open right hand up to the side as if to pick an apple from a
tree., stretch left leg to left, keeping contact with the floor with pointed
toes. Come back to center with a knee bend. Alternate side to side
Shoulder/chest isolations “Heart Beat” Standing with feet hip wideth
apart, lift sternum up as if it was attached to a string . First use a simple
beat. Progress to the double beat of a heart, then each person do their
own rhythm in harmony with the music, perhaps syncopated. Listen to
the beautiful percussion of the coin scarves as we play them with our
torsos. Add on: shoulders moving back as sternum lifts. Add on : pelvic
thrust back as shoulders move back. Add on: arms move up and back
(bent at the elbow open palms face front) as pelvis and shoulders move
back. Add on: weight on right foot as left foot taps to the front, alternate
legs. Add on: bend forward at waisr, look down , as you straightten up,
look up. When you put this all together your’re now doing “Take Flight”.
Pretend you’re a large bird running in open space in Africa. Eventually
you get enough speed to soar. Open your arms, still your body, close
your eyes and soar on the breeze. When you come down to earth again, repeat the whole sequence.
torso thrust /body roll combo “Honor the Mother” (see video in our facebook group)
pelvic thrust front, side, back “Around the World”
torso isolations/ circle “Hug”
pelvic rocking “Wash the Floor” optimal positioning
standing offering “Gratitude”
kneeling offering “Baby in the Hammock” grateful for the contraction, grateful for the break in between
kneeling booty roll “Dilation Gyration”
Walking in circle, pelvic thrust, arm swish, hands in center “It Takes a Village”
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Interpretive Movement
“Mama in the Middle”
“Super Mama Walk” – runway
“Mama in the Middle”
“Soulful Mama line” - two by two
“Mighty Mama” – sumo
“Birthing Conga Line” – take turns in front
“Super Mama Walk”
“Pretty to Primal”– dance “pretty” dance “primal”
Birth Diva”– change positions at the chime
“Passages”– weave around the circle with
passages created by alternating veil flurry
“Birthing Conga Line”
“Weaving Women”– braiding the veils
“Crowning”– braided veil becomes a circle, each
mama dances through it
“Passage”
“Spinning Mommies”– A’s spin in, B’s spin out
(reverse)
“Musical contractions game”– role play birth,
fading music represents contractions (try
opposite too)
“Mighty Mama”
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“Spinning Mommies”
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The psychological reasons dancing facilitates birth:
1. By being physically active through dancing, mom takes a psychologically active role in her birth.
2. A celebratory activity such as dancing gives mom affirmation that she is having a baby - she is not
injured or ill. She does not need to feel like a patient.
3. Dancing gives focus and purpose. Mom assumes leadership role.
4. Dancing helps mom feel connected to all the mothers that came before and the birthing “goddess”
inside of herself.
5. Being proficient in dance gives mom pride in her pregnant and postpartum body and what it is
capable of.
6. Being in control of dance moves reduces feeling of being ‘out of control’ during labor.
7. Mom may choose to wear her own outfit and accessories for dancing, enhancing her birthing selfimage and rejecting the passive role of patient in a hospital gown.
8. Dancing allows mom to access the feelings of well-being she developed during her dance practice.
9. Mom can stay in her “feeling brain” instead of her “thinking brain” because her body remembers the
dance moves.
10.Dancing helps mom connect with her birth companion and accept support.
11.Dancing creates an awareness of her body’s cues and baby’s needs
12.Through dance, mom develops trust in her inner knowledge of how to birth.
13.Dancing helps mom deal with the uncertainty of labor by taking it one move or one routine at a time.
14.Because she is dancing, and focusing on her next move, mom doesn’t spend the time in between
contractions being scared of the next contraction.
15.Being literally grounded, with her feet on the floor, helps mom feel emotionally grounded.
16.The calming effect of dancing helps prevent the fear-tension-pain syndrome and hastens progress.
“By encouraging a woman to dance during her birth we empower her to actively participate
and rejoice in her labor, to embrace her labor’s unique rhythm and unfolding, to love her
voluptuous pregnant body, and to trust in her baby’s and her own inner-knowledge of how to
birth. The euphoria she experiences will spill over to infuse her parenting and her life with joy.”
— Stephanie Larson
© 2009-2015
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Birth dancing in other cultures:
Middle East – many experts say that belly dancing is the oldest form of dance, having roots in all ancient
cultures from the Orient, to India and the Middle East. It was originated by women for women – men
weren’t permitted for fertility and birthing rites- and was often performed barefoot to emphasize the
intimate physical connection between the dancer, her creation, and Mother Earth. Belly dancing may
have been created to better prepare a woman’s body for childbirth10
“In parts of the Middle East women still practice the custom of helping each other ‘dance the baby into
the world’.”11
“Hawaiian and Moroccan cultures incorporate the movements, the sounds, and the rhythms of birth
into everyday existence.” 12
!Kung women in Africa are among the last of the hunter /gatherer people and today live much the way
our earliest ancestors lived. Dance is a vital part of !Kung life, and the women go away from the village to
birth on their own two feet, taking great pride in their birthing abilities.13
In Latin-America and the Caribbean, dancing Go to page 34 is a part of daily life and ‘carnivals’ are
important cultural celebrations grounded in dance. In Jamaica, midwives ‘taught Sheila Kitzenger that
“the baby will not be born until she opens her back”’32 Mexican midwives use a rebozo Go to page 13 to
jiggle the mothers pelvis side to side to assist her during birth. In Ecuador, hospitals are recognizing the
importance of movement during birth, vertical positioning and supporting midwives and “gravity births.”
In countries utilizing the Midwifery model of care, women receive encouragement to move freely during
labor and birth.
In Columbia, music and dance celebrates women’s power, as well as their curves, men can’t touch the
women during their traditional dance ‘Cumbia.’
In Peru “Motherhood in the jungle is sacred and mothers possess an intimate and tactile parenting style.
Jungle women often birth alone, and quickly, preferring to be close to water but hidden in the brush.
Sometimes another woman is nearby. The woman births upright, hanging from a tree of tall bush and
at the very last second she reaches down to catch her baby. Once the placenta is out she chews the
umbilical cord.” The words of Leonie Large, a midwife in Peru’s Sacred Valley, as recounted by Adrienne
Leeds
“… cultures that have succeeded in wholistically supporting the birthing mother through daily symbolic
expressions, dances and rituals of birth may be the answer for the modern woman to reclaim her
birthing experience…” 14
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How and When to use Dance to Help Pregnant Women:
Before birth
Although it has been demonstrated that continuing or beginning to exercise during pregnancy is
beneficial to both mom and baby15, it is a good idea to advise your client that she should consult with
her care provider before undertaking a new physical activity such as dancing.
• Your suggestion that she use dance during labor may be your client’s first idea that she can be active
during her birth.
• Because the introduction of dancing is independent from a suggestion to have a “natural birth”, it
may be welcomed by moms who react negatively to the idea of “natural” or drug-free labors. (The
likely result of dancing during birth is that mom will not need drugs.)
• Demonstrate moves during prenatal meeting(s) if you are a doula or childbirth educator. Encourage
the couple to practice them together - they will bond with common purpose.
• Encourage your pregnant client to imagine and describe a fantasy dancing/birthing venue/scenario
that she can use for visualizations during pregnancy and birth.
• Use “musical contractions” game with couple during prenatal meeting(s). This is a good way to
practice contraction postures, sounds, focus, and dance as it relates to labor, and the partner’s role.
• With practice, your pregnant client’s balance, flexibility, energy, stamina, and confidence will
improve. She will be more ready for birth.
• Her ability to attain a state of relaxation will improve.
• Her attitude about her body will improve.
• Prenatal dancing and awareness of optimal fetal positioning is likely to result in an optimally
positioned baby and an easier birth.
• If baby is not in an optimal position near the estimated due date, you can give dance move
suggestions to help the baby reposition himself / herself.
During birth
At various stages of birth
When labor must start or induction or cesarean-section is called for by care provider.
• Dancing can help naturally induce labor if the baby is ready, and the mother is ready. In fact, if
the mother has danced or exercised regularly throughout her pregnancy, she will give birth (to a
full term baby) on average seven days earlier than if she had not exercised regularly.16
• Dancing can be combined with other natural techniques you discuss with your client to help her
labor start.
• Dancing can be reduced or stopped if labor becomes too quick or too strong, or if baby does not
cope well with it.
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Early labor
Dancing is compatible with an early labor plan, which may include celebratory, calming and energyconserving moves such as the “Baby Welcoming Dance”. Go to page 30 Baby turning moves may be
appropriate at this stage if back labor is evident.
Active labor
Help the birthing mom to use music and moves that either mirror her mood (energetic, happy, dreamy,
etc…) or inspire a mood she’d like to attain (centered, progressive, relaxed, etc…).
Dance with mom to encourage her, just as you would breathe with her when she needs it. Vocalize with
her. Go through any routines you both know.
Give her dance assignments if she is struggling. For example: “lets do hip circles for three contractions
and then we’ll do hip drops for three.” This will help mom stay focused on short term goals instead of
getting overwhelmed by the long term possibilities.
Changing dance moves frequently will help mom identify moves that work best for her during each part
of labor and help her avoid remaining in a position that is not helping her to progress.
Encourage mom and partner to dance together if they wish.
Dancing in the shower can be very soothing.
Mom may need to modify moves during contractions or stop moving during contractions as labor
intensifies.
Transition
Physically support mom if necessary during dance moves. Hold her close, or encourage her partner
to do so.
Suggest moves that help her surrender. Help her stay grounded with feet planted on the floor and
something or someone above her waist to grasp. If she is too tired, she will go forward onto hands and
knees. She can be supported by a ball or pillows under her upper body and do pelvic tilts or rocking
(utilize African dance moves).
Help her visualize herself dancing/birthing with the imagery she created during her Dancing For Birth
preparations. Help her use her affirmations, “I am dancing my baby into the world!”
‘Listen’ to her with your body just as you already are practiced in ‘listening’ to her with your heart. You
may intuit the move she needs next.
Lead her in the “Shimmy” to fully relax her pelvic floor, thighs and buttocks, and complete dilation.
(Similar to “chunging” when the woman’s muscles are shaken vigorously by someone else).
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Pushing
Slow dancing with support from you or her partner may be very helpful in between pushes.
Singing, swaying, chanting, affirmations, squats, pelvic thrusts or stomps may be helpful.
Mom should try to keep her hips above her knees and her posture upright or forward bending.
Go to page 41
Delivery of the Placenta
If mom desires and still has energy, continuing gentle dancing with baby nursing in arms or a sling at her
breast can use gravity to assist in the delivery of the placenta.
Repairs, Cleaning, Bonding with and Breastfeeding Baby
Humming or playing quiet dance music can help mom tune out any pain from necessary repairs (if any)
while focusing attention on baby, and baby will recognize the music in addition to mom’s (and dad’s)
voice(s). The lullaby she used when practicing the “Baby Welcoming Dance” might be a good choice.
Home birth
Props, stairs, mirrors, music, accessories (or nakedness), videos, showers, treats, candles, indoors,
outdoors, loved ones, are all easily available for mom to be creative with her dancing and her birthing.
Maybe she will initiate a dancing circle or a “birthing conga line”!
Hospital birth
The shower is a great place to dance if mom is not hooked up to the EFM (electronic fetal monitor). It also
gives her privacy.
She can dance through the halls around the maternity unit with headphones for music. She may be less
self-conscious if you dance with her and if she is wearing her own clothes.
Even with the EFM and other interventions such as IV or labor induction/augmentation such as a Pitocin
drip, mom can remain upright and dance in a small space, or in place.
Place within her eyesight her dancing “symbols” such as a hip scarf, a photo, drawing, or sculpture of a
pregnant dancer, or even a mirror so she can get a glimpse of herself wearing her own dancing attire and
dancing.
With an epidural
Visualizing the dance routines can help mom stay focused on birthing.
Watching her doula go through the dance routines and participating with humming, singing or head,
shoulder and arm movements (as she is able) can help mom (and others who are present) keep focused
on birthing. It can also take the focus off the EFM and put it back on the mother.
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Left lateral is the easiest birth angle for moms confined to bed.17
Visualizing baby doing his or her own birth-dance to be born can help mom progress.
Help mom visualize herself dancing/birthing with the imagery she created during her dancing for birth
preparations.
Use of dancing/ birthing symbols becomes very important.
“Symbols communicate in a uniquely effective way because they, unlike the written word,
are received unexamined and unquestioned by the right brain, where they are felt instantly
throughout the body-mind.”
18
After birth, during the postpartum period.
Mom and baby can gain many benefits from continuing to dance (with baby in a sling or secure carrier):
Both mom and baby can attain relaxation.
Baby will be soothed by the familiar movements, the familiar music and closeness with mom.
Mom will regain muscle tone and physical strength at her own pace.
Mom and baby will continue to function as a single unit and enhance their connectedness.
Mom will take pride in her postpartum body and what it is capable of.
Baby will gain core physical strength and balance from riding in the sling during mom’s dancing.
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Instructor Training
Level 2 (Day 2)
“It takes an image as unexpected, beautiful and powerful as a woman dancing her baby into
the world to knock the status-quo imagery of women giving birth on their backs in hospital
beds out of the psyche of modern women and give them a glimmer of the untapped potential
within them.” - Stephanie Larson
Womb Regression (used with permission of Robyn Sheldon)
Uses and Benefits:
Dancing For Birth Demo Class (Interactive) 75 minutes.
(Please set aside notebooks during class)
Reflections about the class:
List three things you want to remember from experiencing the demo:
List your core strengths/skills and how you can apply them to teaching Dancing for Birth™ classes:
a.
b.
c.
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Dancing For Birth Class Flow:
The first three and last three take place seated in a circle, include
the “Centered Heart” song/dance right before the closing
affirmations.
Opening Circle, seated on the floor:
1. Inspiration: Cards, verbalize affirmations
2. Relaxation: Mindfulness, connection with self & baby.
Moving together, using scarves, veils, skirts:
3. Inversion 3 Breaths: Balancing ligaments & hamstrings
4. Posture, Warm up, Dancing: Proper alignment, feeling good
5. Choreography: “Baby Welcoming Dance” & more
6. Including Partners: Stretches, dances, positions,
communication
7. Interpretive Movement: Let your body lead you
Interspersed throughout:
8. Pregnancy/Childbirth /Parenting: Skills & wisdom
9. Ritual: Experience, discuss.
Demonstration/practice, using props & rebozos:
10. Positioning/Instincts: Birth physiology
11. Comfort Measures: Partner together
Closing circle, beginning on the floor:
12. Abs/Pelvic Floor Exercises: Toning
13. Centering: Grounding
14. Affirmations: Cards, “Centered Heart” Song Dance
List three class blocks that resonate with you the most.
List three class blocks that might challenge you the most.
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This is the “Class Flow” poster, availabe in the
Instructor Store.
Go to the Index 63
Instructor Props:
Marketing Materials
Hip scarves with coins*
Rack Cards*
Pillows or yoga mats
Postcards*
Veils, extra scarves*
Class Flyer*
Music*
Business Cards*
Rebozos
Brochure
DFB Affirmation & Inspiration cards*
Car Magnets
Birth Ball(s)
Bumper Stickers
Chair
Instructor Seal Stickers
Mechandise for Resale
Water Bottle
Baby Doll*
Tote Bags
DFB Upside Down T-shirt*
T-Shirts
Tape Measure with centimeters*
Mugs
Model Pelvis*
Cellphone Case
Model Perineum
CD
Model Placenta, Amniotic Sac, Umbilical cord
DVD
Clothespin
Hipscaves with coins
Classroom Branding
Veils
6’ Class Banner*
Class Flow Poster*
Class Rules Poster*
Benefits Trio Posters
Facility Window Decals
Lawn Sign
Outdoor Banner
Registration Poster
*Required items, see Essential Pack at the Instructors’
Shop: http://www.instructors.dancingforbirth.com
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Ritual:
Pregnancy/ Birth/Postpartum Rituals such as these can be discussed in class:
Blessingway/MotherBlessing: a celebration of the mother’s rite of passage
Babymoon: A “honeymoon” at home for the parents and children with no responsibilities, for optimal bonding.
Cultural Traditions: ie: India: Grandmothers come to help Mom for a full year.
Amish: Her responsibilities for cooking, cleaning and gardening are taken over for several weeks.
Placenta Rituals: Lotus Birth, Art, Planting, Ingesting, Encapsulating
DFB classes also contains rituals/rites of passage.
List examples of rituals within a DFB class:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Benefits of ritual: 1.
2.
3.
Welcome/Introductions (varies week to week):
Birth Place/Plan
Matrilineal Lineage
Question
inspiration > Affirmation (using DFB cards)
Whatever the Inspiration word is (even those which might bring up sad thoughts/feelings) will be used
to create an affirmation which empowers and heals.
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Relaxation (varies week to week):
(set to soothing nature or music soundtrack)
Cleansing breath
Deep breathing
Relaxing the body
Quieting the mind
Communicating with Baby
Listening for inner wisdom
Identifying questions
Visualizing
Can take place in the circle or in any comfortable position including “Legs up wall” (for relaxation until
advanced pregnancy when back-lying is not comfortable)
Inversion for three breaths
(builds familiarity with the pose and serves as a reminder of how and when to invert gravity. Stretches
the round ligaments to make the uterus symmetrical and corrects any twisting of the uterus to make
more space for the baby to put head low in uterus).
Knee Chest (using scarf )
Child’s pose
Down Dog (stretches hamstrings)
Wide Leg Forward Fold (stretches hamstrings)
An inversion can also be done daily at home throughout pregnancy, for three breaths
Centering (used for grounding and stretching at end of class)
Goddess
Child’s Pose
Pigeon
Cobbler
Powerful
Lotus Flower (joined together in circle)
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Choreography: (Go to page 49 Language of Movement handout)
“Baby Welcoming Dance”
Begin curled up (like baby)
Roll up (8)
Extend (8) Birth Goddess
Plie 2,3,4 arms open 6,7,8, repeat
Point and stretch to left 2,3,4, plie 5,6, arms open 7,8
Point and stretch to right 2,3,4, plie 5,6, arms open 7,8 repeat
Right arm in, out, around, caress baby (8)
Left arm in, out, around, caress baby (8)
Alternating shoulder circles/caressing belly
Birth Spirals (8)
Reverse (8) repeat
“Innate Wisdom Hip knock” 2,3,4, Open 6,7,8 repeat to each wall
Arch 2,3,4, Flex 6,7,8 repeat again to right
Repeat twice to left
Open lunge to right 2,3,4 arch 6,7,8
Repeat to left
“Curvaceous hip circles” Right front to back with arms (8)Left hip circle front to back with arms (8)
Right hip circle back to front with arms (8)
Left hip circle back to front with arms (8)
Conclude “rock the baby”– choreographed by Stephanie Larson
List Benefits:
1.
2.
3.
Please note: “Baby Welcoming Dance” should be included in every weekly class.
Additionally, instructors and/or participants can create their own Welcoming Dance.
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Abs/Pelvic Floor:
Diastasis Recti –a separation between the left and right side of the rectus abdominis muscle, which
covers the front surface of the belly. To repair, muscle needs to be shortened and the two sides brought
back together, therefore, never bulge out the muscles, instead, draw in toward spine. (sit ups and
crunches may worsen diastasis recti).
Cleansing Breath, counting aloud so as to not hold breath
Tensing/Releasing
Pulsing
Elevator
Bulging - something to try once, but not to practice routinely
Holding
Tube of Toothpaste Go to page 40
Tense abs/ release pelvic floor (take cap off toothpaste)
Tense pelvic floor/ release abs (put cap on toothpaste)
The Research Shows:
Facts about Prenatal Dance/Exercise as it affects Pregnancy, Birth and Babies.
The following applies to healthy women who begin or continue an exercise program (dancing or other)
of a minimum of 20 minutes, three times a week, at a moderately hard level of effort. More than the
minimum should provide more benefit without increasing the risk. 22
“Healthy women do not need to change or reduce their exercise habits when they plan to conceive
or during early pregnancy in order to get pregnant easily or reduce their risk of miscarriage, tubal
pregnancy, birth defect or placental disease.” 23
“Continuing regular exercise does not increase the incidence of ectopic pregnancy, placenta previa,
placental abruption, poor placental growth or pregnancy-induced hypertension.” 24
“Recreational exercise may actually decrease the chances of both premature labor and the birth of a very
small baby.” 25
“Even after the cervix had begun to dilate, women could continue to [exercise] without increasing the
chance that the membranes surrounding the baby would burst before the onset of labor”. 26
“A woman who continues regular sustained exercise until the onset of labor usually delivers five to seven
days earlier [but not pre-term] than a woman with an active lifestyle who does not exercise regularly.” 27
“All aspects of growth and development after birth in babies from exercising mothers are equal to or
better than those observed in the control offspring.” 28
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“…babies born of exercising women do better on standardized intelligence tests at one year of age.” 29
At five years old, the offspring of the women who exercised during pregnancy scored much higher on
tests of general intelligence and oral language skills and were less fat than the offspring of women who
did not exercise regularly. 30
“When you exercise during pregnancy, your baby may be actively joining in the workout, with the
fetal cardiac system growing stronger and healthier as a result of the workouts. This training response
lingers apparently even after birth, the new science shows. Babies born to mothers who exercised while
pregnant were found to have healthier hearts than other infants a full month after delivery.” 33
Health Benefits of Dance
• Strengthens bones and muscles without hurting joints
• Tones the entire body
• Improves posture and balance, which can prevent falls
• Increases stamina and flexibility
• Reduces stress and tension
• Wards off illnesses like diabetes (and is good for diabetics because
it aids in blood sugar control), high blood pressure, heart disease,
osteoporosis, and depression
• Keeps joints lubricated which helps prevent arthritis
• Aids in lipid control, which raises HDL (good cholesterol), and lowers LDL (bad cholesterol).
Related research: Physical activity before and during pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a
meta-analysis.Tobia DK, Zhang C, van Dam RM, Bowers K, Hu FB. Diabetes Care. 2010 Sep 27.
The researchers concluded that higher levels of physical activity prior to pregnancy or in early
pregnancy are associated with a significantly lower risk of developing GDM. The study search
identified 7 pre-pregnancy and 5 early pregnancy studies, including 5 prospective cohorts, 2 retrospec
tive case-controls, and 2 cross-sectional study designs. Pre-pregnancy physical activity was assessed in
34,929 total participants including 2,813 GDM cases, giving a pooled odds ratio of 0.45 (95% CI: 0.28–
0.75) when comparing the highest vs. lowest categories. Exercise in early pregnancy was assessed in
4,401 total participants including 361 GDM cases, and was also significantly protective (OR=0.76, 95%CI:
0.70, 0.83).
Aerob
ic exercise during pregnancy improves health-related quality of life: a randomised trial. Montoya
Arizab
aleta AV et al. J Physiother. 2010;56(4):253–8.
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The researchers concluded that a supervised 3-month program of primarily aerobic exercise during
pregnancy improves health-related quality of life. The experimental group had improved their
health-related quality of life more than the control group in the physical component summary of
the questionnaire by 6 points, the physical function domain by 7 points, the bodily pain domain
by 7 points and the general health domain by 5 points.
The experim
ental group completed a 3-month supervised exercise program, commencing at 16 to 20
weeks of gestation. Each session included walking (10 min), aerobic exercise (30 min), stretching (10
min), and relaxation (10 min). The control group continued usual activities and performed no specific
exercise. The primary outcome was health-related quality of life assessed by the Colombian version of
the Medical Outcome Study Short-Form Health Survey at baseline and immediately after the 3-month
intervention.
Exercise During Pregnancy and the gestational Age Distribution: a Cohort Study http://www.ncbi.
nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22143108 Dec 2, 2011
Data included 61,098 singleton pregnancies. Conclusion: Exercise performed during pregnancy
shifted the gestational age distribution slightly upwards resulting in reduced pre-term births.
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Including Partners:
Partner stretches: Back to Back (link arms and circle, communication is a must)
Hands in hands (forward leaning, stretch back)
Back to Front (self guided shoulder stretch)
Child’s pose (holding on to your partners ankles as they bend forward at the waist and apply gentle
pressure down your back and sacrum and back up again)
Shoulder release (back against the wall, partner presses your shoulders towards the wall).
Partner dances: “Mama/baby Meringue”, “Mambo Mama”, Bachata “1-2-3 Asymmetry”
Homework assignments: teach partner rebozo or other comfort techniques, and dances
Hold a special class to include partners
Invite loved ones in to see “Baby Welcoming Dance”
Latin Dance derived moves (set to music, using scarves around waist):
Cuban: mambo basic step “Mambo Mama”
Mambo pivot
Suzy Q “corkscrew”
turning hip circles “Circles of Love”
Merengue “Mama/Baby Merengue”
Brazilian: Samba triple step
Columbian: Afro-Caribbean Traditional Dances:
Cumbia with long skirts or veils (traditionally danced with lit candles)
Puya “Woman in Charge”
Cadarona in celebration of the “Big-hip Woman”
Caribbean dance derived moves (set to music, using scarves around head)
Jamaica: Reggae “Sensual Woman”
Dance hall
Forward Leaning booty circles and booty back “Baby maker – Birth giver”
Dominican Republic: Bachata “1-2-3 asymmetry” Go to the Index 52
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Moves for specific results before and during birth:
Perform moves with knees loose and bent to develop thigh strength and stamina for labor, this also builds
comfort with an optimal position for pushing (feet planted on floor, more than 90 degree angle between thighs
and spine- no sitting, or squatting back on heels, which reduces the pelvic outlet-, and something above waist
level to grasp).19
Hip circles, knocks and pelvic thrusts will help bring the baby down, develop flexibility, and build
familiarity, and decrease self-consciousness with pelvic movements.
Perform moves with feet flat on floor and bare to encourage grounding, centering and balance.
African pelvic rocking move (hands and knees), lunge moves with open hips, and any move that creates
asymmetry of the pelvis can encourage a posterior, transverse, or asynclitic baby to reposition. 20
Practice moves equally on both sides to promote ambidexterity, which will be useful during labor.
If dance moves are used to encourage the baby to turn, they will be most successful if the baby is awake
at the time. If baby has already engaged in the pelvis, the dance moves could be preceded by spending
some time in a position with hips higher than chest.
“When women reclaim their birthright to choose the rites of birth most empowering to their
maternal well-being, they will bear children with greater ease and confidence, and be honored
once again, as the … nurturers of life and humanity.”31
Instructor Trainees Give Demo
Closing Circle: Thank you for sharing your passion with birthing women!
Friends Contact info:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Endnotes:
1. Sutton, J. (2001) Let Birth Be Born Again. UK: Birth Concepts UK. p.14
4. Simkin, P and Ancheta, R. (2000) The Labor Progress Handbook. Malden, MA: Blackwell Science LTD. p. 17
6. Gaskin, I.M. (2003) Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth. Bantam Dell. p.170
10. International Academy of Middle Eastern Dance Website (2004)
11. Dinicu, C. V. ‘ Morocco’(1964) “Belly Dancing and Childbirth” p.5
12. Curry, W. L. (2001) ‘The Rites and Rights of Birth’ UCLA Master of Arts in Dance Thesis. p.66
13. Shostak, M. (2000) Nisa: The Life and Words of a !Kung Woman. Harvard University Press. p.159
14. Curry, W. L. (2001) ‘The Rites and Rights of Birth’ UCLA Master of Arts in Dance Thesis. p.66
15. Clapp III, J.F. (1998) Exercising Through Your Pregnancy Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics p. 46
18. England, P. and Horowitz, R. (1998) Birthing From Within Albuquerque, NM: Partera Press. p.87
26. Clapp III, J.F. (1998) Exercising Through Your Pregnancy Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics p.62
31. Curry, W. L. (2001) ‘The Rites and Rights of Birth’ UCLA Master of Arts in Dance Thesis. p. 8
33. Reynolds, Gretchen (2011) NY Times.com article April 13, 2011, regarding a study presented at the Experimental Biology
2011 meeting in Washington, researchers from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
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Inspiration & Affirmation Cards
Inspiration:
Includes 45 different cards. Developed to provide inspiration as well as promote self-reflection
and sharing. These cards are used by educators to spark interactivity and facilitate productive
communication.
A few suggested uses:
• A beginning or centering phase during classes:
• Cards are placed face up and participants pick one that resonates with them. Each person shares how
the word they selected is relevant to their experience of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, or healing, and
uses it to create an affirmation for themselves.
• Pouch is passed around and participants draw a card at random. Each person is challenged to
reflect on and share how the word that they drew connects to their experience of pregnancy, birth,
postpartum, parenting, or healing, and uses it to create a personal affirmation.
• The deck of cards is dealt out and each participant explains how the qualities from the cards they
received can be used to enhance their birth preparation or parenting, etc.
• A home assignment for participants:
• Pick a card in class, use it as daily inspiration during the week, share anecdotes with class the
following week.
• A gift for participants:
Each person receives own set for use at home.
Affirmation
Includes 45 different cards. Developed to encourage discourse, dispel fear and replace doubt or negative
self-talk with positive affirmations and empowerment. These cards help educators to instill
their participants with confidence in themselves and in active birth.
A few suggested uses:
• A closing circle:
• Pouch is passed around and each participant draws a card at random, says the affirmation aloud and
shares personal insight.
• Educator hand selects a special affirmation for each participant to say aloud, based on the participant’s
expressed needs.
• A question and answer session:
• Cards are drawn and each sparks open discussion, questions and answers between educator and
participants.
• A home assignment: Cards are placed face up and each participant selects an affirmation that they say
aloud and repeat each morning throughout the week.
• A gift for participants: Each receives own set for use at home.
© 2009-2015
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UNRESTRICTED MOVEMENT
What’s wrong with this picture?
The same thing that’s wrong
with this one!
Imagine trying to restrict an
Imagine trying to restrict a woman
elephant to give birth on her back... to give birth on her back...
It would probably require
drugs and might lead to
surgery
It would probably require
drugs and might lead to
surgery
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TOOTHPASTE
© 2009-2015
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POWERFUL WOMAN
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HAMMOCK
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FETAL POSITION
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CENTRIFUGAL FORCE
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Language of Movement
18 Essential Pregnancy Movement Categories
Hip circle: “birth spiral” , “birth circle” , “down and out”, “circles of love”, “curvaceous hip circles”, “infinite
patience”, ‘dilation gyration”, “baby maker – birth giver”
Asymmetrical pelvis: “knocking at the door”, “ample hip drop”, “rock the baby”, “I welcome change”, “wise
woman dance”, “innate wisdom hip knock”, “moving through the unknown”, “around the world”, “1-2-3
asymmetry”, “mambo mama”, “mama/baby meringue”, “woman in charge” (cadarona), “big-hip woman”,
“transition prescription” “mother’s milk shake”, “birth goddess”
Pelvic Tilt/Thrust: “take flight”, “honor the mother”, “around the world”, “wash the floor”, “baby in the
hammock”, “sensual woman”, “powerful woman”
Body circle: “interdependence”, “down baby down”,
Body undulations: “abundant belly”, “undulate to elongate”, “honor the mother”
Shimmy: “transition prescription”, “baby come out! shimmy”, “moving through the unknown”,
“mambo mama”
Squat: primarily: “birth goddess”, “powerful woman”, “the harvest”. secondarily: “birth spiral”, “hip circle”,
“down and out”, “circles of love”, “curvaceous hip circles”, “infinite patience”, “baby maker – birth giver”,
“knocking at the door”, “ample hip drop”, “rock the baby”, “I welcome change”, “wise woman dance”,
“innate wisdom hip knock”, “moving through the unknown”, “around the world”,
“1-2-3 asymmetry”, “woman in charge”, “big-hip woman”, “transition prescription” “mother’s milk shake”,
“take flight”, “honor the mother”, “around the world “sensual woman”, “hug”
Lunge: open lunge, “Baby Welcoming Dance”, “mighty mama”
Torso circle: “hug”, “interdependence”
Torso thrust: “around the world”, “take flight”
Bounce: “down baby down”, “sensual woman”, dance hall, “abundant hip drop”, “mighty mama”
Kneeling: “baby in the hammock”, “dilation gyration”, “wash the floor”
Abs: “elevator”, pulses, “toothpaste”
Pelvic Floor: “elevator”, pulses, “toothpaste”
Release: relaxation, child’s pose
Inversion: inverted on chair, knee chest, child’s pose, down dog, wide leg forward fold
Pelvis Opener: primarily: “powerful woman”, “baby maker-birth giver”, double hip squeeze, secondarily:
pigeon, cobbler, standing pigeon
Spine Elongation: “undulate to elongate”, hip pull, knee chest with hip pull
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Top Ten DFB Labor Movement Categories
1) Hip circle: (vertical or forward leaning supported): “down and out”, “birth spiral” , “hip circle” , “circles of
love”, “curvaceous hip circles”, “infinite patience”, ‘dilation gyration”, “baby maker – birth giver”
2) Asymmetrical pelvis: “rock the baby”, “knocking at the door”, “ample hip drop”, “I welcome change”,
“wise woman dance”, “innate wisdom hip knock”, “moving through the unknown”, “around the world”,
“1-2-3 asymmetry”, “mambo mama”, “mama/baby meringue”, “woman in charge”, “big-hip woman”,
“transition prescription” “mother’s milk shake”, “birth goddess”, stair climbing, curb walking, crawling
3) Pelvic Tilt/Thrust: “sensual woman”, “take flight”, “honor the mother”, “around the world”, “wash the
floor”, “baby in the hammock”, “powerful woman”
4) Squat: primarily: “powerful woman” supported, “birth goddess”, “the harvest”. secondarily: “birth
spiral”, “hip circle”, “down and out”, “circles of love”, “curvaceous hip circles”, “infinite patience”, “baby
maker – birth giver”, “knocking at the door”, “ample hip drop”, “rock the baby”, “I welcome change”, “wise
asymmetry”, “woman in charge”, “big-hip woman”, “transition prescription” “mother’s milk shake”, “take
flight”, “honor the mother”, “around the world “sensual woman”, “hug”
5) Bounce: “down baby down”, “sensual woman”, dance hall, “abundant hip drop”, “mighty mama”
6) Shimmy: “baby come out! shimmy”, “transition prescription”, “moving through the unknown”, “mambo
mama”
7) Hands and Knees: (to rest or if baby is posterior) “dilation gyration” ,“baby in the hammock”, “wash the
floor”
8) Lunge: “mighty mama”, open lunge, “Baby Welcoming Dance”,
9) Pelvis Opener: primarily “powerful woman”, “baby maker-birth giver”, double hip squeeze, secondarily:
pigeon, cobbler, standing pigeon
10) Inversion: (only if labor stalls or baby is malpositioned) inverted on chair, knee chest supported by
hip pull, child’s pose, down dog, wide leg forward fold
© 2009-2015
Page 46
Top Eight DFB Labor Movement Categories For Couples
1) Hip circle-embracing: “down and out”, “infinite patience”, ‘dilation gyration”, “baby maker – birth giver”
2) Asymmetrical pelvis: embracing: “1-2-3 asymmetry”, slow dance, “mambo mama”, “mama/baby
meringue”, “transition prescription” supported, “birth goddess” supported
3) Pelvic Tilt/Thrust: supported: “sensual woman”, “around the world”, “baby in the hammock”, “powerful
woman”
4) Squat: supported: “powerful woman” “birth goddess”
5) Bounce: supported: “down baby down”, “sensual woman”, dance hall, “mighty mama”
6) Shimmy: assisted: “baby come out! shimmy”, “transition prescription
7) Pelvis Opener: supported “powerful woman”, backwards lap sitting, “baby-maker-birth-giver”, double
hip squeeze
8) Inversion: supported:(only if labor stalls or baby is malpositioned) inverted on chair, knee chest
supported by hip pull, child’s pose, down dog, wide leg forward fold
3 Most Effective DFB “Vertical Birth” Pushing Positions
“toothpaste” concept to be used in conjunction with these
1) “Powerful Woman” supported by person on either side or birthing mom holding herself up on
something chest level or higher with both hands.
2) Vertical kneeling leaning forward, and/or “Baby in the hammock”
3) Supported toilet sitting
Least Effective (most common and often most painful) Pushing Position
Back-lying “lithotomy” position (mom on back in bed with feet in stirrups or thighs pulled up by ears).
Page 47
© 2009-2015
18 Essential DFB Postpartum Movement Categories
When baby is worn on mother’s body, benefits to baby include core strength, balance and rhythm.
Hip circle: (for abs, hips, thighs) “birth spiral” , “hip circle” , “down and out”, “circles of love”, “curvaceous hip
circles”, “infinite patience”, ‘dilation gyration”, “baby maker – birth giver”
Asymmetrical pelvis: (for obliques, waist and hips) “knocking at the door”, “ample hip drop”, “rock
the baby”, “I welcome change”, “wise woman dance”, “innate wisdom hip knock”, “moving through the
unknown”, “around the world”, “1-2-3 asymmetry”, “mambo mama”, “mama/baby meringue”, “woman in
charge”, “big-hip woman”, “transition prescription” “mother’s milk shake”, birth goddess
Pelvic Tilt/Thrust: (for abs, lower back, buttocks) “take flight”, “honor the mother”, “around the world”,
“wash the floor”, “baby in the hammock”, “sensual woman”, “powerful woman”
Body circle: (for hips) “interdependence”, “down baby down”,
Body undulations: (for abs, flexibility) “abundant belly”, “undulate to elongate”, “honor the mother”
Shimmy: (whole body) “transition prescription”, “baby come out! shimmy”, “moving through the
unknown”, “mambo mama”
Squat: (for thighs and buttocks) primarily: “birth goddess”, “powerful woman”, “the harvest”. secondarily:
“birth spiral”, “hip circle”, “down and out”, “circles of love”, “curvaceous hip circles”, “infinite patience”, “baby
maker – birth giver”, “knocking at the door”, “ample hip drop”, “rock the baby”, “I welcome change”, “wise
asymmetry”, “woman in charge”, “big-hip woman”, “transition prescription” “mother’s milk shake”, “take
flight”, “honor the mother”, “around the world “sensual woman”, “hug”
Lunge: (thighs and flexibility) open lunge, “Baby Welcoming Dance”, “mighty mama”
Torso circle: (abs and back) “hug”, “interdependence”
Torso thrust: (abs and back) “around the world”, “take flight”
Bounce: (pelvic floor)“down baby down”, “sensual woman”, dance hall, “abundant hip drop”,
“mighty mama”
Abs: “elevator”, pulses, “toothpaste”
Pelvic Floor: “elevator”, pulses, “toothpaste”
Pelvis Opener: (strength and flexibility) primarily: “powerful woman”, “baby maker-birth giver”, double
hip squeeze, secondarily: pigeon, cobbler, standing pigeon
Spine Elongation: “undulate to elongate”, hip pull, knee chest with hip pull
Chest Opener: (shoulders, neck and back): “take flight”, “undulate to elongate”, “arms around the clock”,
forward leaning hip pull
© 2009-2015
Page 48
15 DFB Choreographed Sequences
Movements in sequence
“I welcome change”, “wise woman dance”, “innate wisdom hip knock”, “moving through the unknown”,
“around the world”, “1-2-3 asymmetry”, “mambo mama”, “mama/baby meringue”, “woman in charge”, “bighip woman”
“take flight”, “honor the mother”, “sensual woman”, “abundant belly” walk
DFB Interpretive Movement
“birthing conga line”, “super mama walk”; “soulful mama walk”, “mama in the middle”, “musical
contractions” game, “birth diva”, “weaving women”,“crowning”, “passages”.
DFB Class Curriculum
Weekly classes should ideally include a variety of world rhythms and movements from the 18 essential
pregnancy movement categories, the “vertical birth” positions, 2-3 moves especially for postpartum
moms/babies, at least one interpretive movement, and at least one other choreographed sequence in
addition to the “Baby Welcoming Dance” (which should be done every week).
The dancing portion of class should ideally be at least 51% of the class content, with the other parts of
class making up the remainder.
Page 49
© 2009-2015
MAGIC RESET BUTTON
A simple 3-step Dancing For Birth™ original sequence:
1) Forward inversion (chest below pelvis)
2) Hands and knees
3) Get on your feet and dance!
1) Forward leaning inversion (such as “knee chest”, “wide leg forward fold”, or supported by a chair) to
help baby disengage from your pelvis. (If you need to speed up the disengagement you can add the
Jiggle and/or the Ketchup Bottle techniques).
2) Hands and knees: “baby in the hammock” to help baby assume anterior position (baby’s back in
the curve of your belly). Do with birth circles, aka Dilation Gyration.
3) Stand up and dance (especially hip movements like “Infinite Patience” and “Down Baby Down”,
which should be intuitive, so do what feels best) to help baby re-engage in a more effective birthing
position.
The whole thing may take about an hour or so and can be used in the days leading up to and/
or during labor to correct any mal-position (brow presentation, face presentation, asynclitic
presentation, transverse presentation, compound presentation, breech presentation) or so-called
“failure to progress”. You may even sense exactly how you need to position yourself to help your baby
re-position, because you’re very attuned to your baby and your body.
Spend about 10-20 minutes on each step, except for breech presentation in which case you will stay
inverted until you feel baby turn or until you need a break. Discontinue your inversion if you feel
unwell in that position. Once baby has re-positioned be prepared for what may now turn into a very
quick birth.
© Stephanie Larson, www.DancingForBirth.com
© 2009-2015
Page 50
TOP 5 QUICK GUIDE
Top 5 Most Helpful Movements During Labor
A quick guide to DFB™ moves: (let your instincts be your guide and listen to your body)
1. Hip Movements such as “Birth Circles” & “Infinite Patience”:
Hip circles can be done in almost any position (standing, Powerful Woman squat, hands and
knees, leg up on chair, sitting, etc.). Remember to do them in both directions to maintain
balance. Also try infinity-shaped glides of the hips either horizontally or vertically.
2. Forward Belly Hang:
It is best to spend a majority of time with the belly hanging forward. This can be done in hands
and knees position, while standing and leaning forward, and even when lying down by rolling
as far onto your side as belly permits. Go to page 42
3. Asymmetry:
This can be done with movement where the pelvis shifts back and forth diagonally to put one
hip bone above the other. Do this while walking/dancing upright (Merengue!) or while leaning
forward with hands on a chair or partner. You can also accomplish asymmetry by propping one
foot up on a chair while standing, or bringing one foot onto the floor while kneeling.
4. “Powerful Woman” Squat: Go to page 41
This is a partial squat where the hips remain just above the knees. It can increase pelvic
opening by up to double the centimeters or more! Remember to release sacrum and tailbone
to the sky. This is a great position to be in for the delivery of baby.
5. Jiggle & Bounce:
These movements can feel good during a contraction and can help a “stuck” baby work its way
out if your labor slows or stalls. Gentle shimmies of the hips, small/fast twists, and bouncing
on your heels with a large hip circle, aka “Down Baby Down”. Go to page 30
Courtesy of Stephanie Larson, Founder, Dancing For Birth™, compiled by Solea Reid, RN-C, DFB.
Page 51
© 2009-2015
Asymmetry 1-2-3
© 2009-2015
Page 52
10 Reasons to hold DFB Classes
Offering Dancing For Birth™ Classes
A meaningful step for your facility towards the following recommendations by leading national and
world organizations:
• WHO-UNICEF “Ten Steps of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative” Step 10: Foster the
establishment of breastfeeding support groups and refer mothers to them on discharge from
hospitals or clinics.
• MANA “Position on Intervention in Childbirth”: promote childbirth practices which enhance the
normal physiological process; promote the allocation of resources towards measures which support
the basic needs of women and their babies as a priority, such as…social support during pregnancy;
continuously evaluate intervention…and take measures to avoid unnecessary interference; and
provide information to women and their families which enhances the understanding of birth as a
normal life process…
• Coalition for Improving Maternity Services “Ten Steps of the Mother-Friendly Childbirth
Initiative For Mother-Friendly Hospitals, Birth Centers,* and Home Birth Services” Step 5:
Provide the birthing woman with the freedom to walk, move about, and assume the positions of her
choice during labor and birth (unless restriction is specifically required to correct a complication), and
discourage the use of the lithotomy (flat on back with legs elevated) position.
• MANA, ACNM and NACPM consensus “Statement on Supporting Healthy and Normal
Physiologic Childbirth” factors: Physical fitness; education about the value of normal physiologic
birth; freedom of movement in labor and the woman’s choice of birth positions.
• World Health Organization “Millenium Development Goals” Goal 4: Reduce child mortality
and Goal 5: Improve maternal health.
• USA’s “Healthy People - Maternal Infant and Child Health” Goal 1: Reduce the rate of fetal
and infant deaths, Goal 7: Reduce cesarean births among low-risk (full-term, singleton, vertex
presentation) women, Goal 8: Reduce low birth weight (LBW) and very low birth weight (VLBW), Goal
9: Reduce preterm births, Goal 13: Increase the proportion of mothers who achieve a recommended
weight gain during their pregnancies, Goal 19: Increase the proportion of women giving birth who
attend a postpartum care visit with a health worker, and Goal 21: Increase the proportion of infants
who are breastfed
• Childbirth Connection’s “Rights of Childbearing Women” Right 17: Every woman has the right
to freedom of movement during labor…She also has the right to give birth in the position of her
choice.
An on-site opportunity for your patients to follow these recommendations:
• ACOG “Exercise During Pregnancy”: Guideline: Exercise at least 30 minutes on most if not all days
of the week.
• March of Dimes Recommendation: Exercise during pregnancy and after giving birth.
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Recommendation: for healthy pregnant
women to get at least 2 1/2 hours of aerobic exercise every week.
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© 2009-2015
CERTIFICATION APPLICATION
Next Steps
Now that you have completed the workshop, it’s time to gather the information to decide if you would
like to be a Certified Instructor and start the certification process. “Putting your training to use!” is a
great resource that is relavent to you whether you are certifying or not. If you are going to certify, look
at the certification checklist, schedule one free demo class and have each participant fill out the class
agreement at the beginning of the class, then fill out the Instructor in Training Survey at the end. You are
the ambassadors for Dancing For Birth™to bring healthier, natural birth to more women.
Putting your training to use!
Dancing For Birth™ was conceived to enrich the experience of everyone it reaches worldwide!
Remember! You’re now eligible to be part of our global private facebook group of DFB Sisters. This is
where we make important announcements, and you can connect with other instructors. Once you’ve
posted a comment about your workshop experience at www.facebook.com/dancingforbirth we will
send you a friend request. Accept the friend request and we can add you to the group.
If you plan to use the information from the instructor training informally:
For example, during your work with pregnant/postpartum/birthing women as a birth doula, no
certification is needed and you are welcome to begin right away! Please give attribution to “Stephanie
Larson, Founder of Dancing For Birth™” when you utilize the information. Informal use is defined here as
use that is incidental to your primary purpose in your work or interaction.
If you plan to teach Dancing For Birth ™ classes,
Please apply for certification using the certification checklist provided separately. DFB Instructors
currently pay a $345 certification fee, which includes all of the benefits described below and valid for 3
years.
Why become certified?
For affiliation with Dancing For Birth™ and its National and International recognition, press and
advertising.
Certified Dancing For Birth™ Instructors are permitted to teach DFB classes utilizing the concepts,
principles and teachings of Dancing For Birth™ and to market them as Dancing For Birth™ classes.
Dancing For Birth™ Instructor Certification enables the instructor to utilize the credentials DFB.
Certified Dancing For Birth™ Instructors receive referrals from the Dancing For Birth™ website of students
in their area seeking a class.
Certified Dancing For Birth™ Instructors are permitted use of the Dancing For Birth™ logo and Certified
Instructor Seal to advertise their DFB classes.
Certified Dancing For Birth™ Instructors may purchase Dancing For Birth™ merchandise at wholesale
prices.
© 2009-2015
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Go to the Index 63
Dancing For Birth™ Instructor Certification entitles the instructor access to professionally designed DFB
print materials for use in DFB classes, and for advertising the classes.
Certified Dancing For Birth™ Instructors receive a professionally written press release document to
publicize their certification status and classes.
Certified Dancing For Birth™ Instructors enjoy mentorship and support from the Dancing For Birth™
Headquarters.
*Please note: certification does not entitle one to conduct Dancing For Birth™ workshops, trainings or
presentations. Please refer to your training agreement for other terms.
If you have an opportunity to spread the word about Dancing For Birth™ through a local event or are
hoping to create such an opportunity, please contact info@DancingForBirth.com with the details.
Generally, you can expect to gain approval for local DFB instructor presence at health fairs, open houses
and community events.
Please be aware, the term “Dancing For Birth” should not be used as a verb:
As in this example of incorrect usage “I teach Dancing For Birth”. Instead please say “I teach Dancing For
Birth classes”. Please ask your students to say “I take Dancing For Birth classes” instead of “I take Dancing
For Birth”. This is important so that the name Dancing For Birth™ doesn’t become a generic term, in
which case anyone could say they “teach dancing for birth” and your training and certification loses its
significance.
Once you become certified, there are two options for your classes:
1. Teach Dancing For Birth™ classes in a studio or facility you rent or own or in an approved space in your
home. You receive payment directly from your students.
2. Teach Dancing For Birth™ classes as an employee, independent contractor or volunteer at a facility like
a gym, spa, yoga studio, birth center, other. You are welcome to negotiate for your salary with the facility
or to receive payment directly from your students. 100% of your salary goes to you. The facility can offer
the class to students at no charge or it can charge a fee for the class. The facility does not pay any fees to
Dancing For Birth™. This policy reflects our commitment to make it easy for you to find facilities that will
open their doors to you.
Dancing For Birth™ instructors are self-employed
You pay no royalties, commissions or referral fees from their classes to Dancing For Birth™. We are
committed to keeping your costs low so your profits can be high, and to bringing classes to women in
communities around the world.
Page 55
© 2009-2015
Go to the Index 63
Class Guidelines: (Please note: Do not call your classes “workshops”)
1. Dancing For Birth™ classes should be at least 55 min. long. 90 minutes is typical. Once you publish
your class duration, please keep it consistent and on time.
2. As a general guideline, your class price should be similar to other specialty classes in your community
such as yoga, pilates and dance classes, but can be more, considering that it also includes valuable
childbirth education. Prices will be influenced by your overhead costs (such as rent for your class space).
You can set minimum attendance levels for the class. You can charge by the week or by the series, at
your option. Please try to accommodate low income women, if possible.
3. Please make arrangements with another certified DFB™ instructor to act as a substitute if you are
unavailable to teach your classes, or postpone/cancel class until you are available.
4. Please accommodate a ‘free trial class’ for first-time students who mention this international
promotion. Otherwise, it is permissible to advise students that you are not participating in this
promotion.
5. You must have a published cancellation policy, so that students know what will happen if they miss a
class or if you miss a class.
6. Students should sign the DFB™ waiver prior to taking their first class, and should fill out the DFB™
survey form at the end of each session, or periodically (about every 6 weeks) if you don’t teach in a series
format.
7. Returning students should fill out the postpartum survey after they’ve given birth.
Advertising:
To maintain Brand Identity, All marketing Materials must be purchased from DFB™
Do not use another logo or name in order to advertise your DFB classes. Dancing For Birth™ postcards,
brochures, rack cards, flyers, business cards, banners, t-shirts, tote bags, etc… to advertise your classes
are to be purchased only from Dancing For Birth™ headquarters through our online exclusive wholesale
store for certifying/certified instructors www.instructors.dancingforbirth.com Please keep this url private.
DFB™ will assist you with specialized press releases, press kits, and other advertising needs, e-mail us for
a quote.
Social Media Guidelines:
Always include the accurate company name (with all words capitalized) using the trademark ™
Certified Instructors are permitted to create dedicated social media pages (such as Face Book) for their
classes. Tip: to make the ™ symbol, press and hold the alt+0153.
Use this format: [your Name’s Dancing For Birth™ Classes – your City] For example: “Maya’s Dancing
For Birth™ Classes – Boston”. This is so that your page is titled and easily identified as an instructor page
rather than the official company page. Use the certified instructor seal as your profile picture. Include a
© 2009-2015
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Go to the Index 63
link to the company website www.DancingForBirth.com and at minimum the following text:
“Dancing For Birth™ offers classes and workshops on four continents and was founded by Stephanie
Larson, a birth doula, childbirth educator, dancer, perinatal fitness expert and mother of four.”
You are encouraged to start a private Face Book group for your students to join so that they can stay
connected to each other and you. Use the required link and text above in the “about” section. Invite
Stephanie Larson to join your group. Call it [your Name’s DFB™ Class – your City].
Class Materials:
Certified Instructors are required to purchase the DFB Essential pack for use in their classes. It contains a
variety of materials essential for your the DFB classes and is available in our online store.
Publicity:
Dancing For Birth™ supports your classes with national and international publicity to generate brand
awareness. Please ask reporters to call headquarters at 1-314-469-9118 to get a quote from Stephanie
Larson to add to their article or show about your classes.
Referrals:
Certified Instructors will receive referrals from DFB HQ and the DFB Website when a student in their area
is interested in a class.
Dancing For Birth™ merchandise
Mechandise is available for purchase (retail and wholesale) from our online store www.instructors.
dancingforbirth.com. The Dancing For Birth™ ™ Prenatal/Postpartum Class Home Version DVD has been
released and is available online at www.DancingForBirth.com. Do not sell any items in your DFB class
that were not purchased from DFB HQ.
Please Help Spread the Word
Dancing For Birth™ needs sponsors for the instructor training workshops. Please recommend
sponsorship to businesses in your area that may be interested, and consider being a sponsor or donor
yourself. Sponsorship is a great way to advertise your other services at workshops and sponsorships
begin at only $99. Information is available on the website.
We give back
A portion of the proceeds of Dancing For Birth™ Instructor Training Workshops is donated to
organizations that promote and advocate for evidence-based care for childbearing women.
We are here for you and we care about your feedback. Let us know how else we can support you in your
work. Together we are better!
All terms herein subject to change without notice
Page 57
© 2009-2015
CERTIFICATION CHECKLIST
Instructor Certification Process
□
Step 1:
□
Step 2:
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
Attend Instructor Training Workshop
(Estimated time to complete: 14 hours) Provide copy of certificate of completion of training.
Certificate is valid for one year, so please apply before it expires.
Write a Personal Statement
(Estimated time to complete: 30 minutes) Tell us your skills and passions as they relate to becoming a
Dancing For Birth™ Instructor. Statement should not exceed one page.
Step 3: Teach A Dancing For Birth™ Demo Class & Submit Class Surveys
and Class Agreement Waivers
(Estimated time to complete: 90 minutes) Teach one demo class to a minimum of three pregnant/
postpartum participants at no charge. Submit completed 2 page Class Survey/Class Agreement waiver
from each of your demo class participants. If you would like to receive constructive feedback on your
teaching, include a DVD of you teaching your demo class. DVDs are not returned.
Step 4:
Obtain a Professional Reference
(Estimated time to complete: 10 minutes) Provide one letter of reference from someone who knows
you professionally. Include their contact information.
Step 5:
Read and Sign Dancing For Birth™ Conduct/Ethics Agreement
(Estimated time to complete: 5 minutes)
Step 6:
Specify Your Class Details
(Estimated time to complete: 10 minutes) Provide location, schedule, duration, price, and refund policy
for each class you will teach. If class details are not finalized at time of submission, you may e-mail this
information as soon as the info is available to info@DancingForBirth.com.
Step 7: OPTIONAL: If you wish to incorporate changes to the Dancing For Birth™
standard class format and content, write a class proposal outlining your syllabus and give
detailed descriptions of the proposed variations. Otherwise, you may skip this step.
Step 8: RECOMMENDED: Plan to attend a comprehensive natural childbirth education series, doula
training, and dance classes to supplement your teaching skills if needed or desired. Step 9:
Submit All Documentation
to DFB World Headquarters 2427 Glen Arden Dr. St. Louis, MO 63146
Allow up to 4 weeks for review.
Include payment of $345 USD non-refundable certification fee, valid for 3 year period.
We are unable to accept checks or money orders from outside the USA.
PayPal Option: remit $345 USD to info@DancingForBirth.com.
Credit Card Option: Request an invoice by email which will allow you to pay online.
Successful Certification will grant recipient the right to represent Dancing for Birth ™ as a Certified Dancing For
Birth ™ Instructor (DFB) teaching weekly DFB ™ classes to expectant and new mothers, and to receive referrals
from the Dancing For Birth™ Headquarters. The Certification Period is 3 years pending good standing. Failure
to re-certify within three years will result in the need to begin the certification process anew. Training and
applying does not guarantee certification, which is at the sole discretion of Dancing For Birth ™ . Process,
Terms, and Costs are subject to change at any time.
© 2009-2015
Page 58
Class Agreement
Participant Information:
Name:_____________________________________Instructor Name____________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________________
City:__________________Sate/Province:______________Zip/Postal Code_______Country_________________________
Phone:_________________Alt. phone:_____________Email:__________________________________________________
How did you first hear about Dancing For Birth™?___________________________________________________________
Is this your first DFB class?________Instructor of prior class:___________________________________________________
List any prior dance experience__________________________________________________________________________
Are you Pregnant?______EDD:_______Postpartum?_________________________________________________________
Postpartum with Newborn in attendance?_________________________________________________________________
Your birth date (mm/dd/yy)_____________________Baby’s birth date __________________________________________
Have you taken any childbirth preparation classes?___________What type?_____________________________________
If not, do you plan to?_______________________What type?_________________________________________________
How far did you travel to take this class?___________________________________________________________________
“I’m attending this class...” Please number in order of importance (1 high to 6 low)
□ to gain knowledge □ for my health □ to bond with my baby □ for fitness
□ for the love of dance□ for camaraderie with other women
Terms:
• I agree that the concepts, principles and teachings of this class are the intellectual property of Stephanie Larson and Dancing For
Birth™. I will not use them to develop other concepts, principles, teachings, presentations, approaches, workouts, workshops, classes,
products, writings or publications.
• I agree that any photos or video taken at this class belong solely to Dancing For Birth™.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Waiver/Release:
My/our participation in this class is voluntary and at my own risk. I/my child have no health problems which would prohibit my/our participation. I release
Dancing For Birth™, respective owners, instructors and assigns from any liability for any claims, demands, injuries, actions or causes of action to my person,
to my child, or to my property arising out of or connected with the class or the use of the services, equipment or facilities provided by Dancing For Birth™. I
understand that the activities may be physical, strenuous and risk bodily injury and I accept responsibility. I have carefully read with a full, definite and clear
understanding the foregoing provisions and freely enter into the agreement of the waiver/release.
I understand and agree to comply with all points of this Agreement.
Print Name___________________________________
Sign Name_____________________________________________________ Date____________________
Page 59
© 2009-2015
Instructor in Training Survey
Participant Name:______________________________________________________________________
What were you expecting from this class?:__________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Did the class meet/exceed your expectations? (Please explain):_________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
If the class did not meet your expectations, please explain:____________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
How do you rate your instructor’s competence in the following areas: Please rate on a scale of 1 (low) to 5
(high) and elaborate:
Confidence:________________________________________________________________________
Friendliness:_______________________________________________________________________
Dance Ability:______________________________________________________________________
Teaching Ability:____________________________________________________________________
Childbirth Knowledge:_______________________________________________________________
Communication:____________________________________________________________________
Leadership:________________________________________________________________________
Listening:_________________________________________________________________________
Professionalism:____________________________________________________________________
Approachability:____________________________________________________________________
Professional appearance:_____________________________________________________________
Would you recommend that this instructor receive certified Dancing For Birth™Instructor status?_____
What are the three most valuable things you learned today?___________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
How would you rate the importance of this class for pregnant women?__________________________
How would you rate the importance of this class for postpartum women and their babies?__________
Was the class environment appropriate? Clean, professional and an appropriate size for the amount of
students?____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Are you interested in becoming an instructor?______________________________________________
Do you have any suggestions for the instructor trainee or for Dancing For Birth™ headquarters?______
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
© 2009-2015
Page 60
Ethics Agreement
Instructor Information:
Name:_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________________
City:_____________________State/Province:____________Zip/Postal Code____________Country___________________
Phone:_____________________Alt phone:______________________Email:_____________________________________
Training Workshop Date:_______________Certification Application Date:_______________________________________
Terms:
• I agree not to share, lend, or copy Dancing For Birth™ materials.
• I agree not to teach or advertise Dancing For Birth™ classes without being granted certification status, even if I do not call the classes Dancing For Birth™
classes.
• I agree that the concepts, principles and teachings of this workshop are the intellectual property of Stephanie Larson and Dancing For Birth™. I will not
use them to develop other concepts, principles, teachings, presentations, approaches, workouts, workshops, classes, writings or publications.
• I will not take legal or other action to contest the intellectual property rights of Stephanie Larson and Dancing For Birth™.
• I agree that when I utilize information/concepts/knowledge from Dancing For Birth™ I will give attribution to Stephanie Larson and Dancing For Birth™.
• I agree not to produce or advertise any other products, materials and/or workouts using the Dancing For Birth™ name or logo without written
authorization from Dancing For Birth™.
• I will refer all publicity and media requests to the Dancing For Birth™ Headquarters, St. Louis, Missouri. 866-643-4824.
• I understand that I am not an employee of Dancing For Birth™.
• I agree to not call myself a Dancing For Birth™ Instructor or a certified Dancing For Birth™ Instructor and to not use the credentials Dancing For Birth™
without first receiving certification from Dancing For Birth™.
• I understand that the requirements and costs of obtaining and renewing certification and all Dancing For Birth™ policies are subject to change.
• I will inform Dancing For Birth™ of my class locations and schedules so that Dancing For Birth™ can refer students to my classes.
• I will strive to provide low cost services to low income women.
• I will represent Dancing For Birth™ in a professional manner.
• I will ensure that my classes are held in a venue that is professional, suitable and well-maintained.
• I will impart information to my students with the utmost respect for their beliefs and wishes, and without pressure.
• I will comply with the directives and policies of Dancing For Birth™.
• I agree to discontinue teaching Dancing For Birth™ if my certification expires or is revoked or if I no longer agree with the Dancing For Birth™ philosophy.
• I will provide written notice prior to my renewal date if I no longer wish to remain certified.
Philosophy:
• Pregnancy, labor and birth are important transitions and rites of passage, not illnesses.
• Pregnant/Postpartum women should be encouraged to trust their instincts and em powered to investigate their options and choices.
• Active birth with few or no routine interventions has wide-reaching benefits for most mothers and babies.
• Respect for each woman and her choices is of paramount importance.
• Mother and baby are a dyad and should not be asked to separate.
• Pregnant/Postpartum women should be informed of their maternal rights and are en titled to evidence-based care.
• Pregnancy, labor and birth involve a woman’s mind, body and spirit and these need to be nurtured.
• Listening is as important as teaching.
• Dancing For Birth™ classes serve to Energize, Empower, and Enlighten™ the participants.
I understand and agree to comply with all points of the Dancing For Birth™ Instructor Agreement.
Print Name_______________________________ Sign Name______________________________________________________
Date____________________________________________________________
Page 61
© 2009-2015
© 2009-2015
Page 62
Go to the Index 63
Index
Level 2 (Day 2)
Mission Statement
2
About this Workbook
2
My Story
2
Agenda3
Level 1
3
Level 2
4
Instructor Training
5
Level 1 (Day One)
Womb Regression
25
Dancing For Birth Demo Class
25
Reflections about the class:
25
Dancing For Birth Class Flow: 26
Opening Circle, seated on the floor:
26
Moving together, using scarves, veils,
skirts:26
Interspersed throughout:
5
26
Demonstration/practice, using props &
rebozos:26
Opening Circle, Welcome, Introductions,
Affirmations5
Dancer’s Posture and Warm Up: 25
Closing circle, beginning on the floor: 26
6
Belly dance derived Dancing For Birth™
moves: 6
Two Essentials For Effective, Intuitive
Birthing:9
Instructor Props:
27
Classroom Branding
27
Marketing Materials
27
Mechandise for Resale
27
Dance moves which work well for birthing 9
Ritual:28
Dancing For Birth™ Charades
inspiration > Affirmation (using DFB cards)
10
Welcome/Introductions28
28
Powerful Woman & Optimal Fetal
Positioning:12
Relaxation (varies week to week): 29
Rebozo Techniques: 13
Inversion for three breaths 29
M.A.M.A. Law 14
Centering29
The physiological reasons dancing facilitates
birth: 15
Choreography: 30
African dance derived moves
16
30
Interpretive Movement
17
Abs/Pelvic Floor:
31
The psychological reasons dancing
facilitates birth: The Research Shows:
31
18
Health Benefits of Dance
32
Birth dancing in other cultures:
19
Including Partners:
34
Latin Dance derived moves
34
Caribbean dance derived moves
34
How and When to use Dance to Help
20
Pregnant Women: Instructor Training
25
Page 63
© 2009-2015
Go to the Index 63
Moves for specific results before and
during birth:
35
Once you become certified, there are two
options for your classes:
55
Instructor Trainees Give Demo 35
Closing Circle:
35
Dancing For Birth™ instructors are
self-employed55
Friends Contact info:
35
Endnotes:36
Class Guidelines: 56
Advertising:56
To maintain Brand Identity
56
Top Ten DFB Labor Movement Categories 46
Social Media Guidelines:
56
Class Materials:
57
Top Eight DFB Labor Movement Categories
For Couples
47
Publicity: 57
Referrals: 57
3 Most Effective DFB “Vertical Birth”
Pushing Positions
Dancing For Birth™ merchandise
57
Please Help Spread the Word 57
45
47
Least Effective (most common and often
most painful) Pushing Position 47
18 Essential DFB Postpartum Movement
Categories48
15 DFB Choreographed Sequences
49
DFB Interpretive Movement
49
DFB Class Curriculum 49
The Magic Reset Button
50
We give back Instructor Certification Process
Top 5 Most Helpful Movements During
Labor51
Offering Dancing For Birth™ Classes 53
Next Steps
54
Putting your training to use! 54
If you plan to use the information from the
instructor training informally:
54
If you plan to teach Dancing For Birth ™
classes, 54
Why become certified?
54
Please be aware, the term “Dancing For
Birth” should not be used as a verb: 55
© 2009-2015
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Instructor Training Workshop

Transcription

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