THE PRIMAL BIRTH COURSE is a holistic, self paced, 100% online childbirth education experience. If you want to prepare your mind, body and soul for the best possible birth and take radical responsibility for ensuring your child's safe and healthy entry into the world, then this course is for you! The Primal Birth curriculum is a unique and strategic blend of midwifery wisdom and the latest evidence based medical research. Whether this is your first or fifth baby, Primal Birth will sky rocket your confidence and take you on an empowering journey through the childbearing year.
“Giving birth and being born brings us into the essence of creation, where the human spirit is courageous and bold and the body, a miracle of wisdom.” - Harriette Hartigan
This course was intentionally created...
TO RETURN birth where it belongs- to the family... and to its exalted position as a sacred event and a profound rite of passage.
TO PROVIDE the inspiration and information you need to navigate the childbearing year with clarity and calm confidence.
TO PROMOTE the latest and best evidence based medical care, which improves maternal and fetal outcomes and results in healthy, normal childbirth.
THE TRUTH IS THIS: HAVING A HEALTHY, NORMAL BIRTH
in modern times requires a heck of a lot more than just showing up to the hospital and hoping for the best. As an expecting parent, you may have already heard about the maternal health care crisis in America. Despite (or perhaps because of) all of our modern technological and medical advances, today's parents are suffering from the effects of...
Atrocious Mortality Rates
The US has one of the highest maternal mortality rates, if not the highest, in the developed world. US maternal mortality rates (MMR) have doubled since 1987 and continue to rise. (World Health Organization)
Rampant Birth Trauma
Between 25 - 34% of women report their births as being severely traumatic. Approximately 1/3 of these women will develop PTSD. (PATTCH)
Glaring Racial Disparities
Black mothers in the U.S. die at three to four times the rate of white mothers. (CDC)
Ever Rising Cesarean Rates
31.9% of American women are giving birth via cesarean section. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018)
Antiquated Medical Practices
Only one-third of obstetrical medial practices are current and evidence based (based on the latest and best research).
Totally Preventable Deaths
60% of the maternal deaths in the US are entirely preventable (Centers for Disease Control)
It's quite clear that when it comes to birth... we have lost our way. We've medicalized and interfered with birth so much, we've forgotten how transcendent, enjoyable and simple it can be... how wise nature is... and how to let our instincts guide us.
PRIMAL BIRTH IS A DEEP DIVE INTO...
REFRAMING birth as a spiritual rite of passage and an initiation into women's mysteries
CREATING a soul level connection with yourself, your partner and your baby
UNDERSTANDING your body, the birth process, your medical options and your legal rights
EXPLORING, with playfulness and joy, how powerfully creative you are
REMEMBERING the ancestral birth wisdom you already possess
TRUSTING your instincts and intuition
LETTING GO of self limiting beliefs, self doubt and fear
ACCESSING your innate power, intelligence and strength and giving birth confidently and authentically
AS AN EXPECTING PARENT, I BET YOU...
See birth scenes on TV and in movies and think: "Does it REALLY have to be that stressful and painful? Isn't there a better way?!" (The short answer is "YES!")
Have heard about the importance of having a birth plan and are wondering why and how to create one
Are curious about water birth, midwives and doulas and want solid, evidence based research and resources on those topics
Are tired of getting "opinions" from well meaning friends and family members and want unbiased support and information
Have heard about having an unmedicated birth (without an epidural) and are wondering if that's 1.) realistic or 2.) totally crazy (It's not, I promise.)
Want your Birth Partner to know how to support, nurture and advocate for you on your birthing day
Had a previous unsatisfactory birth experience and want to know everything you can to make this next birth incredible
Want to gain a deeper understanding of how your body works and what labor is like
Want to know how to make informed and educated medical decisions
Understand the benefits of meditation, yoga, creative visualization and positive affirmations and love the idea of integrating those principles into your pregnancy and birthing journey
Have heard of people having extraordinary, transcendent, blissful births and are wondering "Can I have one, too?" (HINT: ABSOLUTELY)
Are already deeply in love with this baby are are ready to take radical self responsibility for ensuring their safe and healthy entry into the world
Hi, I'm Melynda Smith: Certified Prenatal & Perinatal Educator, Certified Holistic Birth Doula & Maternal Health Advocate.
Since 2013, I’ve taught over 1,500 parents how to approach labor as a fun, exciting adventure, tap into their natural birthing instincts, and give birth in an atmosphere of love, peace and relaxation. I’ve also experienced the benefits of primal birth first hand through the quick, easy and gentle home/waterbirths of my three sons. After three exquisite births of my own and bearing witness to several hundred more as a Doula... I know down to my boneseed that when you combine the latest and best evidence based medical information, ancient midwifery wisdom, compassionate support and most importantly, respect nature's divine design.... pregnancy and birth become the healing and joyful experiences they were intended to be. My soul's calling is to serve, nurture and elevate families during the childbearing year. And I'd have to agree wholeheartedly with Yogi Bhajan: "Preparing for a conscious birth is the best gift to give your child. Your effort to be awake and aware during birthing sets the stage for your child to be awake and aware. Set your intention for a sensitive, conscious birth; prepare yourself and your environments, give your very best...".
Yes, I'm a Maternity Professional. There are letters behind my name. But more importantly- I'm a parent like you. I've been where you are; that unusual space between joy, excitement and pure fear that only happens when you realize: "Wait... I'm going to give birth to a real, live human and then... raise it."
Frankly, it's an absolute miracle that my first birth was so spectacular. I was about as "unqualified" and scared as a person could be! Up until two weeks before my due date, I didn't know the first thing about birth. I just assumed you went to the hospital when you were in labor and that was it! One day, a dear friend rubbed my huge belly and asked me "So, what's your birth plan?" My response: "What the heck is a birth plan?" After rolling her eyes and giving me a book to read ("Birth Reborn" by Dr. Michel Odent) a movie to watch ("The Business of Being Born"), and exploring all of my options; I decided that I wanted to have my baby at a local birth center, in the water, with a midwife. Never in my wildest dreams had I ever considered giving birth in that manner- ME, of all people! Granted this is not the best or most accessible choice for every family, but I do think for the vast majority of families, it's absolutely a potentiality to explore with enthusiasm.
As I laid there holding my newborn son, I felt an overwhelming sense of bliss, unconditional love, accomplishment and pure marvel. It was more amazing than I could have ever dreamed. And to think that it almost didn't happen! Talk about last minute planning.
Like Diana Korte and Roberta Scaer so wisely said: “If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any”. This course is simply an exercise in exploring your options. There is no "best" or "right" way to give birth; there is only you're way; a way that is authentic to you. You only get ONE opportunity to give birth to THIS baby; let's do everything we can to make it an event marked by joy, magic, authenticity... and love. What a great way to come into the world, eh?
Melynda Smith, CHBD, CHHC
"Hands down, best decision I’ve made this {second} pregnancy was attending Melynda’s childbirth classes. Even for a second-time mom the information in her class is absolutely priceless and has made me so confident about my home birth." - KRYSTLE HOARD
CURRICULUM
Unit 1: Introduction to Primal Birth
Understanding what PRIMAL BIRTH is… and what it isn’t
Remembering that mammalian birth is a safe, normal, natural, healthy, biological process that’s been perfected over millennia
Reframing intuitive, self directed, instinctive birth as the norm
Erasing fear, self doubt and limiting, outdated beliefs and replacing them with courage, confidence and trust
Creating a positive Birth Philosophy that’s based on fact; not fiction
Busting the Top Three Birth Myths (the ones that are holding you back from the birth you deserve!)
Unit 2: Prenatal Wellness- A Family Approach
Preparing your mind, body + soul for birth and baby; radical self care, meditation, prenatal yoga and authentic self discovery
Mamatoto: Seeing mother-baby as a single biological unit; their health is interrelated
Exploring your feelings about becoming a parent and bringing a baby into the world (whether for the first or fifth time)
Addressing all 7 dimensions of wellness: mental, emotional, spiritual, sexual, social, financial, physical…
Unit 3: Know Your Options
Understand the difference between Obstetricians and Midwives and why your choice of care provider is so vitally important
Choosing a healthcare model: Technocratic, Humanistic, Holistic or Quantum?
Explore different birth locations: home, hospital and birth center
Using your B.R.A.I.N.S.; a tried and true method for confidently making informed and educated decisions
Defining and receiving Evidence Based Care; understanding your legal rights and how to advocate for yourself
Learn about common medical interventions; terms to know
Unit 4: Anatomy, Physiology & The Holistic Stages of Labor
Learn about the exquisite, intelligent and perfect design of the pregnant human body
Birth as an ecstatic, enjoyable and altered state of consciousness
What exactly does my body "do" during labor and birth?
The ancestral hormonal blueprint of labor
Trusting your inner wisdom to guide you on your birth journey
What happens during the different stages of labor; what will it feel like, emotionally and physically?
The Golden Hour: Bonding with your amazing newborn right after birth
Unit 5: Comfort Measures & Relaxation Techniques for Labor
Understanding and avoiding the “Fear-Tension-Pain” cycle and how to turn it into “Enjoy-Accept-Relax”; busting the top 3 myths about labor pain
How to have a shorter, easier, more comfortable labor
How to reduce and even completely avoid pain/discomfort/stress
Massage, acupressure, postures, positions, movements, mantras and breathing techniques that calm and open body/mind
Creating a peaceful, serene environment that’s conducive to optimal birthing and bonding
Unit 6: Thriving As A New Parent (Postpartum)
Creating support systems and a postpartum plan that allows for optimal healing, bonding and rest
How to THRIVE (not just "survive") as a new parent
Physical and emotional changes
Attachment parenting; what babies want
Setting realistic expectations
Family integration
Postpartum Doulas
Unit #7: Breastfeeding as a Spiritual Practice
Divine nourishment; we'll explore the holistic advantages of nursing- to parents, baby and society
How breastfeeding works: anatomy and physiology of lactation
The breastfeeding lifestyle
Latching on and nursing positions
Pumping + storing breastmilk
"Melynda Smith is THE PERSON to sit with when cultivating your birth vision and diving into the world of primal, instinctual, honored birth. When I was pregnant with my second son, I took Melynda’s childbirth classes (this was my first natural birth), and received an endless amount of encouragement and a wellspring of knowledge that cannot be replaced by conventional childbirth education. Her heart is dedicated to walking families through their birth experience with love and courage." - JAMIE SATORI, FOUNDER, BORDERLESS BIRTH
Is this course right for me?
This course is perfect for you if you want to...
Bring your baby into the world in a safe, calm, gentle and loving way
Prepare your mind, body and soul for optimal birthing
Approach birth from a holistic and evidence based perspective
Learn about your full range of options so you can confidently make informed and educated medical decisions
Reduce your risk of medical complications and interventions (cesarean, episiotomy, induction etc.)
Build a birth plan and birth team that supports and advocates for your birth goals
Learn comfort measures and deep relaxation techniques to help you have a quicker, easier, more comfortable labor
Get the latest and best evidence based info on: water birth, midwives, doulas, natural birth, home birth, etc.
Learn how to separate fact from fiction and bust through myths + misinformation to know the truth about birth
Want your birth partner to be just as knowledgeable, prepared and confident as you are
Enjoy a convenient, self paced, 100% ONLINE childbirth course that you can access anytime, anywhere, from any device... even when you're in labor!
The Primal Birth Philosophy
THERE IS NO “RIGHT” OR “BEST” WAY TO GIVE BIRTH; there is only your way- a way that is authentic to you.
A WOMAN'S GENETIC CODE contains the wisdom and information she needs to give birth to her baby.
BIRTH CAN BE playful, sensual, spiritual, orgasmic, transcendent… if you want it to be.
LIKE ANY OTHER MAMMAL ON THIS PLANET humans can also give birth intuitively and instinctively.
THE HUMAN BODY HAS AN INNATE INTELLIGENCE and is efficiently, perfectly, divinely and specifically designed to give birth with minimal effort or assistance.
BIRTH PROCEEDS OPTIMALLY AND SAFEST when parents are educated, supported, trust their inner wisdom and choose a care provider that practices evidence based medicine.
THE EXPERIENCES OF PREGNANCY AND BIRTH affect the lifelong physical, emotional and mental health of both parents and children… and therefore, society.
CHILDBIRTH IS AN ORGANIC, NATURAL PROCESS perfected over millennia and is NOT inherently pathological or dysfunctional.
"The education my husband and I received from Melynda was empowering and amazing. She has taught us so much about natural birth and breastfeeding that we both feel so much more confident. She has a calm presence about her while giving you evidence based facts on natural birth. I would highly recommend Melynda to my friends and patients." - DR. SUZY MCGUFFIN
"Melynda was an excellent resource to anything and everything birth and baby related. My husband and I took the childbirth classes with her and I fully credit this education for allowing my labor and delivery to be quick and easy. I highly recommend Melynda as a Doula and especially as an educator for childbirth classes!" - JENNIFER BRINKSWORTH
What's Included?
UNLIMITED, LIFETIME, 24/7/365 ACCESS
to this course, it's contents, the bonuses and any future upgrades/additions (Priceless)
PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP
so you connect and communicate with other expecting parents taking this course ($197 value)
150+ PDF TOOLS
that are yours to download and print as many times as you like ($77 value)
7 INSPIRING MODULES
you and your partner can access from any device, at any time... even when you're in labor! ($500 value)
AN INCREDIBLE RESOURCES LIBRARY
access an encyclopedia of links, books and articles
YOUTUBE VIDEO GALLERY
every module is accompanied by a youtube video gallery that complements the content
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I be able to access the content?
You'll have lifetime, unlimited access to all 7 modules beginning August 1st, 2020.
How long will it take me to complete the course?
The total course content is around 15 hours in length. You could complete the course in two days or two months; the choice is yours. I personally recommend taking one module per week (there are 7 modules) so you'll have time to digest and apply the info. But, be forewarned- you might want to binge watch! :)
When is the best time to enroll in this course?
The sooner the better; there's no such thing as being "too prepared" for parenthood! Signing up in the first trimester is ideal; this course will teach you how to choose the care provider and birth location that's right for you, how to have a mindful, healthy pregnancy and many other important things that are best addressed early on. The earlier you take this course, the more confident, knowledgeable and prepared you'll feel.
I need a more flexible payment plan; can you create a custom payment option for me?
Yes. Simply email me at [email protected] letting me know what you can afford. No one will ever be denied access to this important information due to financial reasons.
How can I purchase this course as a gift for someone?
Send me an email at [email protected] and I will create a gorgeous gift certificate that you can send to the expecting parent.
What if I don't like the course?
If you’re not happy within the first 30 days, I will gladly refund your tuition. I've taught this content to over 1,500 happy parents and I know you'll love Primal Birth, too. With a risk free, 30 day guarantee, you can't go wrong.
Is this course for my partner, too?
Definitely! I created the Primal Birth Course so that your partner/ significant other thoroughly enjoys the content, too. This class is FUN, inspiring and confidence building for everyone.
I'm in my third trimester. Is it too late for me to enroll?
Nope. The only time it’s too late is if the baby's head is crowning. The course is designed for you to complete it as quickly or as slowly as you’d like. You can access the content even when you're in labor.
I'm having a home birth; is this course right for me?
Absolutely. This course will have you prepared for the best possible birthing journey, no matter what your birth plan, birth location or method of delivery is.
I'm having a hospital birth; is this course right for me?
Absolutely. This course will have you prepared for the best possible birthing journey, no matter what your birth plan, birth location or method of delivery is.
I'm planning a VBAC/HBAC; is this course right for me?
Heck yes! I've got a special bonus module just for you. This course will have you prepared for the best possible birthing journey, no matter what your birth plan, birth location or method of delivery is.
Hear what others are saying!
"Melynda is one of those rare people who you actually want to pay just to have access to her brain and all of the knowledge and information contained therein. Her compassion and non-judgment are solid and unwavering. We can flail around, asking our friends advice, or we can go to professionals/experts and find the answers and support we seek far more quickly. I highly recommend Melynda’s services to get you moving forward in the right direction!" - PATRICIA LARKIN
"Melynda is awesome! She taught my husband and I so much about birth, labor, relaxation and much more. Her calm demeanor and presence made me feel so comfortable sharing such an important time in my life with her. She was available whenever I needed her (and still is) ! Because of her, I had the confidence I needed to have the natural labor that I dreamt of! I highly suggest her for childbirth classes and Birth Doula services. Thank you, Melynda!" - KATIE PALAMARO
"Our delivery nurse just came in to say goodbye as we prep for discharge. She said she’s been doing this since 1998 and mine was her most impressive, favorite labor/delivery of all these years. I credited you and she said you were one of the best doulas she has ever seen. She said she was proud of me and I said I was proud of me too!!! Words fall short when trying to express the gratitude Marc and I have for you around helping us achieve our perfect birth. You guidance and info over the past 9 months. Your support in the final days of pregnancy. Your amazing assistance and presence throughout labor and delivery. ALL PHENOMENAL. We are in love and enchanted with Lucy Anne. Thank you so much for helping us welcome her earthside." - JULIE + MARC MONTEMERLO
"Melynda’s pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding classes are by far the BEST. She doesn’t skip a single detail and gives you the confidence and trust in your own body to successfully do what it was made to do." - CHRISTINE ROLAND
