Karen Schwendler is a certified natural birthing instructor who is teaching classes through her new business, Birthing Without Boundaries.

The classes take place at the New London Outing Club in New London, NH. The 12-week course is offered once a week in the evening for two hours. Women in their third trimester and their partners or birthing coaches are encouraged to attend. Classes are small, with two to six couples.

Classes cover pregnancy and birth, nutrition, exercises, relaxation techniques, breathing, and visualization. The postpartum period and the realities of caring for a newborn are also stressed. Coaches and partners are made aware of their roles in recognizing and pinpointing stress.

After having two children by natural childbirth, Schwendler became interested in birthing stories. “I began to feel that education would really help couples to gain more confidence and be able to have optimal birthing experiences,” she said. “I stress drug-free vaginal births, and the classes also cover the medical procedures that may be elective or necessary.”

Classes for Birthing Without Boundaries are held at the New London Outing Club located at 114 Cougar Court, New London, NH 03257. Karen Schwendler’s telephone number is 603.748.1563. The New London Outing Club’s telephone number is 603.526.8321; ask for Chelsea Gill. The e-mail address is karen@birthingwithoutboundaries.com. The Web sites are www.birthingwithoutboundaries.com and www.theoutingclub.net.

— Linda Himadi