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Shining Light

Building empowerment, self-confidence and connection through candid education and compassionate advocacy for all families before, during and after pregnancy.

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The Great Transitions, Birth and Death

February 3, 2014 By Deena Leave a Comment

As I write this, my maternal grandmother lies in hospice care, her life-support removed a morphine drip in place. (edit: She passed away last night) Both birth and death are the great transitions in life. When death is lingering, the family gathers at the bedside and holds vigil. They wait, hope, pray, eat, doze-off, and […]

Filed Under: Into the Light, Main Blog Page Tagged With: Birth, Childbirth, Death, Family, Grandmother, Mother, support

The Fifth “P” of Birth – The Partner

October 28, 2013 By Deena 1 Comment

Ages ago, I wrote a blog post on the 4 P’s of Birth. While explaining this concept in my most recent Confident Birthing class; one of the dads, piped up “Hey, what about the most important “P”? – Partner!” I have to say, I love him for this. He’s right, ladies. Our partners do more […]

Filed Under: Featured Home Page, Into the Light, Main Blog Page Tagged With: Birth, C-section, Dad, Emotional State, Fathers, Labor, Partner, Pittsburgh, support

A story of miscarriage, loss and recovery

September 9, 2013 By Deena Leave a Comment

This is written by our Dancing for Birth instructor, Ellen Huffmyer. She is a doula, childbirth educator, mom and a friend of mine. Here, she shares her story of miscarriage and loss. This is an important subject that often lives in the shadows of our hearts. Ellen is brave in her openness to share her […]

Filed Under: Into the Light, Main Blog Page Tagged With: Baby, Birth, Coping Skills, depression, Emotional State, Expectations, Labor, miscarriage, Pittsburgh, Pregnancy, Pregnant, support

Postpartum Depression Presentation by Brittany Edge, MA on September 28

August 22, 2012 By Deena Leave a Comment

Friday, September 28 7:00 – 8:30 pm Free  Here, at the Center. Organized and Facilitated by Heart and Hands Doula Services, which has been providing support to Pgh area women before, during and after birth since 1995.    Hosted by Shining Light Prenatal Education. Brittany Edge, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Area Coordinator for Postpartum Support International […]

Filed Under: Into the Light, Main Blog Page Tagged With: Childbirth, Doula, Emotional State, Pittsburgh, Postpartum Depression, Pregnancy, Pregnant, support, The Center, Traumatic Birth

Tuesday Inspirations #6

July 10, 2012 By Deena Leave a Comment

“The best labor support will protect a woman’s privacy and insure that she is not disturbed so that she can tap into her inner wisdom and dig deep to find the strength she needs to give birth.” ~ Judith Lothian

Filed Under: Inspirations, Main Blog Page Tagged With: Birth, Childbirth, Doula, Fathers, Homebirth, Inspirational Pregnancy and Birth Quotes, Labor, Mothers, Pittsburgh, support

About Shining Light

Building empowerment, self-confidence and connection through candid education and compassionate advocacy for all families before, during and after pregnancy since 2012.

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