Testimonials from some of the expectant parents who have attended the workshop ...
"Patti has a great ability to explain both sides very neutrally." Lance
"This workshop gave us the ability to really open up with each other as we experienced the "journey". Patti is so soft and non-judgemental." Amy L
"The bonding experience I had with my husband and the way we cried together was amazing! I was able to be vulnerable which does not come easy for me. We appreciated Patti's ability to communicate, her openess, kindness, warmth and genuine interest in us and our babies." Amy G.
"Patti goes with the flow but is still very organized, compassionate and uses teaching moments effectively. We loved the ice labor process." Jennifer
"What we liked best about the workshop? ... All of it! Patti and Tonya gave us such loving guidance, spirit, knowledge, smiles, incredible attitudes and gentleness! A BIG thanks!" Amalia
"The workshop gave me a better perspective of what to expect with labor. You are very knowledgeable and very caring." Tina
"You are so good at creating interaction between the group and each individual couple!" Christina
"She was great at everything! She's the bomb!" Charles
"My wife and I worked closely together throughout the weekend. Patti has an incredibly genuine, knowledgeable and caring way of presenting the information." Dave
"It was LOVE based, not knowledge based. (not to say knowledge was not learned!) Patti, you put yourself aside and cared about US. God bless you." Ryan
"I loved the DANCING, MUSIC, ICE, COMMUNICATING, HUGS and closeness with my partner!!" Melanie
"Patti is so gentle, energetic, caring and thorough." Karen
"The Ice Journey was very enlightening. Patti is passionate about what she does - conveying the true birth experience." Bob
"Everything was perfect. Loved the ice journey! Great stuff!" Jake
"Her presentation was humanistic, holisitic, warm, welcoming, honest, laid back, open, compassionate and her voice is so soothing. She is so dedicated!" Michelle
"The best part was our bonding time and learning that sometimes nothing is something. Could you drill a hole in my head and pour it all in?" Thomas
"I could study every book about birth and I would only get half of what I got out of this experience. Thank you!" Sean
"She helped me put myself in my wife's shoes and to not just stay in my shell. Thanks for enlightening me. I am now looking forward to the birth! and to the baby!" Brian
"The class was not just a lecture, it was an EXPERIENCE! There was a variety of depth of information. Tonya's role playing was great. The class went way beyond my expectations. Thank you for your empathy, knowledge and compassion." Jennifer
"Patti gives useful advice and strategies for coping with childbirth. She provides a variety of options without promoting one as the best." Ed
"It was romantic and very informative! Everything was great!" Carla
"Loved the videos, discussions, different techniques, even Tonya's acting! Patti is so fun, energetic, and caring for our experience." Wendy
"The ice exercise was amazing.
You are so compassionate, wise, have a wonderful ability to integrate multi-sensory experiences (which is what birth is!). You have a wonderful ability to stay grounded. Thank you Patti" Sharon
"You really have an ability to get the men involved and to help our wives see it from our perspective and for us to see theirs. It was a valuable weekend for us. Thanks!" Michael
"I had such an amazing bonding experience with my husband. I just loved getting all the options, choices and techniques. Patti is sensitive, gentle, flexible, open, willing and awesome!. I just loved it all." Pattie
"In spite of the seriousness of the topic - you made the learning experience fun. I appreciate your great sense of humor. I will highly recommend this class." Charles
"After experiencing the labor simulation, I feel MORE than ready! Thank you Patti." Mark
"I didn't expect to leave a childbirth class feeling more in love with my wife. This class went way beyond my expectations. An unforgettable 2 days!!" Jim
"We arrived scared. We left feeling at peace and with many new friends." Jo
"Wow! What a journey! Thank you!" Gail
"This was one of my life's BEST experiences!" Angela
"I was glad to see that she teaches a healthy birth class celebration." Denise
"Patti has a calm, yet powerful energy.
She maintains a kind, gentle control.
The IceJourney brought my husband
and me so close together." Ann
"I feel so encouraged and less fearful.
My wife and I are much more in
tune with one another. My only complaint - wish it was a longer class!" Josh
"Because I am a family therapist, I have attended many training workshops throughout my profession. Never have I personally experienced anything as moving and profoundly positive as Patti's "Ice Journey".
All expectant parents should be REQUIRED
to attend this workshop. " Gary
An Ice Journey to self discovery!
Guest speaker and new mama Megan ~ sharing her birth story
*If you are not located in the Seattle or Tacoma area and would like to make arrangements for Patti to bring this unique, unforgettable workshop to your area contact her at birthpreparation@aol.com.
The "Ice Journey" can be offered as childbirth preparation for expectant parents or as a training workshop for childbirth educators, doulas, nurses, midwives and physicians.
Child pose labor position and counter pressure
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away. - author unknown
"Patti..... What more is there to say except, THANK YOU AND WE LOVE YOU!!!! Ricci and I were completely drawn in to your teachings and "Ramos" techniques :) Your class was a breathtaking experience for both of us and has given us the utmost confidence in our entire laboring experience. The words are hard to find that sufficiently describe what an uplifting, enlightening, all-over-wonderful adventure you put in front of your pregnant couples.....It is most definitely a journey! We made some new memories and new friends for sure!!! Ricci and I were saying how we can't wait to get pregnant AGAIN, just to come back to see you and partake in the Childbirth Preparation Workshop over and over.
You have a very special gift Patti, and a truly wonderful heart.....thanks again and God Bless You!!!!"
All our Love,
Ricci and Selina
(and our bundle of joy, Lynae Alexis)!!!
9-21-05 "I have been trying to find the words for weeks that come close to describing what a profound impact you have made in our lives! Today is our 3 year anniversary and I just pulled up the birth prep page…that is playing our wedding song, "Breathe"! I am in tears remembering what an amazing weekend we had with you! It was definitely the best thing we have ever done in our 4 years of being together and I am more in love with my husband today than I ever have been. You have an amazing ability to pull such deep emotion out in people and I am so glad we have you as our doula for our upcoming birth. I was confident in my ability to birth my baby before the workshop but now I feel like I can do anything with my husband by my side. And with you acting as a supportive, reassuring, calm guide for us I know this baby will be born with strength and confidence and love. You made us feel so connected and powerful, yet so vulnerable to each others presence. Your class was truly an unbelievable experience that I wish could be experienced by everyone. Not only did I fall in love with my husband all over again but we are still riding this wave of energy and it has been almost 3 weeks! I just can’t thank you enough for your endless dedication and love!"
Sincerely…Katy, RN (delivered a baby girl on 10-20-05)
9-16-05 "This weekend was the perfect mix of factual information, hands-on techniques, experiential preparation and relationship building. As a second time mom, I had taken birthing classes before and was looking for something more than just a review of comfort techniques. The intense "Ice Journey" allowed me to work through issues remaining from my first birth, and to prepare my husband and I as a couple for the birth to come. We found it immensely empowering and the springboard for much further discussion and reflection. The weekend as a whole gave us a rare opportunity to focus on the foundation of our family and our relationship. Patti is a highly skilled group facilitator and it was wonderful to share this journey with her and the other couples in the class."
Karen
9-16-05 "As a physician and second time father, I was skeptical about our need for another birth preparation class. However, the Birth Preparation Workshop ended up being one of the most valuable classes I have ever attended. I have never seen or heard of anything as effective as the "Ice Journey" at allowing a father to experience some of the emotions of birth. I was deeply touched by this and feel that it made me a much more effective birth partner and perhaps even a better doctor. Patti's presentation of factual information and specific techniques were also very cogent and effective. I highly recommend this class." Andy B., MD
01-08-06 "In a purely practical sense, this workshop was a much needed opportunity for us to sit down and really focus on the baby. We would have never made the time to do this on our own - committing to the class set the stage, and Patti did an amazing job of drawing out our questions, as well as reinforcing our strengths as a couple and giving us a much needed confidence boost!
The way we felt after the weekend was pretty indescribable (other than exhausted!). We got so many useful tools - instead of feeling nervous at the completion of the workshop, we felt comforted and confident that we are well equipped for what is to come.
The learning aspect was particularly useful for Dave. He enjoyed Patti's teaching methods, and said it was enjoyable to just sit back and soak up all the information. We appreciated things being presented from several perspectives, which gave us the opportunity to come to our own conclusions.
There was never a point where either of us looked at the clock and wished the class was over. Time flew, and it was all well spent. Patti's natural ease with people and vast experience make her an ideal instructor. She was informative without being preachy or overbearing. Her sense of humor made the tough subjects easier to deal with, and the "embarrassing" questions easier to ask. I imagine we all benefited from Patti's son being a class participant, becuase the class just felt like it was an incredibly personal and meaningful experience - for us of course, but also for her. I suspect she is always very accessible and caring, but we did feel very fortunate to be a part of the group we were in.
One specific item that Patti did (that we particularly appreciated) was generate excitement about the baby. There is so much to consider from a purely medical perspective - it is easy to lose sight of the amazing gift at the end. Patti did a great job of keeping that aspect in sight throughout the course.
The hardest part is describing it to other people. We each discovered that we wanted to share how amazing the experience was, but had trouble putting it into words. The important thing is we agreed with each other on how special it was, and even if we can't feel that connected every day, we are comforted knowing that we'll be strong (together) when we need it. We would love to serve as a reference any time!" ~ Anne and Dave
"The concepts we learned in the Birth Preparation Workshop were extremely helpful in getting me
through labor. The"Ice Journey" really does, in an inexplicable way, mirror the labor process"
~ Michelle (new mother)
3-17-06 - "Hi Patti! Don’t worry…we don’t need your services again yet! I just have been thinking about you a lot and wondering how you are doing? My sweet little girl is growing up faster than ever! She is almost 5 months old and is sitting and squealing and is just downright amazing! I still replay my magical birth over and over in my head and I can’t imagine going through it all without your support and guidance.
Thinking about the entire journey brings tears to my eyes. It is such a miracle!!!
We are doing so wonderfully and are so happy! I hope all is well in your life too! " Take care and lots of love… Katy
"Patti ~ We had the most beautiful birth that was completely perfect for our family. Thank you for helping us to prepare and to find each other. I came into your class excited to see you again, but also wondering how much I'd gain from attending the workshop a 2nd time. While we somewhat knew what to expect, our journey was completely unique. Spencer and I were given the opportunity to reconnect, leaving a busy life behind for the weekend with 2 young kids at home. We reunited through music, words, empathy, compassion, touch, trust, sharing and written words. Our lips touched more in those 2 days than they had in months and my belly rubs were a wonderful treat, something I don't typically get at home. I left the weekend with confidence, courage, strength and trust in myself, my husband, my kids and my family ... though I always love those people, there are times when I lose focus and trust. Thank you for helping me to find this safe place again that I call home. I would be lost without them! I came to class doubting everything and confused as to why I would feel this way the third time around. You asked me "Is it possible that you may be more prepared and ready than you feel you are?" It wasn't until Piper's birth that I realized you were right all along. I was ready, I was confident, I was loved, I was strong, I was a woman who knew deep within that I had surrounded myself with everything I could possibly need to succeed. Thank you for your love, respect and tenderness!" ~ Tara
Spencer and Tara
Tara's classmates
Dear Patti,
Fergus and I both want to extend to you our utmost gratitude and appreciation for all of the experiences and information you brought to us this weekend! We had a unique and loving experience
