Description

Join us on the shores of Coeur d’Alene, North Idaho, for a weekend of comprehensive GentleBirth™ education, Comforting Touch for Birth massage, and Dancing for Birth™ class. Stay in the historic and beautiful Blackwell Hotel, or stay off-site and join us for workshops, sessions, and classes.

The Blackwell is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of our treasured city. Situated in downtown Coeur d’Alene on charming Sherman Avenue, The Blackwell Boutique Hotel’s location provides our guests with easy access to several activities and adventures. The Birth Retreat is uniquely designed to allow the perfect balance of structured time for education and preparation, as well as free time to explore, relax, and connect. Plan to arrive in Coeur d’Alene early on Friday and stay later on Sunday to enjoy more of what this beautiful area has to offer. Located only ¼ mile from Coeur d’Alene Lake, The Blackwell Boutique Hotel is just steps from scenic beaches, boardwalks, walking paths, trails and wooded bike paths. Explore the popular Tubbs Hill hiking trail and Centennial Trail or experience breathtaking views just blocks from this historic property. On-site guests will experience genuine warmth and care in their appointed suites and a delicious breakfast prepared fresh each morning. This venue has been thoughtfully crafted to make each of our guests feel comfortable and welcomed, making the Birth Retreat a memorable experience.

* Nutritious snacks and refreshments are included. No lunch or dinner served or provided. There will be time allowed for meals off-site in the vibrant culinary scene of Coeur d’Alene. The Blackwell Boutique Hotel serves as an ideal base for exploring the area’s diverse restaurants, many within walking distance from the hotel.

Together you’ll learn comfort measures for birth, positions for labor, coping techniques, guided movements, meditation and mindfulness, self-hypnosis for deep relaxation, newborn care, preparation for a peaceful postpartum, breastfeeding guidance, and more. Practice and role play for birth, so when the time comes you’ll be ready, confident, capable and your own best advocate. Additional guest teachers will join us for lactation and infant feeding, newborn care, and further guidance.

Reserve this special time and space to prepare for birth and parenthood together as a couple, along with other parents-to-be. The Birth Retreat will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed, more confident and prepared, and in control for your positive GentleBirth™ experience.

When is the next Birth Retreat?

• 4pm Friday, April 25, 2025 – 3pm Sunday, April 27, 2025

Who is the Birth Retreat for?

• The Spring Birth Retreat is best for Summer and early Fall 2025 due dates
• Expecting couples; partners are encouraged and welcomed
• Single mother with a support person
• First time births and those birthing again

What to expect at the Birth Retreat:

• Opening ceremonial Birth Circle for setting intentions, creating a sacred and protected space for learning and bonding
• Comprehensive GentleBirth™ childbirth preparation workshop to prepare for late pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum
• Interactive and informative GentleBirth™ workbook
• Dancing for Birth™ class teaching an evidence-based childbirth method based on the principles of movement, gravity, and instinct, decreasing labor pain, increasing birth satisfaction, and improving outcomes
• Spinning Babies™ friendly daily activities to lengthen muscles and increase range of motion in your pregnant body to make space for baby’s best birth position
• Comforting Touch for Birth massage, partner training, and couple connection
• Mindful movements, guided meditation, and optional self-hypnosis for deep relaxation
• Positions for labor, comfort measures, and coping techniques
• Peaceful Postpartum session, including lactation and newborn care
• Deep work in preparing for birth and parenthood together
• Connection with other couples that are on the same journey
• Closing ceremonial Birth Circle to end our Birth Retreat symbolizing closure and a return back to our normal routines 

Why attend this Birth Retreat?

• Get away from everyday life and immerse yourselves in learning, refreshment, and connection.
• Learn from a local birth doula Shannon Smith, certified GentleBirth™ childbirth educator, Dancing for Birth™ certified instructor, Comforting Touch for Birth massage guide, Spinning Babies™ enthusiast, mother of six, grandmother of seven, with over 33 years of motherhood experience. At this Birth Retreat, you’ll receive a comprehensive education on labor and birth, gain confidence, and learn ways for focusing your mindset using mindfulness, meditation and self-hypnosis techniques.
• Experience in-person and hands-on training for birth.
• Partners will learn ways to connect, support, and comfort with confidence. This is the ideal way to be your own best advocate!
• Meet other couples that are on the same journey, make new friendships, share stories, and learn from each other.
• Take the opportunity to deepen your connection and intimacy with your partner as you both prepare to welcome a new addition to your family. Spend quality time together and disconnect from the everyday routine.
• Explore the beautiful Coeur d’Alene Lake area and Downtown CDA. There’s a reason they call this town the “Resort Town”!
• Spend time in nature by the tranquil lake, intentionally grounding yourself to prepare for the labor of love ahead of you. The fresh mountain air will help you to relax, renew, and recharge as you nurture your body, mind and spirit.
• Take away the confidence of being well prepared for your Positive Birth Experience!

Birth Retreat with on-site overnight accommodations at The Blackwell Hotel for Friday and Saturday nights $2500 per couple

Birth Retreat programming only, no overnight accommodations $1900 per couple

* Half due at reservation; Balance due by April 1, 2025