Unlock the Power of Movement in Labor with INSPIRE

Angela Jenks
Feb 18
3 min read

If you’re preparing for birth in Livonia, Ann Arbor, Detroit, or anywhere in Southeast Michigan, one of the most overlooked tools you have is your own body. Movement isn’t just a comfort tool — it helps labor progress, reduces interventions, and gives your baby the space to navigate birth. This light-hearted and fun experience helps you feel strong, empowered, and confident.

That’s exactly why I created the Movement in Birth Workshop:

birth works better when in motion!

Why Movement Matters

Birth is dynamic. Your body is designed to open, shift, and respond as your baby moves through the pelvis. Evidence shows that:

Upright positions can shorten the first stage of labor by an average of 1–2 hours.
Movement and freedom to change positions can increase the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth by 9–12%.
Continuous support with positioning strategies is linked to lower rates of cesarean delivery (up to 25% reduction) and less need for pain medication.

Families who prepare with movement strategies often report feeling more in control — because movement isn’t just physical, it’s empowering!

What We Cover in the Movement in Birth Workshop

The workshop is hands-on and interactive. You’ll learn:

Evidence-Based Positions – rocking, swaying, lunging, side-lying, supported squats, and more. Each movement is backed by research on how the pelvis works and how babies move through it.
Prenatal Preparation Techniques – simple exercises during pregnancy that set your pelvis, hips, and core for smoother labor.
Partner Support Strategies – learn how your partner or support person can help you safely and effectively move through labor.
Hospital & Birth Center Navigation – real-life tips for using movement even when monitoring or interventions are in place.
Confidence and Advocacy Tools – understanding your options, your body, and your voice in collaboration with your care team.
A Special Section for WHEN PLANS CHANGE - this elaborates on movement within a bed or confined space and opens the discussion for additional concerns during labor.

By the end, families walk away with practical skills, knowledge, and confidence, not just a page of notes. Although! You do have take-home exercises!

Testimonies from Movement in Birth Families

“I had no idea how much movement could change my labor experience. Using what I learned in the workshop, I was able to find positions that helped me stay calm and make progress. I felt so empowered — it changed everything.”– Jessica, Livonia, MI

“The exercises we practiced in the Movement in Birth Workshop made my second labor feel completely different. I was upright, mobile, and engaged the whole time. My nurse even commented on how smoothly my labor was going!”– Maria, Novi, MI

“Not only did I learn positions, but I learned why they work. Understanding my body and how to move with my baby gave me confidence and peace during birth. I can’t recommend this workshop enough for families in Southeast Michigan.”– Katherine, Ann Arbor, MI

Why This Workshop Makes a Difference

Labor is unpredictable. But preparation — physical, emotional, and educational — changes your experience.

You leave knowing exactly how to use movement to help labor progress naturally.
You gain tools for comfort and alignment, reducing stress on your body.
You build confidence in advocating for yourself and your baby, no matter the setting.

In hospitals, families often feel constrained by protocols or monitoring. The Movement in Birth Workshop equips you to move wisely and safely within those boundaries, creating a smoother, more empowered birth. This workshop supports other childbirth education methods by building on the foundation already laid.

Join Us

The Movement in Birth revolution! Workshops are offered regularly for your convenience. Whether this is your first birth or your second (or third), learning how to move with intention, align your body, and work with your care team will make a profound difference in your labor experience.

Take the step. Give yourself the gift of preparation and empowerment.

Reserve Your Spot in the Movement in Birth Workshop. Workshops are typically offered on the first Tuesday of each month from 7-9pm at the Inspire Studio in Livonia, Michigan.

Click here to register.