Neurobehavioral Effects of Prenatal Mindfulness Training on Maternal Presence and Compassionate Love

MBCP is an adaptation of MBSR that incorporates both standard mindfulness practices (body scan, sitting meditation, mindful movement) and preparation for mindful birthing and parenting an infant. The class is taught by experienced midwives or social workers who have completed MBCP training requirements, which include ongoing cultivation of a personal mindfulness practice as well as education and supervision specific to the MBCP program. See Bardacke (2012) for further description of the MBCP curriculum.

Other childbirth preparation classes available either in-person in the local community or online that do not involve formal mindfulness training will serve as the comparator condition.