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- What are classes like?
- Why natural
childbirth?
- Why should I take a class?
Doesn't my body already know how to give birth naturally?
- How much do classes cost
and how do I sign up?
- When
should I start?
- How long
are classes?
- What will
we learn in class?
- What if my partner cannot
attend every (or any) class?
- What If I don't have a partner?
- Is it possible to join a
series that started already?
- Are there any books I should
read before I start?
- What are classes like?
This is a complete course in childbirth education. We view
birth as a normal process and classes emphasize preparing
for the goal of an unmedicated birth, training partners
how to help and support mom during pregnancy, labor and
postpartum, relaxation and natural breathing as a form of
pain management, understanding choices and making informed
decisions, and being prepared for unexpected situations
and complications. Classes are small, usually 4-6 couples.
They are designed to be FUN and include a mixture of lecture,
activities, discussion, practice and videos. We are very
excited to work with all types of families and welcome diversity.
- Why natural childbirth?
Natural childbirth is an important goal since most people
want to give their babies every possible advantage in life.
The kind of pregnancy, labor, and birth our children experience
has a profound and lifelong effect on their health, including
their mental, emotional, and physical health. We believe
that in most situations, natural childbirth is best for
mom, best for baby, and best for the family.
- Why
should I take a class? Doesn't my body already know how
to give birth naturally?
Yes, it absolutely does. Your body was
made to give birth, but truly understanding what is happening
and knowing how to work with your body is the key! This
helps to reduce any fear about the birthing process, eliminates
unnecessary pain and interventions, and can shorten the
length of time you will be in labor. Knowledge is power
and never will there be a more important time for a woman
to acknowledge and own her power then when she is giving
birth to her baby!
Classes are also important because mom and partner are get
the same information at the same time. Communication about
birth becomes easier. It's also great to meet and interact
with other couples also planning a natural birth.
- How much do classes cost and how
do I sign up?
The cost of the series is $290 per couple; this covers all
10 weeks of instruction, the student workbook and some additional
materials. There is a $50 deposit as a materials fee and
to hold your place in class. Then $120 is due at the beginning
of class 1 and the remaining $120 is due by class 5. To
sign up, contact me to make sure space is available, then
simply pay your deposit and fill out your registration form
found on my schedule page.
- When should I start?
An ideal time to begin is in your 24-27th week of pregnancy;
however this is not always possible. Some people prefer
to take the class earlier on in their pregnancy so they
have the information sooner. Others prefer to take the classes
closer to the end of their pregnancy so it's fresher in
their minds during labor. It's entirely up to you. I often
have students sign up who are due before the class ends;
this is fine and when this happens I always try my best
to work with students to make sure they receive all the
materials that they might miss from the last few classes.
- How long are classes?
Classes are once a week for 12 weeks. Each class class lasts
2.5 hours so it's 30 hours of instruction all together.
- What will we learn in class?
Classes cover staying healthy & low risk, preparing
for a natural (unmedicated) birth and what you can do to
improve your likelihood of getting the birth you want. We
discuss normal labor, variations of labor including complications
& unexpected situations, informed decision making, comfort
measures and relaxation techniques, postpartum care for
mom, breastfeeding and newborn care. We help the partner
prepare for the role of support person during pregnancy,
birth and postpartum. We do lots of practice in class so
you can be confident during your labor.
- What if my partner cannot attend
every (or any) class?
Whenever possible it’s best if your partner can attend
every class with you; however, we understand this is not
always possible. If you or your partner cannot attend a
particular class, we encourage the other person to attend
class and bring the information home. If your partner cannot
attend due to scheduling conflicts, you are also welcome
to bring another labor support person who will be present
at your birth.
- What If I don't have a partner?
Single moms are welcome! You can bring a friend or family
member with you (ideally someone who will attend your birth)
if you want to but it's not required.
- Is it possible to join a series
that started already?
I encourage students to attend the full series. If the next
series does not fit into your schedule, it is possible to
join a class already in session if space is available.
- Are there any books I should read
before I start?
I do not require students to read any additional books outside
of the student workbook; however, these books can be very
helpful:
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon
Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering by Sarah Buckley
Creating Your Birth Plan by Marsden Wagner
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
Birthing from Within by Pam England
The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by
Henci Goer
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League
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