In these classes, expectant parents will learn:

• How to take the fear out of birth
• The anatomy and physiology of normal birth
• Variations on normal labor, and how to respond to them
• The emotional roadmap of the birth experience
• Comfort measures for labor and birth including coping tools and strategies, deep abdominal breathing and relaxation techniques
• Risks and benefits of common interventions and how to avoid needing them
• How to communicate with your caregiver to get the type of birth that you desire
• How to write a birth plan
• How Dad can thrive in his role in supporting Mom and what he can do

The cost for the 4 week series is $95 and includes an informational book about childbirth.   We will be using Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin as our textbook.  This book may be purchased through Amazon or borrowed from your local library and is required for all students.

Private classes are available at a cost of $150.

All classes are taught by Heather Shelley, certified Lamaze instructor at our partner location, Mothering Your Way. To register, please visit the Event Registration or Events Calendar at Mothering Your Way.

More About the Classes

We understand that it takes courage and confidence to plan for a natural birth, and we also know it can be one of the most miraculous and joyful experiences of your life!

The myriad of choices surrounding pregnancy and childbirth can seem overwhelming at times, but we believe in the simple truth that knowledge is power. Our goal is to empower expectant parents to make informed choices.

The first three classes in our series focus almost entirely on the natural process of childbirth. You will learn the physiological and emotional progression of labor. We discuss common fears and concerns and learn tools for dealing with anxiety and the perception of pain. Our students learn and practice proven comfort measures and natural pain management techniques. In addition, we encourage husbands and partners to participate in the birthing process at their full level of comfort.

The last class in our series specifically covers birth in a hospital, including a study of common medical interventions and their risks, how to effectively communicate with hospital staff, a discussion of what it means to provide “informed consent”, and basic patient rights.

We understand that every couple is unique, and we take great pride in respecting and fully supporting all our clients’ choices. We offer education and support to couples seeking a low-intervention hospital birth or childbirth in a birthing center and at home. A key part of our practice, however, is supporting and empowering those who seek the more fully natural, intimate experience of a truly natural birth.

Our conviction is that, when armed with a thorough knowledge and compassionate understanding of childbirth, most women and their partners will find the confidence they need to experience this amazing process in the most natural setting possible.

• Breastfeeding
• Pumping Milk and Returning To Work
• Newborn care and the Fourth Trimester: How to get your baby to settle down and stop crying
• Birth plans and Effective Communication With Your Care Provider
• Infant Massage
• Father’s Class
• Nutrition and Early Pregnancy
• Choices in Childbirth
• Cloth Diaper Making

Please contact us for more information on these class offerings.