Pregnancy and Childbirth
Register for an ONLINE Class
(Detailed class descriptions, below the scheduler.)
Giving Birth with Confidence (online only)
MONTHLY • 5.0 HOURS • $199
Preparing for birth does not guarantee that your labor will go smoothly, but it can certainly tip the odds in your favor. This single-session, six-hour childbirth classes are based on the idea that birth is a profound life event and that it offers opportunities for learning and growth. This class involves both education and exploration of feelings about pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Our One-Day Intensive is ideal for busy families who don't have time to take a longer class. This holistic class covers everything you need to know about labor and focuses on fostering confidence in your ability to give birth, the process of labor and birth, being part of decision making and building realistic expectations about your birth. We will discuss signs of labor, how to avoid an unnecessary C-section, explore options for pain relief, learn about optimal fetal positioning, relaxation techniques, and partner massage for labor.
Your Amazing Newborn (online only)
MONTHLY • 2.5 HOURS • $49
This class is offered to new parents and adoptive parents interested in learning important skills before the new baby arrives. We'll cover basic techniques to care for your newborn. The class will include a discussion of infant cues, sleep and feeding habits, the signs and symptoms of illness, newborn characteristics, infant milestones, bathing/hygiene, diapers/diapering, strategies for coping with crying and tips for adjusting to life with a new baby. This is a great class for first time parents. Our small group size allows for demonstration and practice, as well as a pace conducive to discussion of individual needs. Expectant mothers are encouraged to bring a support person – partner, mother, best friend, etc.
Coping with Fear & Pain in Labor (online only)
MONTHLY • 2 HOURS • $39
For most women, the pain of labor and delivery is one of the things that causes the most anxiety about having a baby. The less tense and afraid you are, the less painful your labor will be. While the experience of pain may be different between women, beginning with early contractions many mothers will face an unfamiliar, escalating physical experience of dilation, overwhelming exhaustion, and feelings of uncertainty. For many women it will be more than they expected. Decisions you make about pain relief measures can have a profound effect on your experience and memories of labor; procedures, medications, or restrictions that may become necessary for you or your baby; and your and your baby's well-being after the birth. For these reasons, you will want to explore your labor pain relief options well in advance and make informed choices. The class is designed to focus on three things can help you labor successfully without using medications: knowledge about what to expect, belief in yourself, and physical support and coaching during your labor. This is a class for pregnant women who would like to spend more time preparing for an un-medicated birth. Participants will have the opportunity to practice the comfort measures that can be used for labor. Come prepared to be active!
Eating for Two (online only)
MONTHLY • 2 HOURS • $49
It's true that when you're pregnant you really are eating for two, but one of you is very, very small! In reality, growing a new baby uses up only an extra 300 to 350 calories a day, which is roughly the number of calories in a bagel with cream cheese, two glasses of low-fat milk or an open-face PB&J sandwich. So you can see that you really don't need a whole lot of extra food for that tiny baby! Just a little extra will suffice. What you do need is quality foods, those that are high in nutrients. Eating healthy foods during pregnancy is not a diet – it's just a smart and easy way to be sure you and your baby are getting the vitamins and minerals you both need for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. This class will have you feeling confident about food choices you are making for yourself and your baby. We will learn how to integrate raw foods and ayurvedic eating into a busy house-hold. There will be plenty of time each week to address and find natural solutions for your individual concerns.
Preparing for Hospital Birth (online only)
MONTHLY • 1.5 HOURS • $49
It's nearly impossible to get a full understanding of standard protocols of labor and delivery until you're actually living it. Most hospitals in our area don't even give actual in-person tours anymore. Expectant families are directed to Youtube videos if they want to have a peek at the room in which their baby will be born. It's true that you can't control every aspect of labor and delivery. Although not every unsavory experience will happen to every mother, becoming informed ahead of time can reduce the shock factor. Instead of focusing on "the perfect birth," build your knowledge of different labor experience and decide how you'd want to deal with the various possibilities.
All About Doulas (online only)
QUARTERLY • 1.5 HOURS • FREE
A doula is trained birth professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and after childbirth. Quality labor support is an essential component for achieving a rewarding birth experience with many studies showing that women who feel secure during labor have shorter, easier and less complicated births with little to no medical intervention. Additionally, the profound life change of bringing home a new baby can be eased with the support, guidance, and care of an experienced person to help with the transition into parenthood. Working with a doula is an important personal decision. Many families have questions: Why do I need a doula? How do I find the right doula for me? What are some of the benefits of a doula’s assistance? Will a doula take over the role of my partner or family members? This course offers the opportunity to have those questions answered before making a decision about hiring a doula.
Creating a Birth Plan (online only)
QUARTERLY • 1 HOUR • FREE
A birth plan isn't required in order to have a good birth experience but having one is a great idea! A birth plan is essentially a set of guidelines for your baby's birth. It helps let your care provider and the staff at the hospital know what expectations and intentions you have for your birth. It can cover things like who you want with you during labor, what medical procedures you are comfortable with, if you want an epidural or narcotics for labor pain, and if there are special religious or cultural practices you want to have carried out once your baby is born. Creating a birth plan is a multi-part process. First you need to know everything that may happen at your birth. Second, you need information about different approaches to handle what happens. Third, you need to make decisions about your own preferences. And lastly, you need to have the tools to effectively communicate and express those preferences. Often just going through the exercise of organizing your thoughts on paper helps you work out the details of the birth you really want. This class is designed to help you create a personalized plan for your birth including what to expect when delivering at local hospitals and how to select an advocate to ensure your wishes are honored. We'll review various medical and surgical interventions and discuss the available options - and the possible risks - you need to know about to make informed decisions about your care. Finally we will weigh the advantages and disadvantages of difference decisions involved in childbirth and talk about how to facilitate collaborative decision making between you and your care provider.
Breastfeeding Basics (online only)
MONTHLY • 2 HOURS • $49
Breastfeeding is a natural, but also a learned art that takes time and patience. This 2.5 hour class is designed to support and educate expectant Moms and their partners about the benefits of breastfeeding, and give women the tools they need to successfully begin nursing their newborn. The course includes discussion of:
- the health benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby
- basic anatomy and physiology of the breast
- care of the nursing Mom
- how to read baby’s cues
- how to initiate breastfeeding
- correct positioning and latch
- tips for problem solving
- bonding with your baby
- successfully locating community resources
Taught by our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and Certified Breastfeeding Educators, this class addresses common questions and/or concerns. We’ll explore all the benefits of breastfeeding for you — and your baby. Learn what to expect during the first few weeks of establishing a happy and healthy breastfeeding relationship with your baby, and much more!
Cloth Diapering 101 (online only)
QUARTERLY • 2 HOURS • $29
Have you considered using cloth diapers? Are you sure you want to use cloth but are confused by all the options? Do you want to know more about washing and using cloth diapers? This workshop is for you! We’ll discuss the benefits of using cloth diapers, washing your own diapers & using a diaper service. Then we’ll show you the different cloth diaper products and how to use each. If you decide to buy cloth diapers, we’ll help you come up with a system to match your budget. This workshop is a great tool to help you wade through the options. This workshop presents an overview of cloth diapers, and is best to take before baby comes.
Myths & Facts about Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) (online only)
QUARTERLY • 1 HOUR • $49
Vaginal birth is the normal biological consequence of pregnancy, whether or not the mother has a prior cesarean. For mothers who have been through a Cesarean, this class discusses the risks of vaginal birth after cesarean and elective repeat cesarean. It is a wonderful place to share your feelings, heal, and discover what your options are should you want to have a VBAC and find out how to get the support you need. will be discussed. This class is designed so that you can make the healthiest choice possible for you and your baby.