Be curious…

People all over the world learn about birth- by growing up watching babies being born, by hearing stories about birth, and by taking classes that teach about the amazingness of all that birth entails.

The goal of childbirth education is to help familiarize you with the processes that unfold during your labor and birth.  You will learn what is involved with birthing at your chosen place- hospital, birth center or home.  You will develop relaxation tools for mind and body that will help you to cope with the work of labor.  As well, a childbirth class will encourage conversation and understanding between you and your labor support partner, where you can unpack fears you each may have, as well as highlight skills you possess between the two of you.  This will help develop your confidence in yourself and in one another.

Information you learn regarding choices and interventions during labor and birth will help you to identify questions for your midwife or doctor, and ultimately lead to creating a vision of your priorities and wishes, which can be articulated in a flexible birth ‘plan’.  Sharing your priorities with everyone in your care team will facilitate the communication and support that you need to birth with as much ease, intimacy and confidence as possible. 

Use your pregnancy to prepare for birth and becoming a family…

Childbirth classes are an opportunity to learn about your changing body and develop movement practices that both enhance your comfort now and prepare you for your birth and recovery.  Additionally, pregnancy is a wonderful time to develop new skills for mindful relaxation- to learn to use your breath as your anchor- whether you are dealing with a labor wave or an emotional wave. 

Childbirth classes can also help you identify what good support looks like to you during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum recovery.  During this transformative time, you want people who can help you navigate the ups and downs of such a momentous experience.  You want people you can learn from and lean on, and who will encourage you to figure out what makes sense for you and your family.  This includes your care providers, family, friends and professional support.  Thoughtful care that is attuned to your needs is what lays the foundation for a healthy, satisfying and whole birthing experience.    

Class topics include:

·         Anatomy and physiology of labor and birth

·      Integrating good alignment, movement and helpful exercises

·         Hormones as mind/body messengers and how to enhance their role

·         Supporting a laboring woman through the stages

·         Understanding medical interventions and using them wisely

·         Newborns and the transition to life outside the womb

·         Postpartum self-care and life as a family in the early days

Classes are available in two formats:

·      Private hybrid classes include three virtual sessions and one in-person session ($425)

·      Group classes at The Birth Coop (see the current schedule at www.birthcoop.com)