ONGOING COURSES AVAILABLE:
Childbirth Education Course Available!
Ask for your personalized course, in the comforts of your home!
Would you like a course that was designed specifically for you? How about the choice to pick the topics that you want to hear more about? Do you have a pregnant friend or couple who would like to take the course with you?
For your Personalized
Childbirth Education Course, please contact me.
What is the cost?
$95 for an 8 hour class or $110 for 10 hours. 5% discount if there is more than one family in attendance. Also, an additional 5% off if you use my doula services.*This cannot be combined with any other coupons. For families needing a refresher course (if you have had a child already), the cost is $30 for a 2 hour refresher.
What is the difference between the 8 hour course and the 10 hour?
My 8 hour course is designed to give you the basics and need to know (see below), along with particular topics that you are most interested in. If you choose the 10 hour course, you will be able to spend more time learing about a birth partner's role, more comfort techniques and rehearsals, as well as more time spent on breastfeeding and newborn care. I recommend the 10 hour course for most families. You may initally sign up for a 8 hour course and decide that you would like more information and may sign up for the additional 2.
Why have a personalized course?
Many times, courses will include topics that may not pertain to your family. Having a personalized class that covers your cares and concerns as well as the "need to know" (see below) topics, can help tremendously. For example, a standard class will cover both natural births as well as cesarean births. If you are having a planned cesarean, it would be beneficial to spend the course covering what you need to know about cesarean births. Or, if you plan to have a homebirth, we can discuss the process of what to plan for as well.
Is this course more expensive than other courses?
Currently, the local childbirth preparation course is $60 for an 8 hour course. The courses' days and times are limited may not fit into your family schedule.
Your personalized course will be when you choose, either days or nights, in one class or broken into several classes. You can choose your topics, and if you want to stay on a topic longer than planned, we can. It is your course. If you have personal questions, you do not have to share them in a large class setting.
What type of training do I have as a childbirth instructor?
I have been certified as a childbirth educator and doula through Childbirth International. I am trained in the anatomy/physiology of women and their pregnancies and what happens in childbirth. As a doula, I am aware of the emotional support needed as well as different techniques that can help ease childbirth. I have attended both hospital and homebirths and have had two children of my own and I am willing to share my personal experiences. I have also taken several childbirth courses, breastfeeding courses, and parenting courses.
What are the requirements for having a personalized course?
*A quiet room for hosting the course without interruptions.
*A birth partner (either your spouse, a person filling in for your spouse while they are unavailable, or another partner who will be accompanying you during your delivery). If you do not have a birth partner, I would recommend asking a friend or loved-one to help. Also, as a doula, I am able to take that role when it is needed.
*A pillow
*Pen/Paper
*One-two week notice and an interview with you to create the course.
What happens if you have to cancel the class?
If the class is cancelled for any reason, we will schedule another time ther works best for everyone. Because I am a doula, there is a chance that we may have to reschedule part or all of a class. My hope would be to continue with the class at the earliest convenience.
What are some of the "need to know" topics that will be discussed?
Late Pregnancy, Onset of Labor, Early Labor
1) Anatomy and Physiology: 6 Ways to Progress in Labor
2) Onset of Labor: How will I know labor has started??
3) Warning Signs / Premature Labor
4) Stages of Labor
5) What to Expect, What to Do in Early Labor
6) Body Mechanics / Exercise
Pain in Labor and the Purpose of Comfort Techniques
Active Labor and Delivery
1) How to Recognize Active Labor
2) Calling Midwife/Doula
3) Birth Plans
4) Comfort Techniques: Coping with Active Labor / Back Labor
5) Second Stage Labor: Pushing and Delivery
6) Third Stage Labor
Breathing Techniques for Labor
1)Concentration/Focus/Distractions
Variations of Labor, Interventions, and Pain Medication
1) Induction and Augmentation
2) Pain Medications
3) Second Stage
Interventions: Forceps, Vacuum, Episiotomy
Cesarean Birth
Comfort Techniques
1) Labor Rehearsal
2) Questions and Answers
Breastfeeding/Newborn Care
1) Positioning, Latch, Benefits, Challenges
2) Newborn appearance, diapering, swaddling, bathing
*Curriculum is based from INJOY Birth & Parenting Education and Childbirth International. You will receive accompanying booklets and materials to follow along in your course and at home. The cost of the booklets are included in your course cost.
