Childbirth Educator

Childbirth education is essential for empowering expectant parents to feel confident, informed, and prepared for the birth of their child. As a childbirth educator, I offer a variety of classes, workshops, and resources that cover not just the mechanics of labor and delivery, but also emotional preparedness, newborn care, and postpartum support. 

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~Childbirth Education Classes

Comprehensive Childbirth Preparation

A full-length class that covers all aspects of childbirth, from early labor signs to the postpartum period. This class is ideal for first-time parents or anyone seeking a more complete understanding of the birth process.

Topics May Include:

• Stages of Labor: Understanding the stages of labor (early, active, and transition), including what to expect at each stage and how to manage it.

• Pain Management Options: Exploring various methods of pain relief, both natural (breathing, relaxation, movement) and medical (epidural, medications, etc.).

• The Birth Plan: How to create an informed, flexible birth plan that includes preferences for labor and delivery.

• Breathing & Relaxation Techniques: Instruction on breathing exercises, mindfulness, and physical relaxation techniques to manage stress and pain during labor.

• Positioning During Labor: The importance of movement and various positions (standing, squatting, hands-and-knees) to encourage labor progress and reduce pain.

• Role of the Birth Partner: How partners can best support the birthing person physically and emotionally, including comfort measures, encouragement, and advocacy.

• Hospital, Birth Center, and Home Birth Options: Information about different birth settings, their benefits, and potential challenges.

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Pricing & Payment Options for CBE Course:

• Duration: 5 Weeks (future dates TBD)

• Cost: $499

• Format: In-person or virtual sessions (depending on location and preference).

• Time Commitment: One 2-hour session per week for 5 weeks.

• Materials Included: Handouts, resources, and optional follow-up support after the course.

* Payment Plans Available: Payment plans can be arranged to fit your budget and preferences.

* Sliding Scale: If financial concerns are a barrier, I am open to discussing a sliding scale to ensure that you receive the support you need.

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How to Enroll

To sign up for the course or get more details, please contact me directly. I recommend enrolling early, as spots are limited. We can discuss any special requests or questions you may have during the enrollment process.

 

Additional offerings & services:

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~Birthing Preferences and Planning

Assisting parents create a realistic, informed birth plan that aligns with their values, preferences, and flexibility.

Topics Include:

• The Birth Plan: What to include and how to communicate birth preferences effectively with the medical team.

• Understanding Interventions: Explaining common medical interventions (C-sections, forceps, episiotomy, etc.) so parents can make informed decisions if the situation arises.

• Advocacy in Labor: How to advocate for your needs and preferences during labor, including communication strategies for working with your birth team.

• Navigating Unexpected Changes: Preparing for the unexpected—how to stay calm and flexible if things don’t go according to plan.

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~Breastfeeding & Newborn Care

Providing essential information for new parents on how to care for their newborn and establish successful breastfeeding.

Topics Include:

• Breastfeeding Basics: Latch, positioning, and how to establish a good breastfeeding routine.

• Troubleshooting Common Issues: How to handle common breastfeeding challenges like nipple pain, engorgement, low milk supply, or latching problems.

• Infant Feeding Choices: An overview of formula feeding vs. breastfeeding, as well as combination feeding and pumping.

• Newborn Care Basics: Diapering, bathing, soothing, and understanding newborn cues.

• Sleep and Safety: Safe sleep practices, swaddling, and helping your newborn adjust to a sleep routine.

• Bonding with Your Baby: How to foster a deep connection with your newborn through touch, eye contact, and interaction.

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~Childbirth Refresher Courses

These are shorter classes for parents who have already given birth but are expecting again. These courses help them refresh their knowledge, prepare for the new baby, and make any necessary adjustments based on previous experiences.

Topics May Include:

• Labor Recap & Updates: A review of what to expect during labor, including any new research or techniques that may have emerged.

• Newborn Care Updates: A refresher on newborn care and any new information that may be helpful, especially for parents who have been away from the baby stage for a few years.

• Tips for Managing Multiple Children: Preparing parents for the adjustment of having another baby, including how to manage siblings and balance family dynamics.

• Reassurance and Support: Addressing any fears or concerns from previous births and building confidence for the upcoming birth experience.

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~Online or Virtual Childbirth Education (under construction)

For families who prefer flexibility or cannot attend in-person classes, offering online childbirth education courses is a convenient option. These could be prerecorded modules or live virtual sessions that allow for interaction and questions.

Key Features Include:

• Video Lessons: Covering topics such as labor stages, pain management techniques, birth planning, newborn care, and postpartum tips.

• Live Q&A Sessions: Offering parents the opportunity to ask questions or get clarification in real-time.

• Interactive Quizzes & Worksheets: Helping parents assess their understanding of the material, practice decision-making, and create their birth plans.

• Private Online Community: Creating a space for participants to connect, share experiences, and support each other.

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~Gentle Birth Techniques Workshops

These workshops focus on non-medical approaches to childbirth, with an emphasis on the mind-body connection, gentle labor, and maintaining calm through labor.

Topics Include:

• Mindfulness and Meditation for Labor: Techniques to keep the mind calm and centered during contractions and throughout labor.

• Breathing Techniques: Deep breathing, breathing rhythms, and other techniques to help manage pain and reduce anxiety.

• Visualization and Affirmations: How to use positive affirmations and mental imagery to prepare for an empowered birth experience.

• The Power of Touch: Massage, counterpressure, and other physical touch techniques that can provide comfort during labor.

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~Postpartum Preparation and Support

Supporting expectant parents in preparing for life after birth is an essential aspect of childbirth education.

Topics Include:

• Postpartum Recovery: What to expect physically and emotionally after birth, including perineal healing, C-section recovery, and managing physical changes.

• Emotional Support & Mental Health: Addressing postpartum mood changes, baby blues, and postpartum depression. Providing strategies for emotional well-being and building a support network.

• Caring for the Newborn: Transitioning into parenthood with tips on sleep routines, infant care, and bonding with the baby.

• Partner Support: How partners can best support the birthing parent during postpartum recovery, including helping with baby care and managing household responsibilities.

• Pelvic Floor & Abdominal Healing: Gentle exercises for healing and restoring core and pelvic floor strength after birth.

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~Hypnobirthing Techniques

Hypnobirthing teaches expectant parents to use self-hypnosis, relaxation, and breathing techniques to reduce fear and pain during childbirth. This can be offered as a separate class or as part of a more comprehensive childbirth education series.

Key Components May Include:

• Relaxation Techniques: Learning how to deeply relax and control the body’s stress response during labor.

• Breathing for Birth: Breathing techniques to aid in relaxation, focus, and effective contractions.

• Positive Affirmations & Visualization: Harnessing the power of the mind to reduce fear and increase confidence in childbirth.

• Birth Preparation: Educating parents on the natural process of birth, allowing them to trust their body’s ability to birth naturally.

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~Sibling Preparation 

Focus for families with young children, helping them prepare to welcome a new sibling.

Topics May Include:

• What to Expect: Explaining the birth process in an age-appropriate way and preparing siblings for the changes that a new baby brings.

• How to Be a Big Brother/Sister: Teaching children ways to be involved in the birth and early care of the new baby, such as helping with diaper changes or offering support.

• Emotional Support: Helping siblings understand and express their feelings, addressing any fears or concerns they may have about the baby or the changes in the family dynamic.

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~Private Childbirth Education Sessions

Some families may prefer one-on-one coaching for personalized guidance and education. Offering private sessions allows you to customize the content and pace according to the family’s specific needs and concerns.

Private Sessions Include:

• Personalized Birth Plan Guidance: Working closely with parents to craft a birth plan that aligns with their desires and concerns.

• Private Labor and Birth Coaching: Preparing parents for the emotional and physical aspects of labor and birth.

• Newborn and Postpartum Support: Offering individual coaching on newborn care, breastfeeding, and postpartum recovery.​