What topics do your classes cover?
A comprehensive childbirth course, the classes cover

• pregnancy health including exercise, nutrition, and prenatal care options
• understanding the physical process of labor as well as the emotional and hormonal aspects of labor
• how to work with your body during labor
• relaxation and comfort measures for labor
• the role and needs of the birth partner
• variations, complications, and unexpected situations in labor
• childbirth options and creating a birth plan
• basic breastfeeding information
• the postpartum period.

How up to date is the material in your classes?
My childbirth classes offer the perfect mix of the wisdom of the pioneers and leaders of the natural childbirth movement and a comprehensive curriculum that includes cutting edge research to empower today’s moms to give birth with confidence.

Does my support partner need to be my husband?
No. Although my experience shows that a woman’s husband makes the best partner in labor, it is not required in order to attend the classes. Although I refer a lot to “couples,” anyone whom you choose can be your birth partner. It is ideal if this person is someone who will be part of your child’s life.

How big are your classes?
My classes are limited to six couples to ensure time to address questions that arise and to contribute to an intimate atmosphere, allowing you to get to know your fellow students.

What if I already know I want to use pain relievers in labor?
My classes are unapologetically pro-natural childbirth. This does not mean that you won’t benefit from the classes if you do decide to use drugs in labor. The exercises and nutrition information will go a long way towards ensuring an easier labor, a healthier mom, healthier baby, and easier recovery. Plus, the couple will benefit from the communication exercises, labor rehearsals, and birth videos. There may be a difficult point in your labor when you have not yet received pain medication. At this time, the relaxation techniques and non-pharmacological comfort measures you have learned will be most beneficial. The emphasis is on a joyful, informed birth experience, and providing the laboring woman with many techniques to avoid pain medications and unnecessary interventions, without passing judgment when interventions are used out of necessity or personal choice.

How much does all this cost?

The cost for my class series is $250, including the $50 deposit to reserve a space in class. The remainder of the fee is due at class one, unless payment arrangements have been made. There are some discounts available depending on your health insurance company.

What exactly is included in the class fee?
In addition to the 30 hours of instruction you will receive handouts pertaining to the topics addressed, access to my lending library, including videos, and unlimited phone and email consultations.

What if we can’t afford the class fee?
Because I feel that the information in my classes is very important, it is my desire that no one be excluded from the classes for financial reasons. Therefore, I am willing to work out payment arrangements with the balance being paid in full by class 6, and accept barters for the class fee, if payment in full by class one would not be possible for you. I also offer an income-based sliding scale. Please contact me to discuss these options if needed. The classes are not pro-rated, so the full fee is always due, even if you miss a class. An exception to this would be if I canceled a class myself, in which case I would schedule a make-up class.

Does it matter where or with whom I am birthing?
No. My classes support birth in any location, with any type attendant, with an emphasis on the couple making informed choices they are comfortable with. Throughout the series, you will see videos portraying births in hospitals, birth centers, at home, and with doctors and midwives.

Will you be available to come to our birth?
I do offer doula services, as a separate service from my childbirth classes, and for an additional fee. Depending on availability, I may or may not be able to be your doula. Please contact me if you are interested in my doula services, or if you would like me to refer you to any of the other excellent doulas in our area.

Why are the classes 12 weeks long?
Many childbirth methods offer a shorter series than 12 weeks. I feel that 12 weeks (or 3 months) is the perfect amount of time to absorb all of the material taught. It also gives you time to practice the relaxation techniques, which will be so vital in your labor. The exercises and nutrition information are best put to use as early in pregnancy as possible. In addition, there is so much information presented about choices in childbirth, that many couples go on to make changes in their original birth plans, or even switch birth location or care provider to a more labor-friendly one. The earlier you learn this information, the easier it is to make changes, if desired.

I do sometimes offer a shorter course with a minimum of 24 hours of instruction, but over fewer weeks if a couple is not able to complete the 12 weeks before their due date. This is generally for people in special circumstances or who find out about the classes late in pregnancy.

I wanted to sign up for a particular class, but I forgot all about sending in the deposit and now the first class has passed. What do I do?
Don’t worry! Just give me a call, and in most cases you can jump into the series late, as long as it’s before class 4. I may be able to schedule a make-up class to cover material from the classes you’ve missed, or you may be able to make these classes up with another teacher in the area.