Topic Lessons
Topic Lessons
Course Details
Your Birth Path (1.5-2 hr) A large part of birth prep is navigating your birth choices and deciding what is best for you. Another key part is employing flexibility & openness to make the best of what is beyond control. We'll go over any information you might seek regarding birth options & procedures; discover & articulate what you really want for your birth; learn skills to communicate your preferences with your care provider; and engage in an openness exercise. Coping & Comfort Measures (2-2.5 hr) For expectant parents who seek pain management strategies beyond the use of medication. We will explore the nature of labor pain, the 3 R's of coping with labor, and simple non-pharmacological comfort measures. We also practice breathing, non-focused awareness, massage, counter pressure, and labor & birth positions. By the end of this session, you will have broadened your toolkit for labor and have a greater sense of which strategies work best for you. Postpartum Preparation (1.5-2 hr) The first days or weeks at home with a newborn can feel overwhelming for any new parent. Face the postpartum period with more confidence by preparing before baby is here. In this topic lesson, we will: discuss common changes in emotions & relationships; learn how to aid your body's physical recovery; anticipate challenges that are most likely to arise & map out manageable solutions; and list & gather all your support resources. Breastfeeding (2-2.5 hr) This topic lesson is designed to help you get breastfeeding off to the best start and plan ways to sustain your breastfeeding relationship. We will cover: anatomy & physiology of milk production, birth practices that may influence breastfeeding, reading your baby's hunger cues, latch & positioning, and signs your baby is getting enough milk. We also take the time to explore your breastfeeding goals, identify your support resources, and plan your return to work. *This does NOT replace the medical advice of a fully certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). Fathers/Partners (1.5-2 hr) This one is all about the dads/partners! Let's honor the unique passage to parenthood that you are embarking on. You journey alongside the expectant mother, but you also have your own flurry of excitement and concerns. We will address your experience of the pregnancy thus far, discuss common concerns of fathers/partners, learn support tips for the labor room, and uncover the qualities of a good birth partner & parent that you already possess!
Payment, Cancellation, Refund, & Make Up Policies
Payment Policy: Class fees are due upfront in full. Without payment, registration will be deemed incomplete. Cancellations/Refunds: Cancellations made 2 or more weeks prior to the start of class will be given an 80% refund. Cancellations made within two weeks’ notice will be given a 50% refund. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice and no-shows will NOT be given any refund. Full refunds will always be given in the case of pregnancy loss/miscarriage. Please notify me as soon as someone is reasonably able so that I may offer my condolences and your refund. I reserve the right to make case by case exceptions to my discretion. Rescheduling: If you wish to change to another class date, you will be charged a $25 rescheduling fee. Please give me at least 48 hours' notice. Availability in another class date(s) is not guaranteed so it is to your advantage to reschedule sooner than later. Refunds will NOT be given if you cancel the rescheduled class. Making Up a Missed Class in a Prep Series: If you are enrolled in series course, please choose class dates carefully to ensure you can make every class meeting. Partial refunds will NOT be given for missed classes. If you must miss a class, please notify me of your absence 24 hours prior to the start of class. When given proper notice, I will try to accommodate you by sending class handouts, suggested readings, or videos to supplement learning. I DO NOT send supplemental learning materials for absences with less than 24 hours’ notice. I DO NOT offer make up classes. Low enrollment: In the event that a class does not have the minimum number of spots enrolled, the class will be cancelled. If your class is cancelled due to low enrollment and you still wish to do your childbirth preparation with me, I will offer discounted topic lessons. Details will be emailed to you. Instructor Illness or Emergencies: I reserve the right to reschedule any classes due to illness or emergencies on my part. In such an event, I will do my best to notify you of any class changes and reschedule the class as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.