Childbirth Education

Childbirth education is designed to increase understanding of labor and birth, provide tools to work with surges, build skills and self-confidence, and help prepare families for parenting and breastfeeding. Research shows that childbirth education contributes to pain perception. Gaining knowledge and skills related to pain management helps mentally prepare for intensity and how to utilize comfort measures. Some studies also show the advantage of independent childbirth classes that teach non-drug comfort measures for labor over traditional, hospital based classes. The study states that only 24% of people from an independent class had an epidural compared to 69% in the standard, hospital class. The first group also had a significantly lower rate of Pitocin augmentation and cesareans, a shorter second stage of labor on average, and fewer cases of perineal trauma. Overall, childbirth education increases birth satisfaction by teaching how to actively involve in decision making.

Holistic Lamaze

The goal of this program is to advance safe and healthy pregnancy, birth, and early parenting through evidence-based information and resources, personalized support, mindful skills and practices. Inspired by Lamaze International, this program will help you increase knowledge in the physiological birth process, build confidence in your ability to give birth, feed, and care for your baby, prepare you to use a variety of non-pharmacological tools for labor and birth, and increase your understanding of common medical interventions associated with childbirth. Finally, you will be able to participate in a shared decision-making process with your provider and support team, and you will make informed decisions about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, newborn care, and early parenting.

Topics include:

  • Anatomy and physiology of birth

  • Role of hormones influencing maternal and fetal readiness for birth

  • Creating birth environment

  • Theories of pain and pain management

  • Stages and phases of birth. Physical and emotional responses

  • Comfort measures and positions for active labor and birth

  • Knowledge, application, and reflection for commonly used interventions

  • Physiological pushing

  • Newborn characteristics and capabilities

  • Introduction to breastfeeding

  • Physiological and emotional changes after birth.

  • Process of informed, shared decision making

  • Creating birth plan

What to expect:

  • Free assessment call 

  • 3 2-hour meetings that consist of lecture, discussion, videos, demonstrations, guided relaxations, role play and other interactive activities

  • Follow up call

3 x 2-hr classes | $250

Hypnobirthing

The goal of hypnobirthing classes is to empower expectant parents with techniques and tools to achieve a calm, comfortable, and positive childbirth experience. Hypnobirthing is based on the premise that childbirth can be approached with relaxation, self-hypnosis, and positive affirmations to manage pain and fear, promote relaxation, and facilitate a smoother labor and delivery process. We will use the Marie Mongan Method. HypnoBirthing® childbirth preparation is centered around the belief that when fear and tension are eliminated, the experience of labor doesn't have to be lead to intense pain.

Topics include:

  • Introduction to HypnoBirthing® philosophy

  • History of birth and women

  • Onset of labor and overview of birth stages

  • The body’s perfect design

  • Natural birth hormones

  • Prenatal bonding techniques

  • Rapid relaxation and deepening techniques

  • Breathing techniques for labor and birthing

  • Release negative emotions, fear, and limiting thoughts

  • Preparing your body for labor and birthing through nutrition, body toning, and massage

  • Optimal fetal positioning techniques

  • Methods for avoiding interventions and for natural stimulation of labor

  • Preparing birth preferences

  • Birth companion’s prompts, scripts, and techniques

What to expect:

  • Free assessment call 

  • 5 2-hour classes that consist of lecture, discussion, videos, demonstrations, guided relaxations, role play and other interactive activities

  • Follow up call

    5 x 2-hr classes | $390

“Ewelina knew great positions to suggest during labor to keep me moving, gave great hip squeeze pressure during contractions (so helpful to distract from the pain!), coached me on breathing, and helped advise how to best labor in the tub.”

— DOROTA W.

Questions before getting started? Get in touch.