Childbirth Preparation
Childbirth Preparation — Everything You Need to Know
With Kate Stroud
“This was a wonderful class! I felt that it prepared me for the labor and delivery very well. I found myself consulting my notes frequently as my due date approached (and passed!). When I went into labor, I felt calm and confident, knowing what to expect.” — Class Participant
“I couldn’t have been more satisfied or content! My only disappointment is that it was not longer. Also, the atmosphere of the Center is perfect! Kate’s sense of humor was greatly appreciated and fun!” — Class Participant
2008 Schedule & Fees
7 Tuesdays, 7–9:15pm
- September 9–October 21
- November 4–December 16
Fee $235 per couple; discounts for multiple classes
Overview
Birth is normal and you can do it! This series provides a community of expectant parents who come together to learn about childbirth and explore related topics in preparation for giving birth. Information is geared toward preventing complications during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum. Emphasis is placed on developing confidence in a woman’s natural capacity to give birth, comfort measures and labor support techniques, alternatives to drugs, cesarean prevention, and the baby’s needs. Birth videos, lending library, resources, referrals, and more are available.
Class Topics
Week 1
- cultivating a consumer approach to health care
- de-programming negative cultural images of birth
- herbal teas for pregnancy
- optimal nutrition for a healthy pregnancy
- anatomy and physiology of pregnancy
- relief for common discomforts
Week 2
- essential exercises and stretches
- exploring our fears
Week 3
- overview of the process of labor and birth
- the newborn baby and immediate post-birth care
Week 4
- medical interventions in birth: benefits, risks, and alternatives
Week 5
- comfort measures and labor support
- positioning and movement in labor
- massage and touch in labor
Week 6
- emotional needs of the birthing mother
- using your breath and vocalization
- conscious relaxation in labor
- creating a birth plan
Week 7
- postpartum recovery and adjustment
- benefits of breastfeeding
- importance of the social context for breastfeeding success
- baby blues and postpartum depression
- parenting and children’s resources
- visit from recent class graduates with their baby
“This was, by far, the best prep I could have had for pregnancy/delivery/postpartum!” — Class Participant
Childbirth Preparation — Focus on Labor & Birth — Condensed Series
With Kate Stroud
2008 Schedule & Fees
2 Saturdays, 1–4:30pm, October 4 & 11
Fee $120 per couple; discounts for multiple classes
The condensed series is designed for couples seeking a refresher class for a second (or more!) baby or couples planning a homebirth. Folks with busy schedules, or who are coming at the last minute and cannot accommodate a seven-week class, are welcome. However, the instructors would like you to know that key information on medical interventions in the birth process and informed consumerism will not be covered. Rather we’ll focus on the process of labor and birth, coping with pain, support techniques and comfort measures, and the postpartum recovery period. (The option of a short, private or small-group lesson to cover these topics will be offered to the group and, if there is interest, scheduled at mutual convenience.)
At what point in your pregnancy should you register for classes?
Plan ahead! You are encouraged to take Childbirth Preparation classes beginning anytime after your fourth to fifth month of pregnancy. Since the full series is seven weeks in length, you don’t want to back it up too close to your due date or you will run the risk of missing the last class or two if your baby comes early. As class sizes are limited, parents are encouraged not to wait until the last minute to register, though we will accommodate you if we possibly can.
The following classes can be taken prior to your baby’s birth or after the birth with the baby in tow:
- Breastfeeding Basics — Tools for Success
- Newborn Care 101
- Combining Work & Breastfeeding
- Infant CPR, First Aid, & Safety
- Vaccinations & Informed Consent.
The Infant Massage class and all of our support groups are designed to be taken with your baby.
How do our classes compare to other “method approaches” to childbirth education?
The Center has chosen not to affiliate with any brand name methods of childbirth education. Rather, we have developed our own eclectic approach, drawing the best from what various methods have to offer. The curriculum has evolved over the years, with feedback from parent course evaluations playing a major role in the process. We care what you think! Experienced doulas and midwives have developed this curriculum based upon our experiences with laboring mothers. We share what works.
Our classes provide a community-based, consumer-oriented approach to childbirth education. By staying independent, we are not beholding to medical institutions and are best positioned to evolve our curriculum quickly to adapt to the ever-changing cultural context and meet the emerging needs of our customers.
- We believe that pregnancy and birth are normal life events.
- We promote informed, evidence-based decision making on a wide range of issues (natural versus medicated birth, place of birth, choice of birth attendant, circumcision, vaccinations, and so on).
- We support the goal of a natural, unmedicated birth while acknowledging that there is not one “right” way to have a baby.
- We intend that our classes help the expectant mother and her partner feel more confident about the upcoming birth, acknowledging your fears while arming you with a selection of coping strategies.
- We hope to encourage you to see yourselves as the center of this experience—something you are actively doing (”giving birth”), rather than something that is happening to you (”being delivered”).
- We encourage breastfeeding.
We will not attempt to put forth here the various method approaches of our competitors. They can best represent their own programs and we encourage you to contact them directly for information. Some may emphasize the teaching and practicing of breathing techniques for coping in labor, which we have found regularly lead to hyperventilation and are abandoned in labor by approximately 95 percent of women. Another emphasizes the role of the partner in “husband-coached” childbirth. We encourage partners, husband or otherwise, to find their own place in this process, understanding that some may want a very active role while others may feel overwhelmed by the prospect. Another method incorporates the production of artwork into each class as a means of psychological preparation. And still others are offered by the hospitals themselves and may promote the institution’s philosophy with an eye to encouraging patient compliance, rather than a consumer perspective. Clearly, there is no one approach that is right for everyone. What resonates with you?
We can promise that our classes incorporate up-to-date information, interactive teaching methods, and a comfortable, welcoming environment. Our expert instructors are not only experienced in adult education, but also active birth attendants.
Private or Semi-Private Childbirth Classes
With Patty Brennan
Email Patty to make arrangements (This email address is being protected from spam bots; you need Javascript enabled to view it.)
Fee is $100 per hour, 2-hour minimum
Private classes can be co-designed to meet your or your group’s special needs. They are appropriate for couples who have already experienced childbirth and are seeking a refresher class, but may not need (or have time for) an entire series of birthing classes. A couple whose past birth experience was particularly difficult or in any way less than optimal, can often benefit from one or two private sessions aimed at troubleshooting specific concerns. And private lessons are also helpful for those whose schedules do not permit them to attend a regular series of classes. Information contained in the entire standard series can typically be covered in three private sessions, or you can pick and choose among the topics. Scheduling is at our mutual convenience.
Breastfeeding Classes & Support Groups
Breastfeeding Basics — Tools for Success
With Barbara Robertson, MA, IBCLC
2008 Schedule & Fees
2 Wednesdays, 6:30–8:45pm
- September 10 & 17
- November 5 & 12
- December 10 & 17
Saturday, 12:30–5pm, October 25
Fee $60 per couple; discounts for multiple classes
Overview
The breastfeeding relationship combines instinct and learned skills. This class focuses on the first critical weeks of your baby’s life and provides basic information and resources to prepare the mother-to-be for a satisfying breastfeeding experience. Since family support is a key factor in a positive breastfeeding experience, partners are also encouraged to attend.
Topics
- getting started
- latching and positioning the baby
- overcoming common obstacles such as engorgement
- learning your baby’s hunger cues
- developing realistic expectations around breastfeeding
- when and where to seek help
Combining Work & Breastfeeding
With Barbara Robertson, MA, IBCLC
2008 Schedule & Fees
- Wednesday, 10am–12:30pm, September 10
- Thursday, 6:30–9pm, November 20
Fee $30; discounts for multiple classes
At what point postpartum should a breastfeeding mother begin to plan for her return to work? With the help of a lactation consultant, design a personal plan to address your unique return-to-work situation and family needs. Our goal is that your re-entry to the workplace will be as stress free as possible, for both you and your baby. We will discuss strategies for introducing the bottle to your baby and managing schedules, types of breast pumps, the experience of pumping, safe storage of breast milk, and more. Nursing babies are welcome or the class can be taken prior to birth if desired.
Breastfeeding Cafe for Breastfeeding Mothers
2008 Schedule & Fees
Starting Friday, September 12, 10–11:30am, ongoing
Fee: No charge; pre-registration is not required; just come!
Come and meet other women who are breastfeeding their babies! This free drop-in group focuses on supporting breastfeeding mothers. We provide a space for mothers to come and be with their babies and meet other breastfeeding mothers. Have a cup of tea, relax, and chat with others about what’s on your mind! Support staff is available to answer any breastfeeding questions with accurate, up-to-date information. Moms and babies can come for as many weeks as they need.
Newborn Care 101
With Jamie Wazenkewitz
“The class opened my mind to things I hadn’t thought about or didn’t feel comfortable asking others.” — Class Participant
2008 Schedule & Fees
- Wednesday, 7–9:30pm, September 24
- Saturday, 1–3:30pm, October 18
Fee $40 per couple; discounts for multiple classes
As parents, we are all figuring it out as we go along. Trial and error will definitely be a learning strategy as you get to know your baby. In this class, we will try to limit the “error” part of “trial and error” by sharing practical insights and identifying supportive resources. How to hold a newborn — just how fragile are they? What are the sensory capacities of the newborn? How can parents best determine their baby’s needs and read their baby’s cues? Is all that stuff necessary? What equipment and supplies do you really need? What about diapering, bathing, and calming the baby? Just how sleep deprived will you be? Get your questions answered!
Five Ways to Hold a Newborn Baby
Infant Massage
With Hanna Kitchens
2008 Schedule & Fees
4 Thursdays, 6–7:15 pm, October 9–30
4 Mondays, 6–7:15pm, November 17–December 8
Additional classes may be added, based upon demand. Let us know if you need a day time or weekend class.
Fee $80, includes book and massage oil; discounts for multiple classes
Classes are designed for babies from six weeks to pre-crawling. Two caregivers are encouraged to attend — moms, dads, partners, grandparents, or other significant caregivers are welcome. Through the art of infant massage, you will gain a deeper understanding of your baby’s nonverbal cues, identify calming techniques that work, and enhance your parenting confidence. We will also address parenting topics, providing a venue for you to be in community with other new parents as you become more aware of your beliefs and concerns about parenting and developmental issues.
Programs for Professionals
The Center offers a variety of training and continuing education opportunities for aspiring doulas and other professionals who work with pregnant, birthing, and newly postpartum women and their families. Our birth and postpartum doula trainings are approved by DONA International for professional doula certification purposes.
Continuing Education credits or CEs have been awarded for all eligible programs. For readers unfamiliar with CEs (also referred to as CEUs), they are a requirement for certified doulas and many other licensed professionals to keep their credentials active. The DONA-certified doula is required to complete 15 hours of continuing education in every three-year re-certification period. CEs have been approved for nurses, social workers, and doulas for most programs, as noted with each course description. Any program approved for nursing CEs will also satisfy doula CE requirements.
Please note, however, that because a program has been approved for nursing or social work CEs, it does not follow that one must be a nurse or social worker in order to take the training! Pre-requisites are listed where they apply, but a medical or professional background is not required in order to become a doula.
“I was really impressed with Patty’s expertise and ability to share it in a comfortable classroom. She provided a quality and informative experience. I was very impressed with DONA as a certifying body and with Patty as a representative. I chose to certify with DONA instead of ICEA based on the personnel I interacted with in my decision-making process. This class further supported my decision. It’s a great thing you have going. Thank you!” — Class participant
DONA-Approved Birth Doula Workshops
With Patty Brennan & Kate Stroud
“I would recommend this course with three thumbs up (if possible). Amazing, powerful, intense! Wow!” — Class Participant
“Becoming a doula has literally changed my life. I’ve learned so much over the past year and I know I will be a much better physician because of my involvement with the Center. Thank you for introducing me to more holistic ways of caring for women and their families. Your work has touched the lives of so many families.” — Class Participant
2008 Schedule & Fees
Saturday & Sunday, 8:30am–6pm, November 8 & 9 (ERD 10/17) in Ann Arbor, MI
2009 Schedule to be announced soon!
Fee $375; $340 if paid in full and postmarked by the Early Registration Date (ERD) listed
A limited number of scholarships for this training are available through the Doulas Care Program.
15.5 Nursing CEs approved (add $15 to fee for CE processing)
Are you interested in a career working with moms and babies? Experience the honor of being present at the moment of birth. This training teaches you the skills necessary to provide emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant mothers and their families. You do not need to be a mother yourself nor have a medical background to become a doula — just a passion for birth and the desire to be in a support role for other moms (see pre-requisites below). This comprehensive workshop fulfills one step towards professional Birth Doula Certification through DONA International. Click here for more information on the DONA certification requirements and associated fees. Topics covered include:
- The doula professional’s scope of practice and ethical standards
- The doula’s role during pregnancy — building rapport, meeting educational needs, setting boundaries, and creating the client/doula contract for services
- Emotional support in labor and meeting the mother’s needs
- Pain theory, comfort measures, and pain relief techniques
- Positioning for labor and birth
- Labor support strategies for normal and challenging births
- Cesarean birth and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)
- Essential communication and mediation/advocacy skills for doulas
- The doula’s role with the newborn and initiation of breastfeeding
- The birth doula’s role postpartum
- The DONA International certification process
- And more!
Pre-requisites for DONA Birth Doula Training
Choose ONE of the following options:
- Your best option is to take our Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas class offered on the Friday immediately preceding the doula training weekend. By taking this class, you fulfill not only the pre-requisite, but also a DONA certification requirement for birth doulas. Please note that in order for this training to count towards DONA certification, it must be taken PRIOR TO the Birth Doula Training. In other words, if you take the three-day training that includes the Intro course, you will have fulfilled steps #1 and #4 in the DONA certification process. You are not required to take the Intro course, but you are required to fulfill one of the three options listed here prior to the training.
- Observe a series of Childbirth Preparation Classes for expectant parents. The class must be a minimum of 12 hours in length to fulfill this requirement. It is possible to fulfill a certification requirement here as well, provided that the class meets DONA requirements.
- Read one book from each of the following four categories from the DONA Reading List. These books are available for you to borrow from the Center’s Lending Library or available for purchase through the DONA Boutique. By reading these books, you are also on your way to fulfilling DONA’s Birth Doula certification requirements.
- At least one of the following:
- The Doula Book, Klaus, Klaus, & Kennell
- The Birth Partner: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman through Childbirth, 2nd Edition, Simkin
- At least one of the following:
- The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth, revised, Kitzinger
- Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide, revised, Simkin, Whalley, & Keppler
- The Mother of All Pregnancy Books, Douglas
- At least one of the following:
- Gentle Birth Choices, Harper
- Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, Gaskin
- The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth, Goer
- At least one of the following:
- The Breastfeeding Answer Book, 3rd Edition, La Leche League International
- The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers, Newman
- The Nursing Mother’s Companion, 4th Edition, Huggins & Lawrence
- At least one of the following:
DONA-Approved Postpartum Doula Workshops
With Patty Brennan & Guest Speakers
“The qualities of respect and caring for childbearing women, confidentiality, and respect for caregivers was evident in all aspects of presentation.” — Class Participant
“Patty really emphasized the importance of supporting women’s choices.” — Class Participant
2008 Schedule & Fees
Friday-Sunday, 8am–6:30pm, December 5–7 (ERD 11/14)
2009 Schedule to be announced soon!
Fee $425; $385 if paid in full and postmarked by the Early Registration Date (ERD) listed
A limited number of scholarships are available for this training through the Doulas Care Program.
25.5 Nursing CEs approved (add $15 to fee for CE processing)
This 27-hour training prepares you to provide excellent in-home care to families in the postpartum period and has been approved as fulfilling one step towards Postpartum Doula Certification through DONA International. Click here for information on DONA certification requirements and fees. Topics include:
- the doula’s multi-faceted postpartum role
- effective listening and communication skills
- importance of the birth experience and its impact on postpartum recovery and adjustment
- normal physiologic recovery for the mother and holistic support measures
- the newborn baby
- supporting families with twins (or more)
- providing support to the breastfeeding mother and troubleshooting common problems
- integrating a new baby into the family
- postpartum mood disorders
- support for the grieving family
- and more!
Pre-requisites for Postpartum Doula Training:
Participants are expected to have a working knowledge of the following:
- Physical and emotional adjustment in the mother following birth
- Newborn characteristics and care
- Breastfeeding basics
- Common breastfeeding difficulties and possible solutions
To be sure that participants are adequately prepared for their Postpartum Doula Training Workshop, the following are required BEFORE attending the training:
- Reading Requirements. From the DONA required reading list, the participant must have read one book from each of the following categories under Postpartum Doula Certification. (These books are available for you to borrow from the Center’s lending library or are available for purchase through the DONA Boutique.) By reading these books, you are also on your way to fulfilling DONA’s Postpartum Doula certification requirements.
- Becoming a Mother
- The New Mother, Eagan
- Misconceptions, Wolf
- Ourselves as Mothers, Kitzinger
- Mothering the New Mother, Placksin
- The Year After Childbirth, Kitzinger
- The Newborn
- Your Amazing Newborn, Klaus and Klaus
- The Mind of Your Newborn Baby, Chamberlain
- Infancy, Field
- The Year After Childbirth, Kitzinger
- Touchpoints, Brazelton
- The Vital Touch, Heller
- The Baby Book, Sears
- Breastfeeding
- Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers, Newman
- The Breastfeeding Answer Book, La Leche League International
- Breastfeeding Preparation: The participant must have completed at least one of the options listed below before attending the Postpartum Doula Training:
- Proof of participation in a breastfeeding workshop, of at least 3 hours in length, such as our Professional Education in Breastfeeding & Lactation class
- Lactation Consultant, La Leche League, or local mother’s group peer counseling training
- Completion of an on-line study program (Lactation Education Resources offers a basic, Complete Self-Learning Program that is affordably priced. For more information, www.leron-line.com.)
Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas
With Patty Brennan & Kate Stroud
2008 Schedule & Fees
Friday, 10am–6:30pm, November 7 (ERD 10/17)
2009 Schedule to be announced soon!
Fee $120; $105 if paid in full and postmarked by the Early Registration Date (ERD) listed.
Want to become a doula and wondering where to start? Start here! Get grounded in the basics of childbirth education. Learn how to facilitate informed decision making for your clients with up-to-date information on the benefits/risks/alternatives to medical interventions in the birth process and with the newborn. Topics include anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, labor, and birth; optimal nutrition for a healthy pregnancy; the midwifery model of care versus the medical model; and more! This class fulfills the pre-requisite for DONA Birth Doula Training as well as a certification requirement for Birth Doulas through DONA International. Please note that it will only fulfill the DONA certification requirement if it is taken PRIOR TO the Birth Doula Training.
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Professional Education in Breastfeeding & Lactation
With Barbara Robertson, MA, IBCLC
“I feel more confident working with breastfeeding women, and will be a better observer and problem solver.” — Class Participant
“Barbara was so energetic and devoted to breastfeeding that it made me motivated to learn as much as possible. I wish every doula was trained by her and every mother received her care.” — Class Participant
2008 Schedule & Fees
NEW Addition! Thursday, 12:30–5pm, July 24
Saturday, 9am–1:30pm, November 22 (ERD 10/31)
Fee $75; $65 if paid in full and postmarked by the Early Registration Date (ERD) listed
4.0 Nursing CEs approved (add $15 to fee for CE processing)
If you haven’t taken this dynamic, cutting-edge workshop, then you are really missing out! Learn the very latest in evidenced-based breastfeeding support from an expert lactation consultant and breastfeeding educator. This class will enhance the ability of doulas, L&D nurses, and other professionals to assist their breastfeeding clients in the early days postpartum. You will learn the counseling skills necessary to assess and correct breastfeeding problems. This class fulfills both the breastfeeding training pre-requisite and a certification requirement for DONA Postpartum Doulas. It also fulfills the new certification requirement for Birth Doulas to take a breastfeeding class designed for professionals. Topics include:
- breast anatomy and physiology
- importance of skin-to-skin contact
- newborn self attachment at the breast
- a new view of positions and latch-on
- getting off to the best start
- common problems and their solutions