Childbirth Preparation Classes
Are you an expectant parent or have you recently had a baby?
The Center for the Childbearing Year offers a comprehensive selection of classes and resources designed to help you have the best possible birth experience and ease you through the early weeks and months of caring for your newborn baby. We provide an environment that encourages a sense of community with other expectant couples and new parents. Support groups, lending library, and ongoing opportunities for you to enhance your family’s health through education are available. Learn more about the values that inform our programs.
Newborn Yuna with her mother Ayase Saxman (above) . . . “Ayase likely couldn’t have had a natural birth without the great birthing class that we took at the Center. My wife is enjoying the breastfeeding resources that the center offers as well . . . thanks for everything!”–Paul Saxman
Our Classes for Expectant Parents
- Childbirth Preparation–Everything You Need to Know
- Childbirth Preparation–Condensed Series
- Negotiating the Medical Setting — What Parents Need to Know about Epidurals, Cesareans, Birth Plans, and Informed Consent
- Private Childbirth Classes / Consultations
- Breastfeeding Basics — Tools for Success
- Newborn Care 101
- Belly Mapping & the Art of Palpation
Postpartum MotherBaby Support Groups
- Mothering Arts (MotherBaby and Toddler Groups)
- The Breastfeeding Cafe
- La Leche League Monthly Meetings
Lending Library & Resources
- Lending library of books, videos, DVDs
- Community resources, brochures, and business cards of folks providing services to childbearing families; bulletin board for events postings
- Online Directory and Links to service providers and resources
- Online resources that promote informed decision making, including hiring doulas and midwives
Products for Sale
- Pregnancy Tea organic herbs
- Postpartum Herbal Baths
- Vaccines & Informed Choice, by Patty Brennan (2009)
- Whole Family Recipes: For the Childbearing Year & Beyond, by Patty Brennan (cookbook, 2007)
- Guide to Homeopathic Remedies for the Birth Bag, by Patty Brennan (4th Edition, 2005)
- Nursing bras, Medela breast pumps and products, and more are available through the adjacent Breastfeeding Center of Ann Arbor
Services Available on Site
- Barbara Robertson: International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, comprehensive support services
- Kate Stroud: Massage Therapy, Birth Doula Services
- New Moon Midwifery: Homebirth Midwifery Services


