Childbirth Preparation Condensed Series

Focus on Labor & Birth

“I just wanted to thank you so much for the Childbirth Preparation Condensed Series. This was my third childbirth and FIRST time taking any preparation class. I procrastinated with the first two, and then never thought it would make that big of a difference in the end, but boy did it! My first baby was induced due to gestational diabetes and the epidural failed. I declined the epidural with my second since I had a bad experience with my first, and overall had a great birth, but felt so panicked and unprepared throughout the labor. That all changed with this most recent birth, thanks in full to the class we took at the Center. I actually stayed calm and collected throughout all of my active labor. The same contractions that made me cry and panic with my first two labors, I closed my eyes and breathed through with my third. I will recommend the Center always. Here is a photo of me and Teddy immediately following my birth … 100% drug free, no repairs needed, and I left 11 hours after delivery!” — Anne Bruienne, Ann Arbor, MI

2013 Schedule & Fees

  • June 8 (1 Saturday, 9:30am-5pm)
  • July 27 & August 3 (2 Saturdays, 9:30am-1pm)
  • September 14 & 21 (2 Saturdays, 1-4:30pm)
  • November 2 (1 Saturday, 9:30am-5pm)
  • December 5-19 (3 Thursdays, 6:30-8:45pm)

Fee $180 per couple; discount for multiple classes (includes online classes)

REGISTER NOW

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Overview

The condensed series is designed to accommodate the schedules of busy couples who simply can’t make it to a full seven-week series or otherwise complete classes in time for the birth. This class is also appropriate for couples seeking a refresher class for a second (or more!) baby or couples planning a homebirth. Emphasis is placed on the process of labor and birth, coping with pain, support techniques and comfort measures, and a brief overview of what to expect in the early postpartum recovery period. This is an interactive, hands-on class, with a variety of activities designed to get you up and moving and keep you engaged through longer sessions. Please understand that we are not able to cover all the topics in 6 hours that we normally cover over 15.75 hours in a 7-week series.

If you are a first-time parent …

taking this class as your sole means of preparation, please be aware that key information on medical interventions in the birth process and informed consumerism will not be covered. However, our in-depth online class, Navigating the Medical Setting: What Parents Need to Know about Epidurals, Cesareans, Birth Plans & Informed Consent is a great complement to this class and is recommended for those seeking a more complete preparation. In addition, our Online Postpartum Collection provides key information on breastfeeding, newborn care, maternal recovery, and postpartum emotions and adjustment strategies.

Navigating the Medical Setting ($65)
 

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Postpartum Collection (4 Classes) ($115) (a $25 SAVINGS)
 

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Read what our customers have to say:

“This class has helped me realize that there are many methods for coping with what happens during the birth process. I enjoyed the practical, hands-on portion of the class to try out many of the methods taught, so that my husband and I feel more compatible during the birth.” — Audrey, Allshouse, Canton, MI

“The condensed class was excellent for us because of our schedules and we feel everything was covered from stages of labor, to coping techniques, and postpartum. Highly recommend this class to all expectant parents. Alicia was great!” — Corey Allshouse, Canton, MI

“There can be an overwhelming amount of information surrounding childbirth. This class reviewed key elements in a thorough and knowledgeable way and gave me the confidence to provide my wife the support she needs.” — Paul Deschamps, Canton, MI

“Though this is my second child, I feel more comfortable dealing with the labor process. I feel more confident that this is my body and I can do whatever it takes to make me comfortable. I loved that my birthing plan was pretty much complete when I left the class. I felt it was a good experience.” — Kim Deschamps, Canton, MI

“Coming into the condensed version of the childbirth preparation course, I was a little intimidated. The instructor put all of my fears to rest. I found the days we were in class to be relaxing, fun, and informative!” — Justin Schmidtke, Brighton, MI

“My husband and I were thrilled to find a childbirth class that was not your run-of-the-mill, generic kind of class. We learned all the things that we needed to know to prepare for a pain-free, natural birth experience. It was a very educational and fun class. We would highly recommend this class for all parents, whether it be their first birth or not!” — Nicole Harris, Ann Arbor, MI

“As a partner, I came away feeling more confident as well as accessing a more open, loving feeling.” — David Gill, Ann Arbor

Through humor and honesty, the instructor brought labor and birth alive, making the upcoming experience palpable, something to anticipate with more awareness, presence, and freedom.” — Kate Daum-Bost, Ann Arbor, MI

“It was a real pleasure taking the class. I am preparing for my second child and the class had some information and points that were new, even to me. Great class for a refresher or 2nd time mamas.” — Lyn Slayton, South Lyon, MI

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