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 made use of support positions even though I was laboring at 1am in Mott’s waiting areas . . . I will recommend the Center always. Here is a photo of me and Teddy immediately following my midwife-assisted birth at U of M (the midwives there were *AMAZING*) . . . 100% drug free, no repairs needed, and I left 11 hours after delivery!” — Anne Bruienne, Ann Arbor, MI

2012 Schedule & Fees

  • 2 Saturdays, 9:30am–1pm, January 21 & 28
  • 2 Saturdays, 9:30am–1pm,March 24 & 31
  • 2 Saturdays, 9:30am–1pm, June 2 & 9
  • 2 Saturdays, 9:30am–1pm, September 8 & 15
  • 2 Saturdays, 1–4:30pm, December 1 & 8

Fee $175 per couple; discount for multiple classes

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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. 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, an online class (Navigating the Medical Setting) is available for parents seeking a more complete preparation that includes medical interventions and birth plans.

See also our new one-day holistic birth preparation retreat, Giving Birth–Relaxation, Rhythm, Touch & Breath Awareness, which can be taken in place of the Condensed Series if that works out better for your schedule (you do not need both).

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. Please understand that we are not able to cover all the topics in 7 hours that we normally cover over 15.75 hours in a 7-week series.

Here’s what our customers have to say about their experience in this class:

“This class gave me confidence that I didn’t think was possible.” — Samantha Schmidtke, Brighton, 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

“The class was full of useful information. I feel much more prepared for this process. The instructor was very knowledgeable and warm — great experience.” — Rayna Gill, Ann Arbor, 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