Childbirth Preparation: Everything You Need to Know

“Whitman Glen Newland was born Saturday, March 12th at 8:46 p.m. at Henry Ford Hospital in West Bloomfield, MI. He clocked in at 6 pounds, 1 ounce and 20 inches, sporting a full head of black hair. Janae powered through 17 hours of drug-free labor and Whitman scored 9/9 on his Apgar (we’re so proud of our little achiever). Thanks again Patty and Alicia, we had the confidence to do this as a team and our birth plan really worked out!” — LeRoy and Janae Newland

2013 Schedule & Fees

  • July 24-September 4 (7 Wednesdays, 6:30-8:45pm)
  • September 11-October 23 (7 Wednesdays, 6:30-8:45pm)
  • November 5-December 17 (7 Tuesdays, 6:30-8:45pm)

Fee $245 per couple; discount for multiple classes

REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS

Are you challenged to make our schedule fit yours? Our comprehensive Online Childbirth Preparation Programs offer the following benefits:

  • For folks with schedule conflicts, we will give you access to online classes for any class that you or your partner has to miss. That way you won’t miss out!
  • While we recommend the full seven-week series for first-time parents, we understand that is not an option that will work for everyone. Check out our Condensed Series for the hands-on group experience and then fill in the gaps with our online programs.

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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. Emphasis is placed on developing confidence in a woman’s natural capacity to give birth, comfort measures and labor support techniques, how partners can help, alternatives to drugs, and cesarean prevention. Birth videos, lending library, resources, referrals, and more are available.

Don’t put yourself in a box with Hypnobirthing, Lamaze, or other brands! We have gleaned what works best from all of the “method” approaches!

Topics include:

  • re-programming negative cultural images of birth
  • herbal teas for pregnancy
  • optimal nutrition for a healthy pregnancy
  • early labor-what to expect, what to do
  • exploring our fears
  • active labor-how to cooperate with the process
  • moving through labor-finding your rhythm
  • pain coping practice-conscious relaxation and breath awareness
  • emotional support and creating a safe environment
  • pushing the baby out-gentle birthing without trauma
  • comfort measures and labor support-the partner’s role
  • medical interventions in birth-benefits, risks, and alternatives
  • creating your birth plan
  • bringing baby home
  • postpartum recovery and adjustment
  • baby blues and postpartum depression

Read about the Core Values that underlie our programs.

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Read what our customers have to say:

“Being first-time parents, we were uncertain and lacking confidence about the birth process, however, our experience in this class has turned our fear and anxiety into excitement as we feel we have all the knowledge and tools needed to have a wonderful birth experience. There is a lot of information that you just don’t get from most health care providers, so this class is a must for first-time parents.” — Tony Greathouse, Tecumseh, MI

“We found our class to be incredibly helpful as we prepared for the birth of our son. Not only did we learn a tremendous amount of information, we were surrounded by an amazingly supportive group of parents to be and educators. Our class has helped us to be confident in our ability to birth and even excited for this adventure to unfold!” — Joanna (& Dominic) Bruno, Saline, MI

“I enjoyed the class very much and looked forward to going every week! I feel so much more prepared and confident now. The class did much more than any book could have.” — Kristen Anderson, Ann Arbor, MI

“I feel so prepared for my birth. I didn’t expect the class to be so enjoyable. I thought it would just be breathing and positions only (television birthing classes image). I was sad to see the last day!!” — Sharita Fouche, Ypsilanti, MI

“Came into the course not knowing what to expect. Left the course confident in our choices, excited about our journey, and with new friends to share it with…. will definitely recommend this course to others.” — Steven Clausnitzer, Ypsilanti, MI

“My experience in the class mirrored my pregnancy-full of different emotions-primarily joy and fear, but gradually feeling reassured and increasingly confident by the end.” — Emily Pingel, Ann Arbor, MI

“Professional and friendly, warm atmosphere … balanced loads of data with great, useful anecdotes. Huge help.” — Scott Sanders, Ann Arbor, MI

“The class made me feel very prepared but it also provided a safe place every week so IF I had a question or concern, I knew I could ask. I also loved being able to check out materials [from the Lending Library]. What a wonderful experience!” — Yvonne Mato, Howell, MI

“We loved our class. It was helpful, informational, and fun; we actually looked forward to going.” — Daniel Hamilton, Ann Arbor, MI

“Alicia did a great job. She is very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and kept the class interesting and applicable. I feel much more aware, as a partner. of what to expect.” — Mike Taylor, Ann Arbor, MI”

“By the end of the classes, I felt a lot calmer and more prepared for my baby’s birth. It was a great thing to do with my partner.” — Stella Resko, Ann Arbor, MI

“Excellent for fathers-to-be. I could not imagine not recommending this course to others.” — Jim Bauer, Ann Arbor, MI

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