Childbirth Preparation: Everything You Need to Know

With Kate Stroud or Alicia Montgomery

“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. Kate was amazing–she made me feel very comfortable!”–Emily Pingel, Ann Arbor, MI

“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

“Class gave us a very good, confident feeling heading into labor and birth.”–Class Participant

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

“I really enjoyed the tone of the class and also the humor. Looked forward to coming every week. I also appreciated Kate’s very non-dogmatic approach to natural childbirth and philosophy that has helped me to focus on being prepared but not rigid about childbirth plans.”–Class Participant

2010 Schedule & Fees

  • 7 Tuesdays, 6:30–8:45pm, September 7–October 19
  • 7 Wednesdays, 6:30–8:45pm, October 27–December 15 (no class on November 24)

Fee $235 per couple; discount for multiple classes

REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS

2011 Schedule & Fees

7 Tuesdays, 6:30–8:45pm

  • January 11–February 22
  • May 3–June 14
  • September 6–October 18

7 Wednesdays, 6:30–8:45pm,

  • March 9–April 20
  • July 6–August 17
  • October 26–December 14 (no class on 11/23)

Fee $240 per couple; discount for multiple classes

REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS

More Kind Words

“This was, by far, the best prep I could have had for pregnancy/delivery/postpartum!” — Class Participant

“Kate made the experience fantastic. We love her. Entertaining and informative. Recommending her to friends.”–Class Participant

“I cannot say enough good things about Kate. Her down to earth personality made the class so informative and entertaining. I have some friends who dropped out of their birthing class and I would recommend this class to anyone.”–Class Participant

“Enjoyed the class very much. Found it a well-presented, thorough look at our options for the whole process. Well done!”–Class Participant

“Thank you! We feel so much more confident in navigating this process and coping well and opening ourselves to this experience. We really enjoyed your openness and approach to the topic and course.”–Class Participant

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