Center for the Childbearing Year

CHILDBIRTH PREPARATION and
OTHER CLASSES FOR PARENTS

Holistic Childbirth Preparation
Newborn & Infant Care
Breastfeeding Basics
Private or Semi-Private Childbirth Classes



Holistic Childbirth Preparation
With Patty Brennan, Beth Barbeau, and Peggy Rabhi
Class Schedule
7 Tuesdays, 7-9:15pm,
          January 24-March 7
          April 11-May 23
          September 12-October 24
          November 7-December 19
7 Wednesdays, 7-9:15pm,
          March 22-May 3
          June 7-July 19
          September 6-October 18
Fee $220 per couple (or see package deal 2006 below)

Series prepares woman and her partner for natural childbirth in a variety of settings. One class will be for the women only. Information is geared toward preventing complications during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum. Emphasis is placed on developing confidence in your body's natural abilities, labor support techniques, alternatives to drugs, cesarean prevention, and the baby's needs. Suggestions regarding the safe use of herbal, homeopathic, and other natural therapies are interwoven throughout. Parents are encouraged to take responsibility for their own health care and make informed choices. Birth videos, lending library, resources available.

Week 1
a consumer approach to health care
herbal teas for pregnancy
optimal nutrition for a healthy pregnancy
anatomy and physiology of pregnancy
relief for common discomforts

Week 2
preparations for labor
overview of the process of labor and birth

Week 3 - Women's Class
essential exercises and yoga stretches
conscious relaxation and breath awareness

Week 4
medical interventions in birth: benefits, risks, and alternatives
creating a birth plan
the experience of labor
positions & movement in labor

Week 5
comfort measures & labor support
massage for labor
avoiding episiotomy & perineal tearing
medical protocols & tests for the baby

Week 6
mom's postpartum recovery
breastfeeding successfully
vaccines & informed choice

Week 7 (with Melisa Schuster)
explore myths of parenthood
postpartum emotions - baby blues or postpartum depression?
postpartum planning guide

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Newborn & Infant Care
 With Beth Barbeau
2 Saturdays, 9:30-11:45 am
          January 28 & February 4
          December 2 & 9
2 Wednesdays, 7-9:15pm
          March 1 & 8
          May 17 & 24
          August 2 & 9
          October 25 & November 1
Fee $70 per couple (or see package deal below)

This class will provide expectant parents with practical insights and supportive resources to help smooth the transition into parenthood. Topics include: the baby's needs in the early weeks; diapering; calming the baby; troubleshooting health issues such as jaundice and fever; safety issues; equipment/supply recommendations (what's really necessary?) and reclaiming your sex life. Sleep issues will be discussed in detail, including updates from New Zealand studies on eliminating the risk of SIDS. Rather than teaching "the right way to parent," emphasis is placed on guiding parents into developing practical and effective solutions that will work for their family.

* * * * *

Breastfeeding Basics
 With Beth Barbeau
Saturday, 9:30-11:45 am
          February 11
          December 16
Wednesday, 7-9:15pm
          March 15
          May 31
          August 16
          November 8
Fee $35 per couple (or see package deal below)

This class is designed to provide basic information and resources that will prepare the couple for a satisfying breastfeeding experience. Topics include: getting started; overcoming common obstacles; when to seek help; back to work strategies; and product review -- bras, pumps, and other lactation aids. We will explore common concerns such as "is the baby getting enough?" to increase breastfeeding confidence and success.

 

Package Deal

All of the above classes can be taken for the package price of $275. If any two classes are chosen, then the Holistic Childbirth Preparation series fee is $205; the Newborn & Infant Care series fee is $60; and the Breastfeeding Basics fee is $30. The Newborn & Infant Care and Breastfeeding Basics classes can be taken before you take the Holistic Childbirth Preparation class if that works out better for your due date.

NEW! M-Care Reimbursement for Classes

M-Care has approved partial reimbursement for the Holistic Childbirth Preparation classes in the amount of $120 and for the Breastfeeding Basics class in the amount of $30. The Newborn & Infant Care class is not a category of class that they approve. If M-Care is your insurance provider, then you are eligible to receive reimbursement for the cost of one class per year. You must pay the full fee charged by Center for the Childbearing Year up front. When registering, please let office staff know that you are an M-Care subscriber and we will provide you with a receipt, instructions for submitting your reimbursement request to M-Care, and a certificate of attendance on the last night of class.

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Private or Semi-Private Childbirth Classes
 With Patty Brennan
Contact the Center to make arrangements
Fee is $150 for one two-hour session

Private classes can be co-designed to meet your or your group's special needs. They are appropriate for couples who have already experienced childbirth and are seeking a refresher class, but may not need (or have time for) an entire series of birthing classes. A couple whose past birth experience was particularly difficult or in any way less than optimal, can often benefit from one or two private sessions aimed at troubleshooting specific concerns. And private lessons are also helpful for those whose schedules do not permit them to attend a regular series of classes. Information contained in the entire standard series can typically be covered in three private sessions, or the couple can pick and choose among topics of interest.