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“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
With Kate Stroud & Patty Brennan
2008 Schedule
7 Tuesdays, 7–9:15pm
January 8-February 19
March 11-April 22
May 13-June 24
July 15-August 26
September 9-October 21
November 4-December 16
Fee $235 per couple; discounts for multiple classes; partial insurance reimbursement approved for Blue Cross Network Premier Plan subscribers (formerly MCare plan).
You can do it! This class provides a community of expectant parents who come together to learn about childbirth and explore related topics in preparation for parenthood. 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. Parents are encouraged to take responsibility for their own health care and make informed choices. Birth videos, lending library, resources, referrals, and more are available.
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
Fee $120 per couple; discounts for multiple classes; insurance reimbursement approved for Blue Cross Network Premier Plan subscribers (formerly MCare plan).
The condensed series is designed for: folks with busy schedules who cannot accommodate a seven-week class; couples seeking a refresher class for a second (or more!) baby; or couples planning a homebirth. We'll focus on the process of labor and birth, coping with pain, support techniques and comfort measures, and the postpartum recovery period.
Matthew Janger supporting his wife Cecily Garrity during labor.
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 the topics.
Fee $60 per couple; discounts for multiple classes; partial insurance reimbursement approved for Blue Cross Network Premier Plan subscribers (formerly MCare plan).
This class focuses on those first critical weeks of your baby’s life and provides basic information and resources to prepare the mother-to-be for a satisfying breastfeeding experience. Topics covered include: getting started, latching and positioning the baby, overcoming common obstacles such as engorgement, learning your baby’s hunger cues, realistic expectations, and when and where to seek help. Since family support is a key factor in a positive breastfeeding experience, partners are encouraged to attend.
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, bathing, and calming the baby; safety issues; and equipment/supply recommendations (what's really necessary?). Sleep issues will be discussed in detail. 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.
In this class, we will discuss strategies for returning to work. Types of breast pumps, the experience of pumping, safe storage of breastmilk, wardrobe challenges of the working breastfeeding mother, and possible childcare arrangements will be covered. Each mother, with the help of the group, will have the opportunity to work toward a personal plan for her unique work situation. Class limited to 6 moms; nursing babies welcome; can be taken prior to the birth if desired.
Come meet other women who are breastfeeding their babies! This four-week class focuses on supporting the new breastfeeding pair. We will provide a combination of a nurturing environment and accurate, up-to-date information. Each individual mother’s concerns are a top priority. Please bring your baby and your breastfeeding questions!
Mondays, 10-11:30am, ongoing (join any time, but do pre-register)
Fee $60 for 8 weeks
This group focuses on making a positive adjustment to the joys and challenges of being a new mom. Topics include sleep issues, breastfeeding, baby-wearing, taking care of yourself, sex after baby comes, birth stories, infant massage, baby signs, and more. Eight-week class repeats consecutively and can be joined at any point in the series.
Through the art of infant massage, you will gain a deeper understanding of your baby's nonverbal cues, identify calming techniques, and enhance your parenting confidence. Classes are designed for babies from six weeks of age to pre-crawling. Two caregivers are welcome to attend.
Sign up for more than one of any of the above classes and support groups and take a 10% discount off the price. In order to qualify for the discount, you must pay the full fee at the time of registration.
Blue Care Network Premier Plan Reimbursement for Classes
As of January 2008, we have been assured that our previous arrangement with MCare to provide partial reimbursement for the Childbirth Preparation and Breastfeeding Basics classes will continue for Blue Care Network Premier Plan subscribers. The Childbirth Preparation series reimbursement amount is $120 and the Breastfeeding Basics class amount is $30. If you participate with this plan, then you are eligible to receive reimbursement for the cost of one class per year (in other words, the maximum you can be reimbursed by BCN in one calendar year is $120, unless both you and your partner are independently enrolled in the plan).
You must pay the full fee for each class, to the Center, up front. At the last class, we will provide you with a receipt, a certificate of attendance, and instructions for submitting your reimbursement request to BCN.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES. Registration is limited and will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. To reserve your spot, send a minimum payment of $100 (or the full fee if tuition is less than $100). Balances are due on the first day of class. A limited number of more flexible payment plans or work/study opportunities are available upon request, but must be approved in advance. Once we receive your check, we will mail you a letter of confirmation providing directions and other information. Last-minute registrations may be accepted, space permitting.
Please Note: We are not able to accommodate the many requests we receive to allow people to make up classes in a series for which they have schedule conflicts. Our classes are usually full and there simply is not the space to do this. If you have to miss a class, it is fine for you or your partner to come alone. If you both have to miss, the teacher can point you in the direction of reading and audio/visual materials that cover similar information. If you anticipate multiple conflicts, you may want to consider private classes which can be designed to meet your unique needs.
A full REFUND, minus a $25 processing fee, will be provided upon request up until one week before any class begins. After that time, refunds will not be issued, though students may use their credit (minus $25) to enroll in a future class. Once a class has begun, no refunds or credits will be issued.
When sending in payment, please include the following information:
your name and name of one person who will be attending the classes with you
address, phone number, and email address
due date
the class names and dates for which you are enrolling
Please make checks out to:
Center for the Childbearing Year
And mail to:
Patty Brennan Center for the Childbearing Year
20544 North Lake Rd. Gregory, MI 48137
CREDIT CARDS: We accept VISA and Mastercard over the phone. A $15 fee will be assessed for credit card refunds. This is in addition to the $25 cancellation processing fee detailed above.
For Parents
