Private Childbirth Classes

With Patty Brennan

Email Patty with questions or to make arrangements.
Fee is $135 per hour, 2-hour minimum

Private classes and consultations can be co-designed to meet your 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.

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 you can pick and choose among the topics. Scheduling is at our mutual convenience.

I specialize in preventive strategies, holistic solutions, and the promotion of consumer choice, drawing on 28 years of experience as a childbirth educator, doula, doula trainer, and retired homebirth midwife.

Thank you so much for all your advice and reassurances about delivering a big baby. I was able to apply so much of your advice and thought you’d be very happy to know how helpful your suggestions were. Toby was born at forty weeks, two days and weighed 9 lbs. 6 oz. Labor was fast. Three things you told us were particularly helpful: 1) once I knew the baby was coming (and could feel the burning) I let everyone know (I was on my hands and knees at that point); 2) to slow down the pushing, I did shallow breathing and delivered positioned on my side in the bed; and (3) there was no coached pushing; I let my body do all the work and he came out in two contractions. Very little tearing this time around, despite his big size, and recovery has been far easier. It really helped to have a team of three terrific labor coaches, and to have a medical staff who was supportive of our wishes. I really appreciate your help and have been recommending the Center to all the future moms and dads in the area I know.” — Anne-Lise Halvorsen, Detroit, MI

You met with my husband and I for a personal second childbirth preparation session. We had a truly amazing birth experience–no medications, no IV, and I just listened to my body and was able to be in the moment during pushing. Specifically, I did not bear down for counts of ten and it was incredible … I had no tearing at all (after previously having had an episiotomy)! I am someone who does a lot better with knowledge and preparation. Our session gave me both. It really helped. Thank you for all the work you do. You really helped our family. — Sara, Ann Arbor, MI