Childbirth Classes and Preparation Classes in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Navigating your birth journey with confidence …

View our class schedule and fees at-a-glance.

Childbirth Preparation Classes (6-week series)

Childbirth classes Ann Arbor Michigan

2015 Class Schedule & Fees

Giving Birth & Caring for Your Newborn ($255 per couple)
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Our schedule not a good match for yours? Check out our comprehensive series of Online Childbirth Classes.

Birth is normal and you can do it! In our six-week series, 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. Participants will be given access to some online materials to cover select topics and thereby free up class time for more hands-on and interactive learning.

Topics include:

  • re-programming our negative cultural images of birth
  • optimal nutrition for the childbearing year (access to online class)
  • early labor-what to expect, what to do
  • exploring our fears
  • moving through labor-finding your rhythm
  • pain coping practice-conscious relaxation and breath awareness
  • creating an emotionally 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 (access to online class)
  • creating your birth plan
  • bringing baby home
  • postpartum recovery and adjustment

Can’t make all 6 weeks?

  • We will give you access to comparable material from our online programs for any class that you or your partner have to miss. That way you won’t miss out!
  • While we recommend the full six-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.
  • Or, go online all the way.

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Read what our customers have to say:

“Just wanted to let you know that I had my sweet little boy on October 28 and that the birthing class I took with you guys was the best thing I could have done before I gave birth. I felt so much more knowledgeable and prepared, even better, I surprised myself with the strength I had because I was able to do it all naturally! That wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t take the birth class and especially knowing about the pain relief from being in water.” — Caitlin Horning, Ann Arbor, MI

“We came away from each class feeling more prepared and excited. I am grateful that this class also was empowering for my husband as it helped him know how helpful he can be during our whole labor/birth process. We looked forward to each Tuesday night.” — Caitlin Shaughnessy-Parish, Ann Arbor, MI

“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. 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.” — Joanna & Dominic Bruno, Saline, MI

“I feel so prepared for my birth. I didn’t expect the class to be so enjoyable. I was sad to see the last day!” — Sharita Fouche, Ypsilanti, MI

“The class made me feel very prepared and 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

“This was a great class and helped a lot in relieving anxieties … it provided wonderful information and tips for partners of women in labor.” — Tim Shea, Ann Arbor

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Condensed Childbirth Class Ann Arbor MichiganChildbirth Preparation Condensed Class

2015 Class Schedule & Fees

Focus on Labor & Birth ($180 per couple)
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Our schedule not a good match for yours? Check out our comprehensive series of Online Childbirth Classes.

This interactive, hands-on class is designed to accommodate the schedules of busy first-time parents who simply can’t make it to a six-week series. Perfect for couples seeking a refresher class for a second (or more!) baby as well. We’ll review the process of labor and birth from start to finish, while emphasizing natural approaches to pain management, support techniques and comfort measures (how partners can help), and tips for smoothing your recovery in the early weeks postpartum.

“I just wanted to thank you so much for the Childbirth Preparation Condensed Series. This was my third childbirth and FIRST time taking any preparation class. I procrastinated with the first two, and then never thought it would make that big of a difference in the end, but boy did it! My first baby was induced due to gestational diabetes and the epidural failed. I declined the epidural with my second since I had a bad experience with my first, and overall had a great birth, but felt so panicked and unprepared throughout the labor. That all changed with this most recent birth, thanks in full to the class we took at the Center. I actually stayed calm and collected throughout all of my active labor. The same contractions that made me cry and panic with my first two labors, I closed my eyes and breathed through with my third. I will recommend the Center always. Here is a photo of me and Teddy immediately following my birth … 100% drug free, no repairs needed, and I left 11 hours after delivery!” — Anne Bruienne, Ann Arbor, MI

“Great class with lots of info. Wasn’t a shock and awe presentation. Nice small groups in a comfortable living room type classroom.” — Adam Strpko, Dundee, MI

If you are a first-time parent …

taking the condensed class as your sole means of preparation, please be aware that key information on medical interventions in the birth process will not be covered. Our in-depth online class, Navigating the Medical Setting: What Parents Need to Know about Epidurals, Cesareans, Birth Plans & Informed Consent is a great complement to this class and is recommended for those seeking a more complete preparation.

Navigating the Medical Setting ($50)
 

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See also our Getting Ready for Baby one-day workshop which combines Breastfeeding Basics and Newborn Care Basics and is designed to help ease you through the early days and weeks postpartum.

Getting Ready for Baby Workshop (Full-Day $95 per couple)
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REMEMBER OUR MULTIPLE CLASS DISCOUNT: Save 5% when you register for one or more of any combination of onsite and online classes for expectant parents.

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Read what our customers have to say:

“The condensed class was excellent for us because of our schedules and we feel everything was covered from stages of labor, to coping techniques, and postpartum. Highly recommend this class to all expectant parents.” — Corey Allshouse, Canton, MI

“My husband and I were thrilled to find a childbirth class that was not your run-of-the-mill, generic kind of class. We learned all the things that we needed to know to prepare for a natural birth experience. It was a very educational and fun class. We would highly recommend this class for all parents, whether it be their first birth or not!” — Nicole Harris, Ann Arbor, MI

“There can be an overwhelming amount of information surrounding childbirth. This class reviewed key elements in a thorough and knowledgeable way and gave me the confidence to provide my wife the support she needs.” — Paul Deschamps, Canton, MI

“Though this is my second child, I feel more comfortable dealing with the labor process. I feel more confident that this is my body and I can do whatever it takes to make me comfortable. I loved that my birthing plan was pretty much complete when I left the class.” — Kim Deschamps, Canton, MI

“It was a real pleasure taking the class. I am preparing for my second child and the class had some information and points that were new, even to me. Great class for a refresher or 2nd time mamas.” — Lyn Slayton, South Lyon, MI

“I signed up [for this class] to know how to make this experience positive for me and my wife. I can definitely walk away better informed about the process and understanding my wife’s needs and how to care for her and the baby.” — Deovrat Kajwadkar, Ann Arbor

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How do our classes compare to other “method approaches” to childbirth education?

The Center has chosen not to affiliate with any brand name methods of childbirth education. Rather, we have developed our own eclectic approach, drawing the best from what various methods have to offer and blending it with our own experience attending laboring mothers as doulas and midwives. We share what works.

  • Understand the process.
  • Anticipate your needs and plan to get them met.
  • Learn pain coping techniques.
  • Make choices that are informed and right for you.
  • Support your partner.
  • Troubleshoot challenges.

Community-Based vs. Hospital-Based Childbirth Preparation

“Here are your choices …” rather than “This is how we do it …”

Community-based childbirth education is consumer-oriented. We do not teach you to be a “good” patient; we teach you to be an informed consumer! Hospital-based childbirth preparation programs (as a general rule) tend to promote the institution’s policies and protocols, with an eye to encouraging patient compliance rather than informed decision making. Informed consumers know their full range of choices and understand the benefits, drawbacks and alternatives related to each choice.

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Patty Brennan Childbirth Educator Ann Arbor MichiganPrivate Childbirth Classes with Patty Brennan

Email Patty with questions or to make arrangements.
Fee is $135 per hour; two-hour minimum recommended

Purchase a 2-hour Private Childbirth Class with Patty Brennan ($270)
 

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Private classes can be co-designed to meet your unique needs. They are suitable for first-time parents with busy schedules and can also be especially helpful as a refresher class for couples whose past experience with childbirth was less than optimal, especially challenging, or even traumatic. Choose among a range of topics and get your concerns addressed! Drawing on 30+ years of experience as a childbirth educator, doula, doula trainer, and retired midwife, I specialize in preventive strategies, holistic solutions and effective communication with your caregiver to achieve the birth experience you desire.

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 and weighed over 9 lbs. 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; 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. Very little tearing this time around, despite his big size, and recovery has been far easier. 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

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