Birth Classes
All of my classes are specifically designed to be relatable for people of any class, culture, or family size. People with experience with infants, nursing, and childbirth, and people with none are all welcome to join us and learn. Each class benefits from discussions, hands-on activities, videos, supplemental handouts, and a fun atmosphere!
Here is a comment from a mother who was in my class, taken from her blog.
Tonight we have childbirth class. I cannot tell you what a positive experience that has been! Most of you who know me very well know that I need all the details and facts up front before taking on anything big. (I'd say giving birth is pretty big, wouldn't you?) I need to dig my nails into tons of information, ask hundreds of questions, and make informed decisions. T is much the same. These past 8 weeks of class (and 4 more to go!) have opened my eyes to so much that I never even conceived of. Everything from the effects of good nutrition to the business of birth in the US to exercises that help baby get into position to dealing with emotional/relationship issues prior to birth. Babywearing. Breastfeeding. The effects of drugs. Midwife vs. OB. C-Sections. How they administer an epidural. How to deliver a baby in the car. Tearing vs. Episiotomy. Even orgasmic birth! (which we're all pretty sure isn't in the cards for us, but if it is - hoo haa!).-- KMB
And here is some commentary from a fellow birth activist on why you should take a GOOD childbirth course, and not leave your birth to chance. A good education works like nothing else in making all the difference in having the outcomes you want!
12 Week Natural Childbirth Series
As a former Bradley method instructor, and current BRIO Birth mentor, I do offer courses based upon the research of Dr. Bradley, but also include research from such icons as Ina May Gaskin, Michael Odent, Jennifer Block, and many more.
However, I do consider my series to be more of a hybrid, as I also bring to it my extensive delivery room experience, doula research and credentialing, and la leche league education. It's a class on Natural birth with options!
While the course is wonderful for couples seeking natural childbirth, my classroom is a place for the discussion of information, and not value judgments. Birth is a many splendored thing, and while I do advocate for consumerism in birth and informed consent, I also don't espouse any specific agenda when it comes to the birth of your child. I feel that as long as you are educated about the full range of possibilities and effects from each choice you do or don't consent to, and are emotionally prepared for the ups and downs labor and birth will bring, I have done my job.
I also pay special attention to the empowerment of fathers and partners, and the emotional process and validation necessary to make them into spectacular labor support when the time comes. My couples are trained to work as a team for this spectacularly difficult but rewarding physical and emotional event. This new level of intimacy makes for a greater sense of confidence, accomplishment, and closeness through the birth, and can really create a much greater 'birth high' to revel in with your new baby when s/he arrives! Each series is $300.
Your Birth, Your Way! Class hosted by OMGWH
This class was designed exclusively for the care providers at OMG (Obstetrics, Midwifery, and Gynecology Women's Health) group in Hinsdale, but is open to the public. It is offered in their Hinsdale office location and is newly expanded to six weeks long. The class covers nutrition, healthy gestation, relaxation, pain management, prenatal exercise, the stages of labor, labor positioning, normal labor and variations on normal, emotional readiness, labor support, the postpartum period, breastfeeding, and caring for your newborn. The course is $75 per couple.
Baby Boot Camp(for parents)
This
class covers the basics of caring for your baby, and the postpartum
period. Breastfeeding, postpartum care for mom, and what to expect at
the hospital are the major points covered. The breastfeeding section
includes nursing adjustments, common issues and solutions, as well as
nursing holds for a better latch.
Also
covered are the tests performed on the baby, as well as common newborn
reflexes, packing your hospital bag, night time with baby, and bringing
baby home. Couples will practice soothing infants with activities that
can be exercised on special weighted baby dolls exclusive to my classes.
I also
cover postpartum mood disorders, postpartum nutrition, diapering and
'output', baby wearing, bathing baby, and baby skin care. This class is
held at Cutie Poops and Bottoms in Orland Park once a month, and costs $70 per couple, or $50 per single. Snacks are included.
Breastfeeding
for Dummies-- or just the uninformed
This two hour workshop is included in the
standard 12 week series, as well as Baby Boot Camp and most of my other
classes. It is offered as a stand alone class at Cutie Poops and
Bottoms as a community service through La Leche League International,
and through my role as a leader with them.
All of the basics are covered! Proper
latch, nursing holds, common ailments and remedies, going back to work
and pumping, night time nursing, information on breast milk, baby's
growth, and nutrition while nursing are all part of the class.
Attendees are welcome to follow up with the Frankfort or Orland Park
Chapter of La Leche League for more support while pregnant and
nursing. There is no fee for attending, and all pregnant and nursing
women are welcome!
The Scoop on Doulas
Quite simply, this is an hour long
presentation about what a doula is, and what a doula does. I go over
the history of doulas, as well the efficacy rates when it comes to
medications, interventions, and cesarean births. It's meant for those
who are new to the birth community, and need to know more. This lecture
is a public service, and is no charge.
I can be reached at DivaDoula@gmail.com or at 708-351-0935. I strive to return calls within a few hours, but please be patient. I give my laboring moms all the time they need, and will return your call or email as soon as I can.
