Class Schedule
Natural Birth Series
next series starting Wednesday February 2, from 7-9:30pm. $300
course scheduled to end on April 20, 2011 (4/27 makeup day).
Your Birth, Your WayTuesdays, March 8- April 12, 2011 from 7-9pm.
Tuesdays, May 3- June 7, 2011 from 7-9pm.
$75, please call OMG to register!
Baby Boot Camp
Classcurrently suspended
Please contact Colleen for a referral to a similar program.
Breastfeeding 101
Please call to register!
The Scoop on Doulas
Class held by invitation only.
Please contact me if you're interested!
Class Topics:
The Following are some of the topics covered in each my birth classes, to give you a better idea of what is covered. My approach is varied, and includes many games, contests, videos, role-plays, and other interactive methods of teaching. It is important to me that all of my students are able to engage the material on as many levels as possible to facilitate better learning and higher retention. It is a 12 week series in which each week builds on the last.
Coaching/labor support: a how to manual for dads-to-be and partners that includes a 'toolbox' of skills, communication methods, relaxation tools, and confidence-building.
How the body works: What the body does, when, how and why. This greater understanding of our biology can create a greater self confidence for both parents, as well as an understanding of why natural birth is best, and providing great motivation to work for a medication and intervention-free birth.
Common Interventions: how they work, why they are used, and an UNBIASED risk/benefit analysis of each one. I also cover some common 'situations' that often require intervention in a standard hospital setting, as well as what to do when things don't go as planned.
Coping Strategies: I cover all sorts of different things, including massage techniques, labor positions, tricks of the trade, ways to focus, guided meditation, abdominal breathing, visualization, and much more. I focus on the couple learning to work together as a team to ensure optimal cooperation, and relaxation during birth, as well as a sound feeling of confidence in one another as labor approaches.
Perceptions on Birthing: I do a bit of work on cultural and personal ideas of birth, and how we can change them to serve us better in labor. While I don't provide a therapeutic approach to this, I do work hard to have good group discussions on how to positively view our experiences in labor and birth, as well as providing resources, tools, and books that can be used in more depth at home.
Nutrition and Exercise: Labor has been compared to a marathon. One would not attempt to run a marathon without proper training, and my course provides you with the information you need to get and stay healthy, as well as how to make sure your physical stamina and endurance are up to the task of your labor.
How to communicate with your provider: this is something I work on from week to week so that while you're distracted and dealing with a rushed provider, my couples are still able to easily advocate for their own wants and needs in labor. This includes the formation of a birth plan.
Breastfeeding, Postpartum care, and early parenting: As a La Leche League Leader, nursing success is important to me, and I work hard to give you the basics, as well as some tips and common difficulties. I also spend time on postpartum care for mom, newborn procedures for baby, and some exercises and tips on how to soothe baby in his/her first days.
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. 
