Birth is not only a physical, medical event but also an emotional, psychological, and for some people a spiritual event. We offer birth classes that help empower our participants to feel informed and prepared for the wonderful experience of pregnancy, birth and the transition into parenthood. check out our calendar
This method of birth education uses hypnosis to help a woman stay calm and relaxed through contractions. Women are taught about the Fear-Tension-Pain syndrome. When women are free of fear they can relax, thus facilitating easier birthing. The class is for a pregnant mom and her birthing companion.
BirthWorks childbirth classes are based on the idea that birth is a profound life event and that it offers opportunities for learning and growth. This class involves both education and exploration of feelings about pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Participants develop both a philosophy of birth and an individualized birth plan that feels right for them. Comfort measures, optimal fetal positioning, and coping strategies for labor are emphasized. Discussions focus on how to avoid an unnecessary C-section, post-partum coping, and risks and benefits of medical interventions. Partner massage techniques, relaxation exercises, and breathwork are taught as well. The goal of these classes is for women and their partners to be in a position to make truly informed choices about birth and parenting and to understand how to make their birth experience a positive, joyful event which reflects their own values and goals.
Lamaze classes support, promote, and protect the normal birth process, by teaching women and their family practices that ensure the best care for them and their babies. The four week class series focuses on preparing for labor and delivery. Relaxation, breathing, natural comfort measures, and the role of the support person are emphasized. Other topics include common variations of labor and birth, hospital procedures, medication, cesarean delivery, and postpartum care.
Take time out of parenthood to refocus on birth. Even for those who have completed a childbirth preparation series before, this class offers a great review of relaxation techniques, breathing, natural comfort measures, and the role of the support person. Opportunity to discuss the joys and frustration of your past births, and make plans for the next. Other topics include normal labor and common variations, hospital procedures, medication, cesarean delivery, and postpartum care.
This is a class to prepare mothers and their partners who are planning a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Benefits and risks will be discussed as well as hospital protocol and pain management strategies for labor.
For more information about childbirth education classes please call 215-713-2666