Advanced registration is required - simply email me at [email protected] to register, or fill out the form below! Private classes or make up classes may be able to be arranged, possibly in your home (extra fees and/or travel surcharge if classes held at an alternative location will be applied). Discounts are available for doula clients or if you arrange the class to be taught to multiple couples (doula clients receive $30 off full series). I can also customize classes for you if your needs are unique (second child, have already completed birth classes, etc.) - contact me at [email protected] for more information!
Joyful Birth Series
Would you like to have a joyful birth? I offer private childbirth classes in the comfort of your home, or mind! My series is a comprehensive, relaxed, and fun course designed to prepare you for childbirth! We will use readings, videos, hand-on exercises, meditations, yoga poses, and discussions to learn about how to have the healthiest pregnancy possible, the importance of picking the right medical provider and birth location, how meditation and mindfulness are essential, the nuts and bolts of the birth process, natural pain relief techniques, positions to aid labor, advanced comfort measures, how to work with your medical provider, informed consent, the benefits and risks of possible interventions and medications, pushing positions and techniques, what to expect postpartum, newborn care and procedures, and early breastfeeding, as well as address fears and concerns you may have. This class is a "hybrid" of many different methods/techniques, using my knowledge of the Bradley method, Lamaze, Mindful Birthing, Yoga for Birth, Hypnobirthing and Hypnobabies, Dr. Sears, Ina May Gaskin, Barbara Harper, Elizabeth Davis, Penny Simkin, and others. You will receive a main workbook ("Prepared Childbirth The Family Way"), a supplemental workbook, and a huge amount of handouts and other reading suggestions (there will be homework!!). While the majority of my students desire a "natural" (no/low medical interventions and no medications), this is not a requirement. Also, while many of our students DO have a natural birth, and this class will give you all the necessary tools to make that possible - having a natural birth is not our "goal". Our goal is for all of our students to go into their birth extremely well-prepared, informed, educated, confident, and empowered - so you can have a joyful birth! The series consists of 3 classes, 3-4 hours each week, scheduled based on mutual availability - $450 (discount if you are able to arrange other paying attendees to create a small group or semi-private class) NEW VIRTUAL CLASS OPTION! Please contact for more information!!
Healthy Pregnancy Class: Preparing your Body and Mind for a Joyful Birth
5 This class will cover a variety of ways to stay healthy, active, low-risk, and joyful throughout your pregnancy and labor! We cover nutrition tips to reduce your chances of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and premature rupture of membranes; exercises and postures to ensure optimal fetal positioning and to best prepare your body for labor; and begin discussing the KEY to a natural, or low-intervention birth - relaxation, and what you need to start doing now to train your body, mind, and spirit for a healthy, easier pregnancy, labor, and birth. We will also discuss how to pick the best birth location for you, as well as how to find a supportive medical provider. Couples are encouraged to take this class as early in their pregnancy as they can - BUT, it is never too late to learn important and pertinent information if you are hoping for a low-intervention birth. (no classes currently scheduled, but content covered in the first class of the comprehensive series). $50/couple
Advanced Comfort Measures (1st Stage Refresher)
A class to review the stages/signs of labor, to learn and practice natural coping techniques and comfort measures, and we will have a "labor practice" This can be a great refresher for those who have taken a full series previously (either a hospital series, or with an earlier pregnancy), but would like a reminder, or feel they would like to learn more natural comfort measures. Hospital birthers will stay longer to learn more about creating a birth plan and communicating with their medical providers. This class is included in the comprehensive series, or you make take it a la carte if you do not want to take a whole series. If taken "a la carte": $60/couple.
APRIL 4, 2020: 2-5pm (location TBA, Libertyville area)
Cloth Diapering 101
1 hour class designed to introduce you to the world of cloth diapers, covering all types, including All-in-one's, Pockets, Prefolds/Covers, and hybrids - and give you hands on experience with different types and brands. $20/couple
Baby Wearing 101
1 hour class discussing the benefits of "baby wearing" (basically, carrying your baby in a baby carrier), the different types of carriers (wraps, slings, pouchs, Mei Tai's, etc.), and how to do it comfortably! You will get hands on practice with a variety of types and brands. $20/couple.
Gentle Birth Choices 101
A two hour class to introduce you to "gentle" or natural birth options. We will discuss hospital and home birth, waterbirth and using water during labor, and introduce you briefly to a variety of the most commonly used natural labor techniques. $30/couple.
(no classes currently scheduled; but content covered in the comprehensive series class 1)