What is the difference between hospital-based childbirth classes and private classes? 

     Hospital-based childbirth classes can be well taught, but typically provide a general overview of labor and birth and do not accord you much time to process, practice, or integrate information. These classes commonly teach you what to expect in that hospital or what will happen to you, rather than preparing you take an active, informed role your in own amazing birth experience.

Why take my childbirth preparation classes? 

    I love teaching about childbirth. It is one of the great joys in my life! There are many brands of childbirth education out there - Lamaze, Bradley, Alexander, Read, Birthing from Within, and HypnoBirthing - all based on reducing the pain and difficulty of labor by addressing the fear-tension-pain cycle, each in their own way. However, these classes do not focus on techniques to ready the pelvis and pelvic floor - the bones, ligaments and muscles that make up your baby’s passage - which, when prepared, can give your baby the space it needs to navigate its way from womb to world. Nor do these methods help you understand how to get your baby situated in the best position for birth, the ‘optimal fetal position’.

I offer community based, culturally respectful, family-centered childbirth classes that facilitate mental, emotional, and physical preparation for late pregnancy, labor, birth, and early parenthood. Rooted in respect for the natural process of childbirth, these comprehensive classes draw from all methods of prepared childbirth and will prepare the birthing person and their partner to make informed, evidence-based decisions based on knowledge of the alternatives. My goal is that you feel heard, respected, empowered by, and cared for throughout the birth process. Want to avoid medications or certain procedures? Together we can tailor strategies to your strengths. Can’t imagine laboring without the help of medication? Together we can strategize how to maximize both positive outcomes and pain relief. With evidence-based information you will be able to make a birth plan that reflects your values in navigating labor - your unique you-ness, + one that will help you be ready to embrace parenting.

When should I plan to take childbirth preparation classes? 

Ideally you should register for a class that will have you starting when you are around 28 weeks. By 28 weeks you start to think more about birth. Of course, life gets in the way, so the ideal timing is not ideal for everyone. Starting much later than 34 weeks may leave you with little time to process what you’ve learned. Register in advance because classes fill up.

Located in Malden, MA, I offer a variety of in-person and virtual childbirth education options designed to meet your needs. Don’t see what you want? Let’s talk. Have a group of friends all due within months of each other? Let’s create a series for you.