Un-method Birth Class
Un-method Birth Class
Next Class: See Calendar
There is no right or wrong way to birth a baby. Couples are faced with many decisions to navigate as they make the best choices for themselves. I believe that childbirth education is profoundly important in helping pregnant people and couples explore their options while they prepare for birth and the transition into parenthood. Having access to information is both a right and a responsibility as a new parent. In addition to information, the most valuable thing a person can bring to birth is trust in their body and the birthing process.
Rather than teach one type of labor support, classes are designed to help couples understand the birth process, while providing information about what the evidence shows us about birth. By helping to understand the array of options available and teaching a wide range of coping strategies to help individuals/couples have a satisfying birth experience, my goal is to connect parents to their strengths and beliefs about birth. By providing pregnant people and partners with a range of evidence-based information, I encourage them to follow their instincts in birth, creating space for families to empower themselves to make the choices that are right for their body, their birth and their baby.
" This class and it is a superb way to prep you for the entire process of your little's arrival. You will learn lots about labor, baby, breastfeeding, and bodily factoids plus really practical strategies for all the aspects of becoming parent. You will have fun, get informed, plus gain a community of friends who will have babes the same age....invaluable during postpartum and beyond...this class is so worth it!" -Paula, 2015
Un-Method-Method Birth
We will cover
Discovering your beliefs about birth
Identifying and overcoming birth fears
Third trimester, self-care and complimentary care for pregnancy
Exercise and nutrition
Signs of labor
Phases and stages of labor
Discover how similar birth is to sex
You have what you need: discovering your natural pain coping strategies
Movement and positions for labor
Massage, rebozo, and acupressure for labor
The role of the partner and the role of a doula
Develop excellent communication with your birth team
Medical technology and interventions: evidence based practices
Transfer to the hospital (for homebirth only)
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding
Newborn care: caring for your mammal
Diapers, baby wearing, crying and comfort
The postpartum body
Postpartum relationships, change in identity and sexuality
Healthy habits for happy relationships
Creating a supportive community
Transition into parenthood
Classes FAQ
When should I take classes?
Babies can arrive anytime after 37 weeks of pregnancy. It is best to be done with your childbirth education classes by 36 or 37 weeks to be on the safe side. **If you miss a class because you had your baby, I always offer one postpartum home visit to help with your transition.
How long is a childbirth education series?
6 weeks long and each class is 3 hours each.
I am having a (birth center/home/hospital/cesarean/VBAC/OBGYN-assisted/Midwife-assisted) birth. Would your class address my needs?
Yes! I don’t teach to a specific type of birth. Because every birth is unique and often differs from our own best-laid plans, I believe in teaching the full range of options available to couples and support them in their specific birth choices, rather than teach one way to give birth. There is no best way, there is no one way.
There are many different childbirth education classes available. What makes your class different?
Holistic Childbirth classes are designed to be much more than a birth class. A lot of information goes beyond just birth preparation to life after the baby comes, breastfeeding, sexual safety , informed consent, healthy relationships, identity, sexuality and culture. Classes engage students using a wide range of approaches and perspectives. Rather than come from one philosophy of childbirth education, I pull from many different styles as well as my bodywork, movement, and counseling experiences to best meet the specific needs of the class. Students can engage with the material through reading, discussion, movies, movement, touch and visualization. I encourage students to discover their preferences and follow their needs as they arise. Classes also foster a sense of community, and many students stay in touch after the babies arrive. Not to mention, it is a lot of fun!
I have a non-traditional family. Will I feel welcome in your class?
Yes, single parents, parents who are adopting, parents who are working with a surrogate/gestational carrier, grandparents, friends and parents of all genders and sexual orientations are welcome! Please feel free to share with you what your needs are so we are able to best meet them in class.
I am hoping to have a VBAC. Do you have a class to help me prepare?
Yes, I am happy to offer a private class that is designed to address your specific needs.
When and where are classes held?
Kate’s Office: 201 Dey Street, Suite 210
How much are your classes, and are they covered by insurance?
The cost is $290. You can also add on a private movement and massage session to those classes for $60 (online) to $90 (in person). Most classes, doula care and body work is reimbursable through a FSA/HSA account if you participate in one. Some insurance also reimburses for childbirth education. Let me know if you need a receipt for reimbursement.
When is your next class?
Check out the Calendar for most recent class dates.