Birthing 101 Classes consist of six 2 hour weekly sessions that ideally fall towards the end of your second trimester. The 12 hour series includes pregnancy, nutrition, birthing positioning, stages and phases, relaxation techniques including aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, massage and positioning, medical interventions, creating a birth plan, and so much more. Each week ends with a relaxation exercise to practice the new techniques.

Classes are private (only 1 expecting couple) to ensure a comfortable environment and maximum personal attention. Fees are $235 a couple. In addition to the basic series outlined below, Birthing 101 offers "early bird" classes, refresher courses and condensed "crash" courses for the couple that finds themselves short on time. For more details on these options or to schedule a series, visit the contact page.

Class Outline

Class 1: Pregnancy: Preparing for the Big Day
This week we will cover nutrition, exercise, gestation, including baby growth and development, and pregnancy comfort measures

Class 2: Birth: An Event in Three Stages
This week we will cover the three stages and phases of labor, pushing and advanced comfort measures, including relaxation techniques, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, and massage.

Class 3: The Big Day
This week we cover preparing for the birth, review the comfort measures and discuss birthing choices and plans. We also cover all options from water birth to epidurals.

Class 4: Preparing for the Unexpected
This week we cover variations in birthing and possible unexpected situations that could arise. Common alternatives are discussed and risk management is covered. We also cover the most common interventions in childbirth today.

class 5: Birth Plans and Dads
This week we will cover the daddy's role in the pregnancy, labor, delivery and new supporting role. Topics include emergency childbirth and labor support. We also cover birth plans, including preparation and implementing, as well as possible turn of events.

Class 6: Just the Three of us
This class covers new baby care, newborn procedures, breastfeeding, diapering, colic, and sleeping through the night.