What method do you teach?
The classes are not restricted by any particular method. The Childbirth 101 Curriculum is composed of advanced comfort measures, pregnancy, lactation and other modern research. Classes are always customized to suit the students needs.

This is not my first birth. Will I still benefit from this class?
Many moms find their first birth was not what they expected. Whether you want to repeat the event entirely or go for a completely different outcome, Childbirth 101 classes prepare you to be fully informed of your options from scheduled c-sections to VBAC and teach you to weigh the benefits vs the risks, making an informed decision. Since the classes are private, the content is cutomized to reflect your desires and needs.

Do you teach women to go natural?
This curriculum has a focus on relaxation and coping techniques allowing the mom the optimal chance for unmedicated labor. We practice relaxation weekly and learn new techniques, from massages, how to use a birth ball, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and more. The moms that leave this program have all the tools they need for an unmedicated labor.

What if I want to get an epidural? Would I still need this class?
The techniques in the class are still especially important for a mom desiring a medicated birth. Many doctors do not allow medications prior to or beyond certain dialation markers, which can leave plenty of time to relax and be pampered. Also, epidurals sometimes do not take and other times can leave "hot spots", again leaving a need for additional coping measures. Finally, the other components of the class will still apply to a medicated mom and new baby.

Can we take the classes with a friend to save money?
Finding a friend to take the classes with you is a great idea. The price changes to $150 a couple and the content will be altered to suit both of your needs. Plan to spend a little extra time each week for each class, as teaching two couples tends to take longer than one.

What if we want the dad to be the birth "coach"? Would we still need a doula?
As a doula, I participate in many births where the dad is the birth coach. My role is not to take the place of the dad, rather to support the whole family, building dad's confidence. I am there to demonstrate massage and relaxation techniques, suggest positioning and comfort measures, and offer specialized knowledge and experience with the birthing process that the father does not generally have. This presence allows the father to relax and enjoy becoming a father without the worry that he will forget or "mess up" a technique that was learned in the birthing class. At no point is the fathers presence secondary to the doula's.

Do you offer a sliding scale?
My goal is to be sure every laboring mom is fully prepared and ready to get all she expects from the birthing experience, so I am happy to negotiate if price is what restricts a family from receiving these services. From time to time, a free class is offered, and other times barters and trades can be worked out.