Childbirth Education

Newborn Care: I Have a Baby, Now What?

Congratulations on your new arrival! This comprehensive class is designed for new parents eager to learn how to navigate the exciting and sometimes overwhelming world of newborn care. Join us to gain essential knowledge and skills to support your baby's development and your own confidence as a caregiver.

In this class, we will cover:

Understanding Newborn Phases: Explore the various stages of newborn development and what to expect as your baby grows.

Managing Breastfeeding and Baby Care: Learn effective breastfeeding techniques and practical tips for day-to-day baby care.

Introduction to Attachment: Discover the importance of building a secure attachment with your newborn and how it impacts their emotional development.

Managing Infant Sleep: Get insights into infant sleep patterns, tips for establishing healthy sleep habits, and ways to cope with sleep deprivation.

Normal Newborn Digestion: Understand your baby's digestive system, including what’s typical in terms of feeding, digestion, and stool patterns.

Breastfeeding and Body Feeding: Learn about different feeding methods, including breastfeeding and bottle feeding, to support your baby's nutritional needs.

Pediatric Visits: Infant Weight Loss and Gain: Familiarize yourself with the growth milestones to expect during pediatric visits, including understanding weight loss and gain in newborns.

Inductions and Advocacy

Navigating the journey of childbirth can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding inductions. This informative class is designed to equip expectant parents and their partners with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for themselves and make informed decisions regarding labor induction.

In this class, we will cover:

Medical and Elective Inductions: Explore the different types of inductions, including medical and elective options, and when each may be appropriate based on individual circumstances.

Induction Medications: Gain insight into the various medications used for induction, their purposes, and potential effects on both the birthing person and the baby.

Advocacy and Partner Support: Learn how to effectively advocate for your needs and preferences during labor and how partners can play a vital role in supporting this advocacy.

Evidence-Based Decision Making: Discover the importance of making informed choices by understanding the evidence behind induction practices, potential benefits, and risks.

Interventions and Possible Outcomes: Review common interventions associated with inductions and the possible outcomes for both the birthing person and baby, helping you prepare for different scenarios during labor.

Navigating Hospital Birth

Understanding the hospital birth process can empower expectant parents to feel more confident and prepared for their upcoming delivery. This comprehensive class is designed to guide you through the entire hospital experience, from triage to discharge, ensuring you are equipped with the knowledge needed for a smooth birth.

In this class, we will cover:

Triage to Discharge and Everything in Between: Learn what to expect during the hospital admission process, including triage procedures, assessments, and the discharge process after delivery.

Common Interventions in Birth: Gain insights into the various interventions that may occur during labor, such as epidurals, inductions, and assisted deliveries, and understand when they are typically used.

How to Prepare for a Vaginal Birth and Cesarean: Explore preparation techniques for both vaginal births and cesarean sections, including what to pack, questions to ask your care team, and recovery expectations.

Preparing for Pivots in Medical Care: Understand the importance of flexibility in your birth plan and how to navigate unexpected changes in medical care, including discussions with your healthcare team.

What Happens When Labor Stops: Discuss potential scenarios when labor stalls, including strategies for managing this situation and the options available to support progress.

Fetal Monitoring: Learn about the different types of fetal monitoring used during labor, why they are important, and how they help ensure the safety of both the birthing person and baby.

NICU and Transfers: Understand the role of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), when transfers may be necessary, and what to expect if your baby requires additional medical support after birth.

Pregnancy, Physiological Birth, and Stages of Labor

Join us for an informative seminar that explores the natural process of birth, focusing on the physiological aspects and stages of labor. This session is designed for expectant parents who want to understand how to support a healthy and empowering birth experience.

Participants will learn about:

The Physiological Process of Birth:

Gain insight into the stages of labor and the body's natural mechanisms during childbirth.

Understand how the body prepares for and facilitates a physiological birth.

Optimal Fetal Positioning for Shorter Labors:

Learn the significance of fetal positioning and its impact on labor duration and comfort.

Explore techniques for encouraging optimal fetal positioning to enhance the birthing process.

Pushing Positions & Advocacy:

Discover effective pushing positions that can aid in a smoother delivery.

Discuss how to advocate for your preferences during labor and communicate effectively with your care team.

Birth Hormones and Contractions:

Understand the role of key hormones in labor, such as oxytocin and endorphins, and how they affect contractions.

Explore how to harness the power of these hormones to facilitate a more efficient labor.

Natural Coping Methods:

Learn various natural coping techniques, including visualization, movement, and massage, to manage discomfort during labor.

Discuss how to integrate these methods into your birthing plan.

Pain Management Options:

Review the range of pain management options available, from natural techniques to medical interventions.

Understand the benefits and considerations of each approach to make informed choices.

Pelvic Floor and Breathing Techniques:

Explore pelvic floor awareness and its importance in labor and delivery.

Practice effective breathing techniques to promote relaxation and assist during contractions.

Postpartum Healing & Preparation

The postpartum period can be both beautiful and challenging. Caring for a newborn while healing from labor can feel like a whirlwind of emotions and adjustments. Whether you’re planning a vaginal birth or a cesarean, this class will provide essential insights on navigating this transformative time.

Postpartum Healing: Understanding the physical and emotional recovery process after childbirth.

Balancing Lactation: Tips and strategies for successful breastfeeding and lactation management.

Partner Communication: Enhancing communication and support between partners during this transition.

Postpartum Wellness: Exploring mental health strategies, self-care practices, and building a support network.

Postpartum Doula Seminar: Couples Communication in the 4th Trimester

As new parents navigate the transformative experience of the 4th trimester, effective communication becomes crucial for maintaining a strong partnership. This seminar is designed for couples seeking to enhance their communication skills during the postpartum period, ensuring they work as a cohesive team.

Participants will learn:

Understanding Emotional and Physical Needs:

Recognize the unique emotional and physical adjustments both partners face during postpartum recovery.

Discuss strategies to express and meet each other's needs compassionately.

Active Listening and Constructive Dialogue:

Explore techniques for active listening to foster empathy and understanding.

Practice constructive dialogue to strengthen connection and resolve conflicts.

Navigating Common Challenges:

Identify common issues faced during the 4th trimester, such as:

Sleep deprivation

Shifts in household responsibilities

Changes in intimacy and relationship dynamics

Share practical tips for managing these challenges together.

Creating a Supportive Environment:

Learn how to establish a nurturing space that encourages open communication.

Discuss the importance of teamwork in decision-making regarding baby care and household responsibilities.

Building a Collaborative Mindset:

Strategies for maintaining a partnership approach, emphasizing collaboration over competition.

Techniques for setting shared goals and priorities to strengthen teamwork.