Classes

I have been the childbirth educator for The HOPE Center in Woodstock for 5.5 years. I took the Lamaze Passion for Birth workshop in Jan. 2005 and have been a Lamaze certified educator since April 2008. I keep my classes up to date through continuing education including Lamaze’s Teen Labor Support Specialist and the Baby Steps teacher training. My series focuses on teaching informed decision making and on the importance of knowing all available options. The classes are formatted to allow for discussion and student participation. Each series is tailored to the needs of its participants.

”Why should I take a childbirth class?” While there is a lot of great information on the internet, it is not always accurate. My classes focus on evidence based practices and I am always happy to provide further references for the information given in class. A class also allows dialogue and discussion. Sometimes we learn best from others in the class or perhaps they will ask a question we hadn’t even thought of yet. It’s also important that our birth team get the support they need as well and they also need the opportunity to have their questions answered and concerns addressed. And let’s not forget the importance of just being with other people going through the same thing that you are!

“I’m planning an epidural, I don’t need a class.” It’s important for everyone to learn about their pregnancy and options in labor and birth. It’s also beneficial to understand what is happening to your body in labor so that you know when to go to the hospital. Even if you are planning to have an epidural in labor, you will need basic coping techniques until you can receive your epidural. Once you have an epidural, you still have many decisions to make along and your childbirth class should help you understand your options.

“I trust my dr. He/she will tell me what I need to know.” While your provider is often a great source of information, they do not have the time to go through all of your options. Most OB visits, actual time with provider is approximately 5 mins. It is just impossible for them to cover 16 hours worth of information (the length of my series) during prenatal appointments. Most OB’s do not provide labor support and if you are in a group practice it is very possible that you may not get your favorite dr in labor. Your doctor may be sick or off call when it’s you baby’s birthday. What if you are out of town and go into labor? You can expect to see your provider maybe once during labor and then again when you begin pushing or they decide a cesarean is needed. Labor is also not the best time for decision making…you are busy laboring. This is why you need to have an idea of what options are available prior to going into labor.

“I really don’t have time to sit through a class.” The birth of your child is one of the most important days in your life. It seems reasonable that you could spend at least the same amount of time preparing for it as you would planning your wedding or in designing your baby’s nursery. The decisions you make surrounding your birth will impact the rest of your life.

The complete series is 16 hours and is 4 Sat.’s, 9 am – 1 pm. The cost for the entire series is only $25. For more information on registering for a HOPE Center series, please call 770-924-0864.

You can check my “Events” page for my current schedule of upcoming classes.