I will be starting a Lamaze Healthy Birth class series on July 12th. If you are due in late Summer or Fall, this is the class for you!  Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings for six weeks, from 6:00-9:00 pm. Please contact me for more information or to sign up, and be sure to read the FAQs below!

Some frequently asked questions about my class:

Isn't Lamaze just about breathing?

Nope - this is not your ma's Lamaze! When Lamaze started out in 1960, it was actually a method for giving birth, which focused on breathing patterns for distraction from labor. As the organization's understanding of normal birth increased, so did their philosophy. Now Lamaze's (and my own) goal is to educate women about healthy birth, and to help them feel confident about giving birth and becoming mothers.

Why take my classes? Why not just take a hospital class?

An independent childbirth class is almost always a better option than a hospital class. Too often, hospital classes seem to focus on teaching you how to be a good patient, not how to have your best birth. Some hospitals are also limited in what they are allowed to teach in a childbirth class, due to hospital policy or religious affiliation. Because I am not affiliated with a hospital, I am able to offer unbiased, evidence-based information, allowing you to make the decisions that are best for you and your family. 

I have extensive knowledge of and experience with pregnancy, labor, and birth; in fact, I am the only Lamaze-certified childbirth educator in the York area. I am committed to helping women find the confidence within themselves to have their best birth possible. My classes are competitively priced, and for those in the York area who are planning to give birth in another city (Lincoln, Hastings, Omaha), my classes reduce the cost of travelling each week for childbirth education. Besides all that, my classes are FUN - and when's the last time you had fun at a hospital?!  

Why don't I offer online classes? That seems to be the new trend!

While I understand that taking an online childbirth class is tempting, I truly feel that the personal interaction you get in a real class is invaluable. Expectant moms and dads can greatly benefit from meeting other parents in their same situation, and learning from those who have had children already. Online classes don't allow you to ask questions and receive an immediate answer, or give you the opportunity to hear questions that other students ask which you may not have thought of yet. In a classroom there are visual aids that increase your understanding, activities that make learning more enjoyable, and a great give-and-take atmosphere. In addition, actually attending a class with your partner gives you the opportunity to spend time together, bonding and making plans for the new baby, especially if you have older children.

How much does a childbirth class cost?

The fee for one class series is $50.00 per pregnant woman. This includes whatever partner you choose to bring with you. Remember that my class also includes both breastfeeding and newborn care education, unlike most childbirth classes.

The full amount is due at your first class; however, I am open to setting up a payment arrangement with those who are unable to pay the full amount at one time. I also offer a discount for those currently receiving Medicaid assistance; cost of the class will be $35 with proof of Medicaid enrollment. Please contact me before your first class to take advantage of either of these opportunities.

What are classes like?

Classes are held in my home classroom. The environment is comfortable, positive, and fun. There will be between three and six couples per class; this smaller class size facilitates learning and encourages interaction. Classes are based on the six Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices, and we focus on active learning - learning through movement, practicing skills, activities, and games - rather than having a lecture style that you see in most childbirth classes. A traditional class will meet one evening a week for six weeks, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. My schedule is flexible, and I will try to accommodate my students' needs as much as possible.

I am also able to provide a wide range of special needs classes, like VBAC classes, Refresher classes for those who have had a baby before, One-Day Express classes, Early Pregnancy classes, Sibling classes, etc. Please let me know if there's a specific class schedule or topic that you would be interested in.

For those with allergies, please note that classes take place in a             cat-friendly home.

What will you learn in class?

Classes are based on Lamaze's six evidence-based Healthy Birth Practices: Let labor begin on its own; Move around during labor; Have continuous support; Avoid routine interventions; Push in an upright position; and Keep mom & baby together after birth.

Class topics will include:

    • Changes during pregnancy; nutrition; prenatal testing; preparing your body for birth
    • Labor: What to expect and what to do
    • Comfort measures for labor (avoiding and coping with pain)
    • Positions and movement for pregnancy and birth
    • Common fears and how to build your confidence
    • Avoiding unnecessary interventions
    • Making informed choices for your pregnancy, labor, and birth
    • What to expect and what you can do if you should experience an unexpected outcome, including cesarean section, need for intervention, or problems at birth
    • Packing for your place of birth
    • What to expect postpartum
    • Newborn basics: Needs and abilities
    • Breastfeeding: Benefits and how to get started
    • Parenting choices and partner communication
    • A labor rehearsal, and lots of chances to practice comfort measures, coping techniques, and relaxation exercises

Who should come to class?

Every pregnant woman should attend a good childbirth class! Whether this is your first or fifth baby (and I've had both in my classes!), there is always something you can learn, and every birth is unique. While I believe that every woman has the ability to give birth naturally if she chooses to and learns techniques to help her cope, everyone is encouraged to attend - whether you are planning a natural birth or you know you want to have an epidural. The information we cover and activities we do are relevant to everyone!

When should you begin taking classes?

The ideal time to begin a childbirth class is around your 30th week of pregnancy; however, women at any stage of pregnancy are welcome to attend. Class sizes are kept small, so you may want to sign up early. You may also sign up now for a future class; I will be starting six-week class series throughout the year.

Who should you bring with you to class?

Each woman is encouraged to attend class with a partner who will be there to offer support to her during her labor. This partner may be the father of her baby, a friend or family member, or her doula.

Please contact me to learn more about Lamaze classes or to sign up!