"A La Carte" Childbirth & Postpartum Classes
Helping you prepare for one of the most significant events in your lives!
An event you will remember for a lifetime!!!

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If I hire a doula, do I still need childbirth classes?
YES.  And here's why: In order for a doula to support what you want, you first need to know what you want. Classes take you through your options and teach decision-making skills so you can decide what's important to YOU.  You'll get a deeper understanding of how the labor process works--what happens when it unfolds in a completely uninterrupted way, how to find a care provider that is supportive of your plans, and what risks/benefits/effects to expect from medical interventions.

Childbirth will be a trans-formative event in your life – for better or worse a person never forgets their birth experience. Our classes can help it to be an experience that builds your self-esteem, enhances parent-child bonding, and offers you and your partner an  opportunity to deepen your relationship. 

BirthWise in Birmingham also offers Postpartum Classes to help you feel better prepared for life after baby arrives. Take these classes as part of planning while you are pregnant, or bring your newborn with you to class!

Class participants enjoy small class sizes and individual attention so that you and their partner have a chance to explore your own needs and preferences. The classes provide you with the tools you need to meet your individual goals for minimizing,  postponing or avoiding  medical interventions or medications, having an empowering birthing experience, and thriving during the early days & weeks postpartum.

Read these tips on what to consider when choosing a childbirth class (from Mother's Advocate).

Choose the classes that work for your goals and your schedule. Take one, take them all. Take one a week. Take one a month! Whatever works best for you. Contact us for more information or go here to register.

Eight two hour classes:
Taken together, a comprehensive childbirth preparation series from pregnancy to postpartum. Each class stands alone, giving you the flexibility you want to meet your needs!


         2020: Jan 23, April 2, June 11, Aug 6, Oct 1
Let us show you how to begin preparing emotionally and physically for birth, as well as how to choose a care provider and birth location that are supportive.

          2020: Jan 30, April 9, June 18, Aug 13, Oct 8
The Process of Normal Physiological Birth is truly amazing. Learn how hormones and physiology orchestrate to initiate and move both mother & baby through the stages of labor.

        2020: Feb 6, April 16, June 25, Aug 20, Oct 15

From what provisions to take and how to chart the course for smooth labor, to how to avoid unnecessary medical interventions. We'll explore normal hospital procedures, medications, interventions and discuss how to make the best decisions for your family based on medical evidence, available birth options, and your personal values and goals.

         2020: Feb 13, April 23, July 2, Aug 27, Oct 22

Births unfold in many ways. "Normal" is a huge range that includes many births that are not "textbook." Learn how to adapt and make decisions if labor does not start on it's own, follows a more meandering timeline, or is a planned or emergent c-section. Great preparation for creating a "Plan B" if the need arises.

          2020: Feb 20, April 30, July 9, Aug 27, Oct 29
Practice and preparation: positions, tools, massage techniques and relaxation exercises. Birth rehearsal… putting it all together.

          2020: Feb 27, May 7, July 16, Sept 24, Nov 19
Getting started and meeting your personal breastfeeding goals

          2020: March 5, May 14, July 23, Sept 10, Nov 5
What happens AFTER the baby arrives?  The nuts and bolts of physical self care after giving birth, newborn behaviors, newborn care, and other practical skills & information to see you through the early weeks postpartum.

          2020: March 12, May 21, July 30, Sept 17, Nov 12
Make sure that everyone thrives during the early weeks and months of parenting.  Is everyone sleeping, eating AND getting emotional needs met?Includes information about sleep, swaddling, babywearing, and how to stay connected with your partner during the transition into a family unit.

         2020: Dates TBA
The why's and how's of exercise during pregnancy and into the postpartum period. Strategies for maintaining the exercise you love in a time full of so much change.

Investment:

$60 per class              
 
Packages:
Any 4 classes for $235          
Any 6 classes for $345
All 8 classes for $450

Fee is per pregnant person! Bring your support team with you to class. Bring your baby with you to postpartum classes. We are happy to have them!

*Attendees may register up until 2 days before class.

Time: Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 pm

Location: For the remainder of 2020, all classes will be virtual. 

    Interested in our classes? Not sure what will work best for you? Have more questions? We will try to help:

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Let your friends and family help!

Ask them to buy you a gift certificate for BirthWise in Birmingham Services!
About the Instructors:

Susan Petrus is the mother of two teenagers. She is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator and DONA Certified Birth Doula.

Dalia Abrams is the mother of 4 amazing children aged 20-28. She is a birth doula, doula trainer, childbirth educator and lactation counselor. She also holds a master's degree in public health.

Anjanette Burkett Robinson is the mother a 3 children aged 13-29. She is a licensed professional counselor supervisor, a birth doula and a postpartun doula.