Birth Classes
So many questions! What actually happens during birth? How is my labor going to feel? Can my body do this? Will I cope? What choices do I have? Is my partner actually going to be useful? What goes in a birth plan? How can I avoid unnecessary interventions? How will breastfeeding go? Am I going to know how to change diapers and soothe my baby's cries? But mainly just: how on EARTH?!
Wouldn't it be lovely if there were a manual that would give you all the answers? Or if there were an expert "method" that worked for everybody, all the time? But the truth is, there's no quick shortcut to parenthood. We must each find our own way forward in our own situation, using our own inner resources. It is sometimes difficult and painful, but through this process we grow into our beautiful new roles. I want to live in a world where growing families have an experience of birth that can be a source of strength to them in the future. They are cherished and supported in their autonomy so that when they undertake parenting (and all the other challenges of life), they will know, "we did that, and we can do anything!" That's why I created this unique birth class. I don't seek to give you all the answers but to help you find your own answers using the following tools:
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I'm a bit different, and my classes are a bit different, too. How?
— I am a highly educated facilitator with a two-year University-accredited diploma in childbirth education
— My classes are independent of any hospital or product line, so that no profit motive stands between you and high quality information
— Rather than restricting you to a single "method", I draw on many schools of thought, from hypnobirthing to Bradley, Birthing From Within to Lamaze
— My approach is holistic but also firmly tied to up-to-date medical research and scientific evidence
— I don't push you to birth in any particular way — my only preferred outcomes are the ones you desire
Choose from:
Clarity Session60-minute one-to-one consultation
in person or by phone/Skype Early in pregnancy, want to set your goals? Learn what services are out there? Further along but unsettled by the messages you're getting from care providers? Need a fresh perspective on your alternatives? Though you may arrive at this consultation with your head spinning, you'll leave with: – a clear overview of your options from an expert with experience across the spectrum of local maternity services – concrete next steps mapped out for your journey to a beautiful birth – an individualized must-watch, must-read list to keep the discoveries coming after we part $50 |
Group Workshops Comprehensive 16-hour preparation
Next class: Fall '16 babies, e-mail for details Come to downtown Racine and join a group specially for third-trimester mamas and their partners. First-timers will feel right at home, but so will people with experience of medicalized birth who want to do things differently this time. The class gives you not just information but also the chance to grow your skills, confidence and self-awareness for both birth and parenting. We include a session just for women and a 2-hour reunion after all the babies arrive. It takes a village, and this group is a chance to find your tribe. New friendships develop organically over discussions, shared meals and giggling fits. Some families stay friends for life! $260 (or introduce a friend and each get $60 off!) |
Private ClassesWear your slippers
Pick your hours (2-hour minimum) No time for a group class? Too late to book? Prefer a class specifically tailored to your circumstances and needs? Learn better in an intimate setting? Or stuck on bed rest and can't make it to the group? Have model pelvis, will travel. My bag of tricks will accompany me to your home (or bedside), where we'll work together to get you ready for birth and parenthood. These sessions are great for anyone, but especially those desiring to stay home from hospital until advanced labor or planning a home birth, since they allow you to practice your skills in the exact place where you'll be needing them. $40 per hour |
You presented everything with such wisdom and really helped us to grow in confidence |
Just wanted to say again how important the classes have been to us and how much we have appreciated your support and guidance throughout. You've done a wonderful job — you presented everything with such wisdom and really helped us to grow in confidence.
Look forward to seeing you with our new baby! — NJ, mother, birth education client, Racine |
Laura provided four wonderful in-home classes about childbirth and newborn care for my husband and me, and loaded me up with a wide range of books. I got such a great education! Furthermore she was and still is available for all sorts of questions.
— DM, mother, birth education client, Milwaukee |
I got such a great education! |