Childbirth Education

2012 Dates for Childbirth Education

Currently, I am working towards my midwifery certification so I am only offering TWO OPTIONS for childbirth classes:

 

Option 1:  Informed Parents Childbirth Group Classes Place/Time:  Held on 6 consecutive Monday evenings from 6-8:30 at Parkway Wesleyan Church (off of Rt. 460).  Content:  These are very similar but not exactly like the Active Birthing childbirth classes discussed on this page.  Focuses are knowing your options, informed consent, and cesarean prevention.  An emphasis is put on the benefits of natural birth while recognizing that some moms may not choose to go that route.  Fee:  This class is free and is open to anyone regardless of birthplace (hospital or home).  2012 class dates for this year are: January 23- February 27 April 16 - May 21 July 16 - August 20 October 8 - November 12 To register for the Informed Parents Childbirth Group Classes, please call 977-3726 or email at: kristen_tt@yahoo.com

Option 2: "Active Birthing" Natural Childbirth Classes Place/Time:  Held in two all day sessions.  Usually on Saturdays (9-5) or Sundays (1-8) but other options are available.  Will work around your schedule.  These are typically just with the parents;  however, if you know of other couples desiring to take the class with you, they may join in as well.  If a couple doesn't mind other couples joining in, I will also advertise the class online. Content:  These are natural childbirth classes and are geared towards couples desiring a low to non-intervention birth.  I offer series for hospital delivering couples and series for homebirthing couples.  For more information, scroll down. Fee:  $250-300 (for more details,  see the rest of this page)         If you have questions or would like to schedule a private series, you may contact me by the above email or call 977-3726.  Once the dates are agreed upon, either print off the registration form and mail to me with your deposit OR copy and paste in an email and pay your deposit by paypal.  kristen_tt@yahoo.com

Why should I choose an independent childbirth class?

1. Perfect for hospital or home delivering clients.

2. Encourages informed consent by giving you ALL of your options.

3. Utilizes the helpful components of all of the birthing methods (Lamaze, Bradley, etc.) because there is NO PERFECT METHOD for everyone. 

4. Smaller class sizes which means having a more intimate atmosphere and discussions tailored specifically to the couple(s).

5. Private classes are available.  We can work around the schedules that won't allow for taking the typical once a week evening class.  Private classes also address the issues relevant to the couple and give the couple an opportunity to ask questions without inhibitions. 

6. Is THE best investment you can make in cesarean prevention!

What will be taught in the Active Birthing classes?

Whereas the classes could vary somewhat depending on couples' needs, you will learn:

• How to choose which types of caregivers you would like to attend your birth

• How to understand and work with the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period

• How to be informed about the options available to you in a hospital birth

• How to choose foods and exercises for a healthy pregnancy

• How to write a personal birth plan to communicate with your caregiver about the birth you desire

• How to prepare for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)

• What is a doula? How to determine if a doula is right for your family

• How to use a range of relaxation and comfort techniques during labor

• How certain positions can help make labor more comfortable

• How to be informed about the benefits and risks of interventions

• How to avoid unnecessary cesareans and other interventions

• How you can remain empowered even when interventions are required

• How to care for yourself and your baby after the birth

• How to contact resources in your community for support with breastfeeding, postpartum and newborn care

(ALACE--Association of Labor Assistant and Childbirth Educators)

For more detailed class breakdown click here

I am currently a Childbirth Educator through ALACE (Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators).  I offer independent childbirth classes specializing in natural childbirth.  The ultimate goal of my natural childbirth classes, however,  is to stimulate thoughts and discussion and to encourage you to research and become prepared for your birth--regardless of what decisions you and your partner make.  TRUE informed consent is based on making the best choices with the most up to date information available--not just taking someone's word for it (your doctor/midwife OR your childbirth educator)!

For more information on childbirth classes in Roanoke, Virginia or surrounding areas,  or if you have any questions, please give me a call at (540) 977-3726 or email at:

kristen_tt@yahoo.com

Active Birthing Classes for HOSPITAL Delivering Mothers:

The six class series is condensed into TWO sessions;  these are often held on two Saturdays usually with 2 weeks between the sessions.  (Sunday sessions are also available beginning in the afternoon.)

Session one includes classes 1-3.  Session two includes classes 4-6.  Private sessions typically run 8 hours each session--total of 16 hours. 

$300 per couple  (includes student book, handouts, and  loan of a copy of "The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth" by Sheila  Kitzinger, and a goody bag featuring samples and other products)       

**A deposit of half the tuition is required with your registration to hold your spot.  The remaining tuition is due at the first class. 

For registration forms, click here.  

Active Birthing Classes for HOMEBIRTH Mothers:

The four class series is condensed into TWO sessions;  these are often held on two Saturdays usually with 2 weeks between the sessions.  (Sunday sessions are also available beginning in the afternoon.)

Session one includes classes 1-2.  Session two includes classes 3-4.  Private sessions typically run about 4-6 hours each session.  

$250 per couple  (includes student book, handouts, and  loan of a copy of "The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth" by Sheila  Kitzinger, and a goody bag featuring samples and other products)       

**A deposit of half the tuition is required with your registration to hold your spot.  The remaining tuition is due at the first class. 

For registration forms, click here.  

Refresher Course

Refresher Courses (for those having been through birth before)  are available to those who wish to brush up on:

• What to expect during labor/delivery

• Birthing options

• Comfort Measures and Coping Skills (relaxation, breathing, positions, etc.)

• anything else a couple requests information on!

Discussion, handouts, activities, and video viewing are to be expected in this one session, three hour class.

Fee: $50 per couple