Childbirth Classes

Whether you hope to birth in the hospital, at a birth center, or at home, all your questions will be answered in this six-week course. You and your birth partner will learn a variety of techniques that will enable you to find your own body’s rhythm to guide you through the birth experience and help you achieve the safest, most rewarding, and most empowering birth experience possible.

Jaci is also always available to answer any questions or concerns after class or via phone or email. Drop-in and refresher classes are available for experienced parents, and private classes are available for time-crunched families. Please call Jaci for more details.

Sign up for classes via PayPal, in person, or write to us with questions via our website form.

All gift certificate purchases and class deposits are final and non-refundable.

In this class series, you will learn about:

  • Active participation of the birth partner
  • Avoidance of drugs
  • Natural breathing
  • A variety of relaxation techniques
  • Tuning in to your body and working with it
  • Immediate and continuous contact with your newborn
  • Breastfeeding beginning at birth
  • Positive communication skills
  • Options for informed decisions regarding birth choices
  • Preparation for the unexpected

Nearly every class includes a DVD screening, lecture time, relaxation practice or exercise, a homework assignment, homework review, and question-and-answer/sharing time.

For more information, please read “Why Are Independent Birth Classes Important?”

Classes follow the general outline below.

Introductions between students and instructor

Introduction to educational tools: workbook; different childbirth philosophies; lending library of books and DVDs; and more

Nutrition: learning to eat mindfully

Three types of relaxation: physical, emotional, and mental

Primal birthing mother: historical options vs. contemporary ones

How our society/culture views pain and working with that sometimes challenging mindset

Pain-coping skills: using past experiences to build resources for labor; discussing comfort techniques

Physical relaxation practice

Sharing birth stories (homework review)

Basic pregnancy anatomy and how it affects daily function

First stage labor: how labor begins; how contractions might feel; how to time contractions; breath awareness; transition from early labor to active labor

Choosing who to have at your birth

Doulas: what a doula does

Labor practice: timing contractions; different labor positions

Transition: differences from first stage labor; how to read the signs

Second stage: pushing and how to prevent tearing or episiotomy

Third stage: delaying of clamping and cutting the umbilical cord; placenta delivery

Placenta encapsulation

Labor practice with additional position changes and comfort techniques

Birth “wish list”: traditional and nontraditional; how birth “plans” are viewed by some of the medical profession; how to write a birth “plan” that does not put medical professionals on the defense; using it to your advantage

Use of visual aids

Practice of acupressure and reflexology techniques to help with labor

Massage techniques and positions for coping with back labor

Other massage techniques to help with labor

The “what ifs” of birth; unexpected turns in labor

Technology in birth: appropriate use vs. overuse

Birth interventions: waterfall of effects

Induction: natural induction techniques and procedures; hospital induction procedures

Pain medications: narcotics vs. epidural

Cesarean sections

Informed consent: making empowered decisions; being open-minded and flexible; knowing and utilizing your choices

Mental relaxation practice

Postpartum care for mom

Emotional rollercoaster: hormones; baby blues vs. postpartum depression

Postpartum help: realistic expectations of partner, family, or friends; importance of self-care, nutrition, and sleep; getting basic needs met to cope with dramatic life changes; saying yes to help

Newborn care: what to expect immediately after birth and for the first few weeks

Basic breastfeeding: colostrum vs. milk coming in; positioning; partner’s role in breastfeeding; success with support

Referrals to lactation specialists and breastfeeding groups and classes

"Jaci’s birth classes informed and prepared us and we even made some friends. We trust Jaci’s knowledge and experience and it was great to bounce questions and scenarios by her and get her feedback to help with our decisions."

Hillary M.

"I learned so much from Jaci’s birthing class. It helps to know what to expect and what is available. She is very supportive and presents the facts in a concise and organized manner. I definitely recommend taking the class prior to giving birth!"

Melinda M.

Birth Classes

Reserve a Space
$50
Prepay for Series
(6 Classes) — $200

Gift Certificates

Our gift certificates can be applied to any services offered.



Note: all purchases are final & non-refundable.