Childbirth Classes
Babies at a class reunion
Why take a childbirth class?
Childbirth classes give expectant parents an opportunity to learn, share, and meet with others in a supportive and positive environment that is respectful and inclusive. In contrast to online sources of information, childbirth classes build community, and offer evidence-based instruction that is responsive to the needs and questions of each individual. Those who have had prenatal education report less anxiety during pregnancy and greater satisfaction with their birth experiences.*
Teaching Philosophy
I am a Birth Works certified childbirth educator. The classes I teach are based on the belief that each woman will labor and birth in her own way. Rather than promoting any specific birth outcome, classes facilitate self-exploration so that each woman has the opportunity to discover what is important to her in birth, and develop self-confidence and trust in her ability to meet the challenges of childbirth. Participants learn that there is not any one right way or method to give birth or to be a birth partner. Classes are holistic and interactive, providing mental, physical, and emotional preparation for birth. I believe that giving birth is a creative, active, and dynamic process, and that childbirth education should also embody these qualities.
Course goals:
Course content:
Classes provide comprehensive instruction and discussion regarding pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and the newborn. Each class incorporates hands-on activities and birth videos. Topics include:
Emphasis is placed on discussion, interaction, and activities such as relaxation, visualization, movement, writing exercises, and birth art. Classes may also include presentations by guest speakers on topics like massage, breastfeeding, and birth experiences. Classes meet the needs of anyone preparing for birth: new and experienced parents with any birthing history or family structure, planning birth in any setting.
*Nichols, et. al. (2000) Childbirth Education: Practice, Research, and Theory.
Childbirth classes give expectant parents an opportunity to learn, share, and meet with others in a supportive and positive environment that is respectful and inclusive. In contrast to online sources of information, childbirth classes build community, and offer evidence-based instruction that is responsive to the needs and questions of each individual. Those who have had prenatal education report less anxiety during pregnancy and greater satisfaction with their birth experiences.*
Teaching Philosophy
I am a Birth Works certified childbirth educator. The classes I teach are based on the belief that each woman will labor and birth in her own way. Rather than promoting any specific birth outcome, classes facilitate self-exploration so that each woman has the opportunity to discover what is important to her in birth, and develop self-confidence and trust in her ability to meet the challenges of childbirth. Participants learn that there is not any one right way or method to give birth or to be a birth partner. Classes are holistic and interactive, providing mental, physical, and emotional preparation for birth. I believe that giving birth is a creative, active, and dynamic process, and that childbirth education should also embody these qualities.
Course goals:
- help expectant parents clarify their own needs, desires, and beliefs about birth
- encourage mothers to trust their bodies and their decision-making abilities
- prepare the labor support partner to meet the mother's needs
- facilitate open, positive communication between expectant parents and health care providers
- present a variety of birthing styles and comfort measures
- provide time for each couple's individual concerns and input
- give expectant parents the confidence and skills that are an important part of a safe and satisfying birth experience.
Course content:
Classes provide comprehensive instruction and discussion regarding pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and the newborn. Each class incorporates hands-on activities and birth videos. Topics include:
- self-care during pregnancy
- the role of the birth partner
- exploring beliefs and attitudes about birth
- choosing your birth place and care provider
- creating a birth plan
- vocalization, movement, and positions for labor and birth
- the natural process of labor
- risks and benefits of medical procedures
- variations, complications, and unexpected situations
- grief and loss
- cesarean birth and VBAC
- labor support and coping techniques
- creative explorations of birth and parenting
- postpartum, newborn care, and breastfeeding
Emphasis is placed on discussion, interaction, and activities such as relaxation, visualization, movement, writing exercises, and birth art. Classes may also include presentations by guest speakers on topics like massage, breastfeeding, and birth experiences. Classes meet the needs of anyone preparing for birth: new and experienced parents with any birthing history or family structure, planning birth in any setting.
*Nichols, et. al. (2000) Childbirth Education: Practice, Research, and Theory.
Birth Art
I have completed birth art facilitator training through Birthing From Within, and I enjoy incorporating this powerful tool into my childbirth classes. Birth art is about the process, not the end product. Tapping into the creative mind and bringing images to light can be clarifying, healing, and inspiring.
"Birth art doesn't have to be pretty, colorful, or carefully planned. It is as raw, honest, and spontaneous as birth itself." --Pam England
I have completed birth art facilitator training through Birthing From Within, and I enjoy incorporating this powerful tool into my childbirth classes. Birth art is about the process, not the end product. Tapping into the creative mind and bringing images to light can be clarifying, healing, and inspiring.
"Birth art doesn't have to be pretty, colorful, or carefully planned. It is as raw, honest, and spontaneous as birth itself." --Pam England
Class reunions
During the last class of each session, participants from earlier classes are invited to share their birth and parenting experiences with the current class. This class serves as a reunion for the previous session, and a chance for new and expectant parents to build community and share resources and information.
What do people say about Monica's classes?
- "After taking Monica's classes, we aren't as scared or hesitant. We both feel much more confident in ourselves and each other to make it through labor."
- "She gave the class an engaged and empowered atmosphere."
- "Monica is a gifted facilitator and teacher. She brought strangers together in a very short time."
- "She made me and my husband feel very comfortable about our own individual feelings and concerns, and helped us let go of fears."
- "I feel more confident that birthing is a natural, normal thing that I'll be able to do!"
Monica Brasile, Certified Childbirth Educator and Doula, Iowa City, IA
