A Gentle Start Childbirth Services                                                      Every baby deserves a gentle start to life. . .

 

Home
About Us
Childbirth Ed
Class Schedule
Birth Doula Services
Postpartum Services
VBAC
Breastfeeding
Fees and packages
Suggested Reading
Baby Slings
For Doulas
Links
Contact Me

 

 

Are you a match? Questions to ask Links

Childbirth Education

 

A rewarding childbirth experience begins long before labor does.  Good nutrition and gentle exercise contribute to your health and the health of your baby.  Protein, vegetables, whole grains, plenty of water, and the practice of limiting sugar intake helps build healthy tissue - minimizing  stretch marks, and lowering your risks of pregnancy induced hypertension and gestational diabetes.

Along with taking care of your body, now is the time to learn as much as you can about birth, breastfeeding and beyond. 

The following classes are available to serve the childbearing family.

Private Childbirth Classes:  Taught by a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator,  these classes were developed for couples who really want to take an active role in their birth.   Developed with the Lamaze philosophy of birth in mind, this class will guide you to trust your inner wisdom and believe in birth as something that is normal, natural and healthy.  You will come away feeling empowered to make decisions regarding your care, as well as understanding the process of birth. 

These classes are customized to meet your needs.  Your instructor will come to you!

 Topics covered include:

bullet

Nutrition

bullet

Emotional Changes

bullet

Your birth "team"

bullet

Anatomy and Physiology

bullet

Optimal Fetal Positioning

bullet

Relaxation techniques

bullet

Comfort Measures for Pregnancy

bullet

Birth Plan Guidelines

bullet

Stages of Labor and Birth

bullet

Positions for Labor and Birth

bullet

Managing the discomforts of labor

bullet

Complications and Interventions

bullet

Cesarean Birth

bullet

The postpartum period

bullet

Breastfeeding

Refresher Childbirth Education Class:  Perfect for parents who have already given birth, this 3 hour class covers relaxation, positions for labor and birth , choices for pain relief, birth plan development, and much more.

VBAC:  This refresher childbirth class is designed to meet the special needs of expectant couples who have given birth by cesarean.  Come learn the facts about VBAC and hear from women who have done it.  Class includes all the above refresher information plus: learn how to choose a supportive care provider, develop a birth plan and how to maximize your odds for a safe and healthy birth.  A MUST!

Breastfeeding: Starting out right:  Learn breastfeeding basics, troubleshooting, and how to connect with support groups.  Partners are encouraged to attend

Newborn Care Class:   Worried about bathing a slippery newborn?  Learn the baby basics, like diapering and bathing, but also learn about attachment parenting, baby wearing, and nurturing your newborn.

The Postpartum Period:  Mom, dad and grandparents (if practical) should attend this informative workshop on what to expect during the postpartum period.  Learn what to expect those first few weeks, and how to arrange the support you will need.

Siblings Social: Perfect for expectant siblings age 3 -10.  Kids will have a chance to have their questions answered by other kids who have recently become big brothers or sisters.  A snack of cookies and juice will follow our discussion.

Other Services:

Private New Parent Consultation:  The tricks of the trade in the comfort of your home.  An experienced mother and postpartum doula will come into your home to help build your confidence and make daily life with a newborn (newborns) easier.  Learn the little things that come with with experience that truly make life easier. (2hrs)

Fertility Awareness Counseling: Learn about the natural way to prevent or achieve pregnancy.  Learn how to interpret your signs of fertility and maximize your odds of becoming pregnant.  (private session)

Please email AGentleStart@Comcast.net or call 610-399-3535 to register - class size is limited!

 

Send mail to AGentleStart@Comcast.net for information!
Last modified: 06/01/05