Childbirth Education

What is Lamaze?:

Childbirth education has been around for many, many years. When “Lamaze” is mentioned, most people think of the breathing techniques. However, breathing is no longer the hallmark of Lamaze Childbirth Education. Today, we are committed to helping women and their families have the natural, healthy and safe birth they are looking for. Women have an inherent ability to give birth and Lamaze not only supports this ability, but instills in women the confidence they need to deliver their babies.

Lamaze, itself, has expanded its concept from being just a method of childbirth to an entire philosophy.

The philosophy is as follows:

  • *Birth is normal, natural, and healthy.
  • *The experience of birth profoundly affects women and their families.
  • *Women’s inner wisdom guides them through birth.
  • *Women’s confidence and ability to give birth is either enhanced or diminished by the care provider and place of birth.
  • *Women have the right to give birth free from routine medical interventions.
  • *Birth can safely take place in birth centers and homes.
  • *Childbirth education empowers women to make informed choices in health care, to assume responsibility for their health   and to trust their inner wisdom.

 

My classes are based on the Six Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices:

  • *Let Labor Begin on It’s Own
  • *Walk, Move Around, and Change Positions
  • *Have Continuous Support
  • *Avoid Unnecessary Interventions
  • *Get Upright, and Follow Urges to Push
  • *Keep Your Baby With You After Birth

My Services:

I teach Lamaze Childbirth Education classes at the Salinas Education Center. I am currently offering a 4-week series, as well as a one-day session. 

These comprehensive classes are designed for pregnant women and their partners, and provide an excellent opportunity to connect with other expecting families.  The birth partner, whomever that may be, is extremely important during birth, and actively participates, giving the laboring woman comfort and support. By taking these classes the partner is knowledgeable, able to help in decision-making, and bonds closely with the mother and baby.

Childbirth Education (one-day) ~ 9:00am to 3:00pm ~ $25 ~ 3/9/13 or 5/11/13 ~

This one-day Saturday class covers the essentials of labor and birth.  Topics include: 

  • Labor Pain & Pain Theories
  • Pre-Labor Signs
  • Onset & Stages of Labor
  • Comfort Measures
  • Labor Positions
  • Positions for Pushing
  • Breathing Excercises
  • Birth Plans
  • Medical Interventions
  • Pain Relief Medications
  • Cesarean Birth.

Childbirth Education (series) ~ 6:00pm to 9:00pm ~ $55 ~ 4/3/13 to 4/24/13 ~

This evening series meets every Wednesday for four weeks.  This comprehensive class is the preferred method for first-time parents.  Topics include: 

  • Pregnancy Review
  • Body Mechanics
  • Labor Pain & Pain Theories
  • Pre-Labor
  • Onset & Stages of Labor
  • Stages of Labor
  • Comfort Measures
  • Labor Positions
  • Positions for Pushing
  • Breathing Exercises
  • Relaxation Techniques
  • Birth Plans
  • Medical Interventions
  • Pain Relief Medications
  • Cesarean Birth
  • Postpartum Changes
  • Newborn Procedures
  • Newborn Appearance
  • Breastfeeding Basics.

Breastfeeding & Newborn Care (one-day) ~ 6:00pm to 9:00pm ~ $20 ~ 3/6/2013 or 5/1/2013 ~

This evening class meets on one Wednesday, and is intended as a companion class for either the one-day Childbirth Education class, or the four-week Childbirth Education series.  This class will help new families become familiar with the basics of feeding and caring for your infant in the first six weeks after birth.

 

Ideally, these courses should be started in late pregnancy, about 2-3 months before the due date, with the last class ending no later than three weeks before the due date, so that the information is fresh in mind.

Please register EARLY!  Classes may be cancelled if enrollment is low.

Register online at http://www.salinasadultschool.com/parent.html or www.asaonlinereg.com/salinas/ .

Come to the Salinas Adult School “Welcome Center” during regular school hours.

If you are having trouble registering, please email or call me!

 

I also offer private Prepared Childbirth classes in your home. If you are interested in private childbirth classes that don’t follow the above schedule, please contact me to make arrangements. I am able to tailor my classes to meet your needs. We can pick and choose topics, and meet for a period of time that works for you and your family.

Prepared Childbirth (Private)

Fee: $250 for 5  2-hour sessions.

Prepared Childbirth Select Topics (Private)

Fee: $50/ 1st hour $25/ each additional hour