These "Gourmet" childbirth classes are designed to inform and enlighten new parents in preparation for the birth of their new baby. The classes are not designed to teach one specific kind of birth or to help one achieve any specific birth outcome, but to help soon to be parents give "Birth-In-Awareness". The classes are designed to meet the specific needs and differences of the parents and the educator is more of a Mentor or Guide on the pathway to parenthood. Childbirth education is a key ingredient to birth preparation. Childbirth education prepares parents for birth by educating them on things like what to expect in pregnancy and birth, medications for pain, pain coping without medications, options and choices and much more. This key ingredient is essential so that parents don't go into the birth with blinders on, but are informed, more confident individuals.
What the Gourmet classes will include...
An Appetizer- What you need to know
Nutrition and Exercise,Communication and Choices, How the baby develops-What's happening inside, Newborn Care, Breastfeeding, SIDS, What to expect in pregnancy and delivery and much more
A Bread Basket- Preparing for Labor and Birth
What is True labor vs. Braxton labor, What to expect during labor and delivery-the stages of labor, Interventions-Risk and Benefits, Informed Consent, What is my biggest fear?-working through fears before birth, Labor variations-What do I do when, What to expect postpartum and being aware of postpartum depression
An Entree- Pain coping
What is Suffering vs. Coping, How to cope with pain-Comfort Measures and Breathing Techniques, Positions for labor and pushing, Medications-What are the options, Relaxation Techniques
A Side Dish- Learning Activities
Videos, Games, Art, Charts, and Visual Aids
and last but not least
A Dessert- Sweet Endings
Reflections, Thoughts, Questions, Reactions, Storytelling etc.
(This is an 18 hour class over six weeks. $400.00/couple)
The Birth Options: 6 Steps to a Safer Birth workshop
This workshop is designed as a precursor to a full Childbirth Education curriculum. The workshop will cover the 6 Steps to a Safer Birth, as well as options and choices for birth and post-partum, parents rights, the truth about birth and what providers aren't telling you, ACOG recommendations, how to create a birth plan and more. This is a very informative session for anyone giving birth in a hospital setting (or giving birth period, whether this is your first time or not). This is a 2 hour workshop that provides evidence based information to birthing couples to inform them on how to have a Safe and Healthy birth.
Our Community Childbirth Education includes our Birth Options Workshop, Breastfeeding Basics, and VBAC classes. These classes are offered at various locations within the community monthly throughout the year for FREE to provide this resource to the under-served client. Anyone is welcome to take these classes if they wish, but this is designed to be a resource for parents who would like this information and are unable to obtain it by other means. This is one way Ayanna likes to give back to her community and provide a service to those who otherwise might not be able to receive it.
