Stacey Andrews, M.Ed.
Helping Moms Birth Babies...Naturally
Many hospitals and community centers offer public childbirth classes. However, some people feel too intimidated to discuss issues as intimate and private as those concering birth, their bodies and their feelings, in front of strangers. Why not learn and ask questions in the comfort and privacy of home?
How does it work? Your birth is just that - YOURS! Unlike a hospital-based childbirth class, I will not tell you only what I want you to know. Instead, I will follow the models of professional curriculum design to build your specialized birthing class. After an initial phone, email or in-person interview, I will learn what you want to know, what your experience is with birth, what your fears and hopes are, and what your expectations are. I take this information and use it to construct a class which will tell you what you need to know, and how to achieve the birth experience you desire. After approximately one week, your custom birth class will be ready for you. We can meet in your home, or in mine for a 20% discount!
What is the class schedule? We can schedule our classes based on your work or family obligations. Evenings and weekends are available. Classes can run from 1-2.5 hours to 8 hours (Saturdays and Sundays). Classes will meet for a minimum of 2 weekends or 3 weeks. I recommend a 6 week course with a total of 12 contact hours.
When should I start? Ideally, you should begin your classes during the 5-6th month of pregnancy. However, classes are available at any time during your term.
What topics are covered? Besides basic information about nutrition, exercise, the stages of labor and birth, we can talk about comfort measures for labor, why epidurals don't always work, building a birth plan that works, and why breastfeeding is good for you and your baby. It's up to you!
What are the classes like? Active, engaging, varied and even fun! I will use the information from your interview to tailor the classes to your learning style, which means I will use the techniques which work best for you. You can choose from discussions, role-playing, birth art, games, videos and other activities.
How much does it cost? The recommended 12 hour class costs $75* and includes the design interview, the custom curriculum and materials to keep. I can work with you to arrange classes of longer or shorter length.
Required Reading: Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide by Simkin, Whalley and Keppler (for recommended reading, see the Pregnancy Resources page)
