Please note: I am no longer teaching the private classes described on this page. I’ve left the information up, because in the Birth Skills Workshops I do currently offer, much of the information still applies.

I am often asked what “method” of childbirth education I teach. I teach a woman-centered, holistic model designed to increase confidence in women’s natural ability to give birth. I believe women can safely and joyfully give birth at home, in a hospital, or in a birth center. My classes are useful to couples regardless of the location of the birth. My classes are also helpful even if you plan to take other birth classes (people planning to take a hospital based class particularly like my single night class options because they can add valuable information in an affordable way. These classes are offered privately in the comfort of your own home and are tailored to your specific questions and needs).

My classes are “holistic” in their approach and are based on:

• Natural childbirth and active birth.
• Overcoming fear and developing trust in birth.
• Emotional and psychological preparation for giving birth in addition to physical preparation.
• Information and informed decision making.
• Evidence based care.
• Tools for the pregnant woman to birth with a sense of confidence and power and tools for the birth partner to support her as she does so.

A four week series of classes is divided into the following classes:

• Class One: Birth Today — Birth Process & Planning
• Class Two: Active Birth
• Class Three: Comfort & Coping
• Class Four: The Newborn, Breastfeeding, & Postpartum Care

I was originally trained and certified by the Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE, now the International Birth and Wellness Project). You can read more about their philosophy here–this philosophy underlies my classes and is the foundation from which my approach blossomed. I am also certified by the Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA) and the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA).

My classes are influenced by the philosophies and approaches of Birthing From Within, Trust Birth, Birthworks, Bradley, and ICEA. The result is a unique style of classes tailored to the needs of the individual couples who take them.

I usually teach private, one-to-one classes with couples individually in their homes. If I have multiple couples who have similar due dates, I like to try to arrange a group class. There are benefits to both private and group settings.

Click here for a printable brochure. (fees and some other information is now outdated in this brochure)