Please note as of 5/18/2012: I have limited availability for classes at this time and so I am not currently accepting new clients. I will consider scheduling one or two of my single-session class offerings if a group of couples is interested in participating. If you are interested in signing up for a new class, please let me know. I prefer two weeks notice in order to prepare materials for the class.
I offer independent childbirth education classes in the Rolla area and surrounding communities. I am a Certified Childbirth Educator with the Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA) and with the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA). I believe that pregnancy and birth are normal life processes. I also believe that these processes are immensely significant and that women will ideally feel strong and confident in their bodies’ ability to nurture and birth new life. I feel fervently that couples deserve access to informed birth choices and the emphasis of my classes is on natural childbirth. I believe that women can give birth with strength, confidence and joy and that the birth experience is not a medical “emergency” to be feared. Birth is glorious, powerful, intense, and hard work. I wish to encourage families to embrace the experience! For a printable class brochure, click here (please note fee information and class structure has been updated since this brochure was printed).
My classes offer information about:
- Determining which birth setting is best for you.
- Choosing your caregiver.
- Understanding and working with the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
- Exercise for a healthy pregnancy.
- Birth plans and communication with your caregiver.
- The birth process.
- Using relaxation and comfort techniques during labor.
- Positions to make labor more comfortable.
- Labor support.
- Avoiding unnecessary cesareans and other interventions.
- Remaining empowered even when interventions are required.
- Caring for yourself and your baby after the birth.
- Breastfeeding.
- Community resources for further support with breastfeeding, postpartum, and newborn care.
In 2007, I also completed a doula training. Though I am not currently attending births as a doula, this training enhanced my ability to share labor support techniques and ideas with couples during my birth classes. I am also happy to offer referrals to local doulas.
I enjoy facilitating independent birthing classes based on active, natural birth. My classes are designed to encourage confidence, strength, and joy in childbearing. I teach private classes in individual homes or group classes. I serve the mid-Missouri area, including: Rolla, Salem, Waynesville, St. Robert, Dixon, St. James, Licking, Houston, Cabool, & Edgar Springs. I do live 20 miles south of Rolla, so for locations more than 15 miles outside of the town of Rolla, rather than doing an in-home class, we will meet in a private location in Rolla or at my home. E-mail me for information about arranging a class. Or, call me at 573-202-4128.
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