Understanding Childbirth Class
Please join us in exploring the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of childbirth. In this 6-week class for mom & dad (or another support person), you will learn to be active & aware participants in your birth.
We will help you prepare now for what’s ahead of you and how to make those experiences what you want them to be. Topics to be included: nutrition, relaxation & exercise during pregnancy, stages of labor including emotional & physical signs, comfort measures and preparing your partner to be a good coach. You will develop an understanding of what is happening with your baby and with mom’s body during childbirth so you can more confidently approach that experience.
We promise that you’ll finish the class feeling more relaxed & prepared for your upcoming birth than when you started.
Feel free to contact Ellen with question at 847-721-9465 or email her at ahealthybirth@comcast.net
CLASS TIME: 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Wednesday's
SESSION DATES: 6 weeks
SPRING: April 7-May 12
SUMMER: May 19-June 19* note, last class on Saturday, June 19th
FALL: TBA
WINTER: TBA
COST: $300
About Your Instructors:
Ellen Winick: Ellen holds a Masters in Education, 2 coaching certifications, and much coursework in birthing and labor support. She has taught over 200 couples about childbirth and supported pregnant mothers and couples through massage and as a labor support professional.
Julia Izquierdo: Julia's passion for childbirth began with her experience as an animal midwife. She has since birthed 3 of her own children and attended approximately 60 childbirths. She is pursuing studies as a Midwife and brings a solid foundation in the clinical aspects of birth.
TOP 10 Reasons to Take a Childbirth Class at Total Body Yoga
1) You will feel less afraid and more excited about your upcoming birth. Most of the fears couples have about childbirth can be alleviated by better understanding what to expect and what they can do to affect their birth experience. Through class assignments and discussion, we will cover the most important parts of preparing for birth.
2) You will learn how to create the birth that you want. We will discuss what you really want for your birth and what you need to do to achieve that. You will walk out of class able to be an active and aware participant in your birth. (Studies show that the most important factor in whether or not the birth experience is a positive one is related to how active a couple was able to be in their birth.) You will learn what you can do to make the experience a positive one including many techniques for managing labor, information about the medical science of labor and knowledge of what questions to ask before and during the birth process.
3) You will learn ways to stay happy and healthy throughout your pregnancy. We’ll discuss nutrition, learn exercises to ease pregnancy discomforts and explore other ways, like yoga, to support you during this time.
4) You’ll learn what birth is really like. Traditional birth books and medical texts don’t always relate the real face of birth and labor as experienced by the woman. Through video and stories based on real women’s experiences as well as discussion of evidence-based practices, you will learn what birth might be like for you.
5) You’ll learn ways to prepare now for labor. We will discuss the wonders of birth and how to stay relaxed and at peace physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. Each class will include a relaxation exercise and a take-home assignment for practice. In addition to relaxation, we will discuss many other techniques for managing labor.
6) Partners/spouses will learn how to play an active role in the birth of their child. Partners will learn about the importance of their role now and during labor. They will be given opportunities to practice how to support mom and how to respond to issues which might arise. They will also be given a “cheat-sheet” for use during labor.
7) You will learn how to best interact with your healthcare provider/s. Probably the most important choice you will make related to your birth is choosing your healthcare provider. We’ll discuss how to ensure that your practitioner can support you and how to communicate with them to create the kind of birth you want.
8) You will join others who are pregnant and be able to discuss and explore your issues together. Our group setting is fun and a great way to learn. You’ll have an opportunity to create a support group that will last you beyond class time.
9) You’ll get a first look at what you will face after the baby is born. We’ll talk about those moments after the baby is first born, breastfeeding, and how to adjust to being a new parent.
10) You will be surrounded by the resources and support of Total Body Yoga. The instructors and other students at Total Body Yoga are a valuable resource. You’ll find help in many ways right here!