What my Childbirth Class Covers

I focus on building your confidence by teaching you about birth options to help you make informed decisions so you can have a more satisfying labor and delivery. We will practice many labor positions and comfort techniques throughout the class series.  If a totally natural birth isn't for you, I also cover all pain medication options.  We will also learn the best ways to get breastfeeding off to a good start and basic baby care.

The 10 week course* covers pregnancy, labor, birth, breastfeeding and baby care. Classes are on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings from 7 - 9 pm. The full Bradley Method class fee covers the mom & coach for the series which includes the Student Workbook & loaner Student Binder of information. A lactation consult and follow-up visit is included in the fee - even in the weekend Bradley course.  Labor Support can also be provided. Credit cards & payment plans can also be arranged.

My quick, shortened Mini-Course will cover just what you need to know until you can get the epidural, how to handle the risks and the best way to handle labor and giving birth with an epidural in place.  This class will also teach you what you need to know about your choices for your cesarean and what you need to know about the recovery.  This will prevent you from the regret that happens when you go into childbirth blindly, since labor is not a time to learn the ropes or make major decisions.

When You & Your Coach Should Sign Up for Classes

Ideally the class should end at least 2 weeks before your due date, but even a class ending after your due date is of great benefit. Mothers of multiples should enter a class ending around 4 weeks before their due date.  The added benefit of being well informed can help a mother of multiples deliver close to term.  These classes aren't just birthing classes, but also parenting classes since breastfeeding and basic baby care is also covered.  I also try to keep my class small so everyone has a chance to get all their questions answered - so signing up early to reserve your spot is also important.

Other Options for Classes That I Offer

A new option I am offering is a mini course of the most requested information. Each class is 1 to 3 hours of instruction - a weeknight  starting at 6:00 pm or a weekend afternoon. The meeting times are variable for couples with no regular night to devote to class and/or a late start. The classes offered are: Class 1 Techno Birth - Induction, Epidurals & C-section; Class 2 Labor & Delivery Coping Techniques; Class 3 Breastfeeding & Baby Care Basics; and Class 4 Working, Pumping & Breastfeeding.  They can be taken individually or as a set of 4 classes and does not include a lactation consult as part of the fee, for that help regular fees apply.  The Mini-Course can be done all in one day if you prefer.  While very informative, the mini-course is not a Bradley class and doesn't go over Bradley philosophy.  If you want a Bradley Method class but don't have time for 10 weeks of class you can take the Bradley weekend class or if you miss the start of a class series you can still join the class at any time and continue until your due date - continuing with the next class that starts.  I also offer a Refresher Class for couples who have taken a childbirth class before and home study for moms on bedrest, another option is a private class - these can be in your home or in my classroom and can be done on a pay as you go basis.  These classes do not include the Bradley Student Workbook, the exception is for a mom who was enrolled in the full Bradley course before bedrest was ordered.

Lactation Consultant Services that I Offer

You will receive one-on-one help from an International Board Certifed Lactation Consultant for latching problems, sore nipples, low milk supply, combining working and breastfeeding, even exclusive pumping.  Office visists are preferred and home visits can be arranged in Ventura, Oxnard and Camarillo, for home visits in other cities there will be an extra fee.  I also have a full line of breast pumps, speciality feeding devices, spare parts for Medela and Ameda breast pumps (both single user and hospital grade rental) and speciality feeding devices available.  I can also do regular weight checks and pre and post feeding weights.  You don't have to be a childbirth education student to receive lactation consultation services, contact me at the e-mail link below or call to arrange an appointment for any breastfeeding problems you may have.

To have an Empowering Birth Experience

Just sign up for my full Bradley Method Class, check the calendar page for the current schedule then e-mail me your name and due date to join the class the suits your needs.  If you prefer a shortened, quick childbirth class you can take the any of the mini course classes, a weekend Bradley class, or a private course, just e-mail to schedule your class date and take the first steps to have the birth you want.  I accept cash, checks and credit cards for payment.

*  Bradley is normally a 12 week course, I shortened my series to 10 weeks.  All the information that would normally be covered in the first four classes we cover in the first 2 classes.