Amazing Mama Birth classes are appropriate for expectant first-time parents or experienced parents. Through these classes, parents will have the opportunity to:

• Learn about  the birth process, including different stages of labor,  different ways birth can unfold, and numerous comfort measures that may be used during labor and birth
  Immerse themselves in a holistic and process-focused (as opposed to outcome-focused) approach to childbirth
• Discover the transformative quality of birth and prepare to birth mindfully and “in-awareness”
• Participate in a comfortable, personalized, and inclusive learning environment
• Build a pain-coping mindset and learn specific pain-coping practices
• Explore hopes and fears related to birth and parenthood
• Role play how to better communicate with care providers
• Learn how to do their best in a given moment and find the “next best thing”
• Explore what they already know about giving birth
• Embrace the potential uncertainty of birth and parenthood
• Communicate with their partners in new ways and build greater trust
• Learn about breastfeeding basics and the early postpartum period
• Create birth art, get to know other parents, and have fun!

Ideally, expectant parents should be in their second or third trimesters during class, with a due date at least 2 weeks after the final day of class. Feel free to ask me if you need any help determining which series is most appropriate for you. A $50 discount is offered if you also hire me as your doula.

Group classes

Group classes are held at The Pilates Life, a lovely studio on Main Street, right in downtown Bothell. The Pilates Life is located at: 10117 Main Street Bothell WA 98011.

Class size is limited, so register soon! If a class you are interested in is full you may contact me to be put on a wait list. The cost is $175 per couple (i.e. the expectant mother and father or other support person).

A group setting affords parents the opportunity to meet each other and learn from each other. Classes are also small enough that they can still be designed to meet individual interests and needs.  In group classes we also cover more material. Register here.

I’m excited to announce that starting this spring a new mentor will be joining me in teaching classes. We will be co-teaching and she will be leading series on her own this summer. Her name is Barrie Rein Thunemann and is fabulous! She brings many years of experience teaching childbirth education and she has a great passion for Birthing From Within. I’m thrilled she’ll be joining us! (And since Barrie and I also work as birth doulas, we may serve as substitute mentors for each other if one of us is at a birth).

Current class offerings:

04/14/12 – 04/28/12  Saturdays, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Full)

06/09/12 – 06/23/12  Saturdays, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

08/04/12 – 08/18/12  Saturdays, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

09/15/12 – 09/29/12   Saturdays, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Class dates are subject to change.  Please check back for updates. If you have already registered for a class, I will email you directly if any changes need to be made.

Also,  small group classes may be arranged with two (or more) couples. Most often these are held in your home or my home or a community space (e.g. a room at an apartment building or other similar environment). They are frequently offered as weekend intensives, meaning we meet for 3 hours on two weekend days or evenings.  Please contact me directly if you are interested in such an arrangement. The cost for small groups is also $175 per couple.

Private classes

Sometimes plans change, such as a transfer to a different health care provider, a change in how a pregnancy is progressing, or some couples simply need classes that work with their busy lives and schedules! I am happy to help fill these needs. With a private class, you can prepare for birth in the comfort of your own home and at the convenience of your own schedule. Classes are designed to provide you with what you need as unique and  individual expectant parents. The fee for private classes is $175.  Class meeting times are flexible and usually held during weekends or evenings. We usually meet twice for about 2.5 hours. The amount of material covered in private classes  is less, but the style of class is more intensive and personal. Many couples find that private classes are a great option for them! Please contact me directly to find out about my availability for private classes.

Birthing Again

Birth classes are not just for first time parents! They can also be very useful for parents who have been through the birth experience before. My Birthing Again classes are appropriate for mothers who have given birth at least once before.  Partners may or may not have been at earlier births.  Birthing Again classes are usually offered as private classes, but in the future group classes may be held as well. These classes help parents reflect on and learn from earlier births; dust-off or learn new pain-coping skills; explore how they may work together during this birth;  how to prepare siblings for the arrival of their new baby brothers or sisters; and how to plan for the early postpartum period.  Please contact me directly if you are interested in scheduling Birthing Again classes.

I hope to have you and your partner join one of our classes soon!

I strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment. All are welcome.