I support childbirth as a natural physiological process and encourage women and their partners to recognize their unique and individual abilities to cope successfully with the challenges of labor, birth and parenting. I recognize and respect that there are many ways of birthing and support each woman's right to choose the care best suited to her needs.

My childbirth education classes incorporate a wide variety of labor coping strategies offering current information on issues and practices in Childbirth Education.

EARLY PREGNANCY CLASS

This class is designed for the newly pregnant woman and is to be taken anytime prior to your 20th week, the earlier the better. Session includes information on the following topics; prenatal visits, prenatal testing, fetal growth and development, nutrition and fitness, birth and prenatal care choices.

NATURAL CHILDBIRTH SERIES

My childbirth classes will prepare you for the transition to parenthood physically, emotionally and intellectually, and will help you learn your options for birth and how to communicate effectively with care providers about your wishes. Sign up for a class series that begins close to your 28th week.

The most comprehensive class in the region. Learn more about preparing for an unmedicated out of hospital birth experience (birth center, or homebirth) by combining the wisdom of pioneers in the natural childbirth movement like Fernand Lamaze, Robert Bradley, and Ina May Gaskin to form your own philosophy for your birth. This comprehensive, twelve hour, class covers late pregnancy, labor, delivery, and recovery. It includes comfort measures, relaxation techniques, water birth, and unexpected outcomes. You will learn the signs and stages of labor, the role of the labor support person, the process of birth, and positions for labor and delivery. Class is a combination of lecture, video presentation, and hands-on-practice. This class covers all the information presented in a traditional prepared childbirth class with more time and emphasis on natural pain coping techniques such as deep relaxation, visualization, positions and movement, and massage in preparation for labor and birth. Please dress comfortably and bring two pillows and two blankets or large towels for activities on the floor.

CHILDBIRTH REFERESHER

For couples who have had a previous birth experience, this class reviews the physical process and stages of labor and covers the differences between first and subsequent labors. Includes a review of breathing for labor, positions and massage for labor and birth, and answers all your questions. Suggestions are also included to help prepare your older child for the arrival of their new sibling.

VBAC (Vaginal Birth after Cesarean) CLASS

Planning for a vaginal birth after Cesarean and wondering what you should know about it? All topics covered in Refresher Childbirth are included but with consideration of the very special issues related to increasing the likelihood of VBAC success.

BREASTFEEDING CLASS

Knowing what to expect after birth includes both parents learning about breastfeeding. Class will include discussions about how breast milk is produced, baby's feeding cues, proper positioning for breastfeeding, how to know if your baby is getting enough milk, and what to do if you are experiencing difficulties. Dads/partners, grandparents, or friends who attend with you are given special instructions on supporting the breastfeeding relationship. Please bring a pillow and baby-sized doll or stuffed animal.

NEWBORN CARE

Expecting your first baby? Not sure how to care for him or her? Learn about what is normal during your baby's first two months of life: development, communication, sleep patterns, and when to call your baby s medical care provider. Practice diapering, dressing, bathing, carrying and the best soothing techniques. Adjusting to your new roles as parents is also discussed. Please bring a baby-sized doll or stuffed animal.

Please email me for more information regarding childbirth education offerings.

Copyright © 2009 Allison Grassi.  All rights reserved.