Directory of Childbirth Education Classes and Other Prenatal Education Classes in the Washington DC area 

Preparing your body, your mind and your family to welcome a new baby is essential to having a smooth transition into birthing and motherhood. Understanding how your child is developing within you and how that baby will be born is also important. Taking a childbirth education class is a fantastic way to learn about your body, your baby, and birth.

There are a wide variety of methods and classes designed to prepare you for birthing. Almost all methods will help you learn ways to cope with labor. Some are more physical while others concentrate more on psychological or spiritual aspects of labor and delivery.

The best way to choose a childbirth education method is to think about what birth means to you, what your goals are, what your body responds to, and what your philosophy and beliefs are.  Research the types of classes available in your area, speak with the instructors, and go with one that feels the most comfortable for you.

If you are a provider and would like to be included in our directory, please submit a paragraph about your practice and services, (300 words or less) similar to those you see on the current list, in addition to your contact information and links, to birthoptionsalliance@gmail.com.

Childbirth Education Classes in the Washington DC Area

 
Arrow Birth
www.arrowbirth.com
[email protected]
Arrow Birth is a virtual childbirth education and 1:1 support platform for expecting and young parents.

Founded by Certified Doulas, Arrow’s experience-driven solution is three-fold, 1.) innovative online childbirth education, 2.) 1:1 video support sessions and 3.) giving back to save mothers and babies lives worldwide. We’re a value-driven company.

Our virtual childbirth and parenting course offers 15 hours of valuable content taught, interview-style, by OBs, Midwives, Doulas, Lactation Consultants, Pediatricians, Psychiatrists, Anesthesiologists and more. Finally, you’ll hear valuable information from the expert themselves!

Our network of certified professionals are available on-demand and offer 1:1 expert support on topics such as fertility, childbirth, breastfeeding, baby sleep, back to work and more. The village actually exists!

Every purchase funds valuable organizations focused on reducing the maternal mortality rate through life-saving education, supplies and medications in critical need areas. Giving is intentionally woven into Arrow's framework. 

We’d love to help you out, wherever you are on the parenthood path. Come check us out at www.arrowbirth.com.

Association for Childbirth at Home, International
ACHI is a unique approach to childbirth classes in that its major focus is on teaching essential and accurate technical obstetrics to parents. The series consists of 6 sessions covering such topics as pros and cons of home and hospital, patient's rights, nutrition, labor management, psychological issues, medical considerations, breathing and relaxation techniques, care of the newborn, and management of a home delivery. The classes are preparation for childbirth, whether the birth is planned for home or hospital. Even though the focus is on home birth, the primary message is one of accepting the responsibility of decision-making concerning birth.   
DC Area ACHI educator:  
   Ed Wilhelm, (301) 585-4925 and (301) 233-9841, [email protected]

Birth Boot Camp
www.birthbootcamp.com
Award-winning, modern, comprehensive, evidence-based program designed for couples preparing for natural birth. 10-week class curriculum covers pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and newborn care.  Online options are available.
Local instructors:
•       Carmen Calvo- Baltimore
thenurturingroot.com 
443.956.8616 
[email protected]
•       Lauren McClain- Bowie/Annapolis
412.953.1596 
•       Anna Jozefczyk- Rockville
301.728.6205 
[email protected]

Birthing Basics, LLC
Lisa-Marie Cook RNC-OB, C-EFM, BSN, ICCE, CD
Cook Counter-pressureSM
[email protected], (703) 625-4285, www.birthingbasics.net
Lisa-Marie is a certified registered nurse in in-patient obstetrics/labor and delivery, an Internationally Certified Childbirth Educator, a certified doula, and holds certification in advanced electronic fetal monitoring.  She's delivered babies for over 25-years in Austin, Texas and the Washington, DC area, including Fairfax Hospital, Alexandria Hospital, and George Washington Hospital.
Childbirth classes are designed to provide the mother and father a comprehensive, informative session covering all aspects of childbirth beginning with the last trimester, covering labor and delivery and newborn childcare. Topics in labor and delivery include the newest evidence-based “Mother-Friendly” care for laboring women including: comfort measures, breathing techniques, analgesia, anesthesia, vaginal delivery, assisted deliveries and cesarean section, skin-to-skin contact at delivery for successful breastfeeding. Group classes are available and are limited to four couples per class. If you have a health challenge that influence your pregnancy and perhaps can alter your plans for birth, we can discuss your special needs after the group class for an additional consultation. Private classes are available and can be specifically designed for the high-risk mother on bed rest/modified bed rest. The syllabus is then reformatted to meet the unique needs of the private student and their support people and will include how complications or high-risk pregnancy can affect their birth plan.

Birthing Confidence
Http://www.birthingconfidence.com
[email protected]
Loudoun County and Online
Birthing Confidence provides Lamaze Certified childbirth education, postpartum planning and coaching, and infant sleep education. We offer both in person in Loudoun County and online classes throughout the US.

Birthing from Within®
www.birthingfromwithin.com
Birthing From Within® is a creative, nurturing, and personal way of preparing for birth and parenting. You will learn how to listen to your wise inner voice, tap into the wisdom of ancient wise women, and develop your instinctive knowledge of birth through the use of birth art, interactive class discussions, and pain-coping practices. Classes are kept small to enhance intimacy and ensure that each participant receives the attention she/he deserves. The individual needs of the couples always help shape the flow of the series. 
DC Area Birthing from Within educators:
  Annie Lee Higdon 323.363.3066 [email protected], https://ltgbirth.wixsite.com/anniehigdon
I am passionate about childbirth education fostering our inborn abilities to birth our children the way they intend to be born. As a Birthing From Within® trained mentor I incorporate art, storytelling, and communication to the science and magic that bring life into the world. Celebrating individual goals and voices, I help parents find the answers to the difficult questions asked of them on their journey into parenthood. I am a strong advocate for choice in     birth. My goal is to help parents facilitate self-acceptance for the decisions made in pregnancy, birth, and parenting, knowing that no two pregnancies or births or people are the same, in the hope that we can heal ourselves, grow stronger, and lessen the rising rate of birth trauma experiences. I am a student midwife, doula, massage therapist, wife and mother of two. I am a placenta encapsulation specialist and I also offer birth tub rental services. In Alexandria, serving the greater metropolitan area.

Birth Made Clear
https://www.birthmadeclear.com/
Chava Allgood, CLD, (CBI)

These childbirth education classes in Silver Spring, MD provide a comprehensive, fun, dynamic and interactive environment designed to help parents gain the skills, tools and information that they need for their birth experience. These classes can help parents to prepare to knowledgeably and confidently navigate the many and sometimes life changing choices that occur during those sacred moments when a mother gives birth. Parents will gain a thorough understanding of the stages of labor, explore the emotions of pregnancy and birth, learn the most recent and science based evidence for care, understand the fear-tension-pain cycle, discover ways to facilitate labor, practice relaxation, connect with other expectant couples, learn about tools and develop skills for comfort in labor, develop skills for breastfeeding, newborn care and postpartum wellness, evaluate their goals and learn helpful ways to facilitate conversations with their provider.

Birth You Desire  is a fun, nurturing, and empowering class where all individuals and couples come together to learn evidence based medicine and well as to advocate for themselves when necessary. The class is open to to anyone search for a quality, comprehensive class where you can learn how to tailor a birth to your needs so that you can have the Birth You Desire. 
Ursula Sabia-Sukinik, CCCE, ICBE, BA  (301) 351-4123   usukinik@gmail.com  www.BirthYouDesire.com   North Bethesda, MD​

Bradley Method
www.bradleybirth.com
The standard Bradley® series is designed for small classes with lots of individual attention. Natural childbirth is an important goal since most people want to give their babies every possible advantage. Without the side effects of drugs given during labor and birth, Bradley® classes teach families how to have natural births. The techniques are simple and effective. They are based on information about how the human body works during labor. Couples are taught how they can work with their bodies to reduce pain and make their labors more efficient. The standard length of the classes is 12 weeks.
DC Area Bradley Method educators: 
   Jessica Groves, AAHCC, CD(DONA), 443-507-0571, [email protected],  https://www.jessicabirthdoula.com/ Baltimore-Carroll Counties 
        of Maryland
   Rebecca Hope, (571) 216-8766, [email protected], www.hoperesources.org 
   Gwen Peters, AAHCC, The Bradley (r) Method; ICCE- ICEA; Doula CD DONA; CGE (Certified Gottman Educator, Bringing Baby Home), 301-283-0247
        (home); 1-877-350-4010 (toll free); 443-414-3483(cell), [email protected], Accokeek, MD 20607.   
   Monique Wiliams- Mysistersbirth.com and  http://www.bradleybirth.com/moniquewilliams.
   I offer a $250 scholarship series every three or four months at my home in NE DC for families that need economic support. I also teach a full price class    at the DC Jewish Community Center. I teach couples to strengthen their love for each other as they work together to welcome and care for their baby        naturally and lovingly. I also offer postpartum support to interracial couples who have remarkable color differences between parents and baby.

Rose Buono, C.Ht
Rose Buono Hypnotherapy 
https://www.ghhcenter.com/meet-rose
​703-919-3922
Pre and Post Natal Hypnotherapy
​Hypnotherapy can help you with relaxation, self care, and building your confidence about labor, childbirth, and motherhood. Learn full body hypno anesthesia as well as the hypno epidural.  Post natal hypnotherapy can help with speeding recovery, breastfeeding, and bonding with your baby. 

Coola Doula Dale Kaplan 410-608-7009
https://www.birthcoachcooladoula.com/
ABC CHILDBIRTH WORKSHOP INSTRUCTOR, MaternityWise INT doula instructor
Certified Maternity Wise INT Instructor/Trainer for doula certifications MD,DC,VA,PA, anywhere convenient to form a workshop.

DC Metro Maternity
Website: www.dcmetromaternity.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202.827.5652

DC Metro Maternity (DCMM) is a boutique parenting support agency that works with expectant and new mothers to make sure that parents are comfortable, informed, and empowered through the birthing and postpartum process. We want to positively impact families, and alleviate new parent and postpartum struggles. We want expectant mothers & couples to feel understood, knowledgeable, and comforted before, during, and after they welcome their new baby. 

DCMM provides: 
- labor doulas
- private and group childbirth education 
- postpartum doulas
- in home placenta encapsulation

Contact owner, Samantha Griffin, a certified labor and postpartum doula, as well as a doula trainer. 

FAMILY WAYS - Rachel Carbonneau, Director
(301) 412-2976
[email protected]
http://www.family-ways.com  
FAMILY WAYS is dedicated to serving the needs of families on a journey through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. We offer a variety of services tailored to support the whole family -- our well trained and experienced staff offer birth and postpartum doula services, childbirth education, placenta encapsulation, breastfeeding support, support groups, and a variety of workshops and classes designed to ease the transition into familyhood. 

Find Your Joyful Birth
findyourjoyfulbirth.com, 202-810-2569, [email protected]
Not your typical childbirth class, we explore the how, when and why of pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period. Currently offering private, in home childbirth education customized to what YOU want to know.  ​

Hypnobabies 
We believe in the sacredness of childbirth as an easy, natural process that can be enhanced by a journey within, a deep trust of birth itself, and the inner knowledge that you already know how to give birth. You always have.   Hypnobabies works diligently for the following ideals: (1) to help every expectant mother, and her baby, enjoy pregnancy in health and peace and have the easiest, safest and most comfortable childbirth experience they can, (2) to educate and support all Birth Partners, so that they too can look forward to and enjoy the birth of their child, as well as support the birthing mother, (3) to support our Hypno-Moms, no matter what their choices are, before, during and after their babies are born, and (4) to educate the medical community on the benefits of natural childbirth, and how to work with our students.  Options include a 6-week class with 3- hour sessions, or a 5-week Home Study Program, with option of a Home Study Advantage class with an instructor. 
DC/MD/VA Area Hypnobabies educators: 
 · Rose Quintilian, (240) 994 7878 ,[email protected],www.mygentlebirth.com 
 · Ludia Sarmast, 410-956-8928,[email protected],www.birthwisdom.net
  
Hypnobirthing
www.hypnobirthing.com
The concept of HypnoBirthing® method teaches that in the absence of fear and tension, severe pain does not have to be an accompaniment of labor. You will gain an understanding of how the birthing muscles work in perfect harmony – as they were designed to – when your body is sufficiently relaxed. You will learn how to achieve this kind of relaxation, free of the resistance that fear creates, and you will learn to use your natural birthing instincts for a calm, serene and comfortable birthing.  A 5-week session of 21⁄2-hour classes is offered. 
DC Area Hypnobirthing educators:   


​Intuitive Parenting – Kim Hawley
Childbirth Educator, Lactation Educator Counselor, Infant Sleep Educator, MA, MPH
[email protected], intuitiveparentingdc.com
I provide group and private education to help expecting and new parents feel empowered and prepared for childbirth, breastfeeding, sleep, and early parenting. My prenatal classes include childbirth education series, prenatal breastfeeding classes, and classes on understanding infant sleep. I also offer support to breastfeeding parents as they prepare to return to work as well as gentle, holistic coaching on family sleep. I am passionate about supporting families, in all the diverse forms they take, as they navigate the joys and challenges of becoming parents. There are many ways to respectfully birth, feed, and parent your baby. I believe parents feel most empowered when they are given factual information and encouraged to listen to their instincts.  This
allows them to make the best decision for their family.

Barbara Jazzo
Independent Childbirth Educator available to do private childbirth classes.  Class is designed to meet your individual needs.  Class can include comfort measures (positions for labor and pushing, breathing, meditation and massage), stages of labor, medical interventions (including C-sections and epidurals).  Contact Barbara at 202 422-7540 or www.amtamembers.com/barbarajazzo

Lamaze
www.lamaze.org
Forty years of research and learning from women’s experience of normal, natural birth have provided evidence that has gradually but dramatically changed Lamaze from being a method for giving birth to a philosophy that provides the foundation and direction for women as they prepare to give birth and become mothers. Breathing is no longer the hallmark of Lamaze. Today’s Lamaze affirms the normalcy of birth, acknowledges women’s inherent ability to birth their babies and promotes the six care practices that support normal birth.  Classes average 6 weeks with 12 hours of instruction. 
DC Area Lamaze educators: 
  · Carolyn Alexander, Momease, (703) 739-2831, [email protected], www.momease.com
  · Odile Penet CD(DONA) LCCE, www.mybirthcompanion.com (Private and group classes)


Maryland State Doulas
At Maryland State Doulas, we offer a variety of fully customizable birth class options that can be taken in a class setting or privately, accommodating your unique schedule and covering only those topics you wish to explore, and fully preparing you in a way that no other class can. Our a la carte menu for class topics allows you to pre-design your course load for the most focused and complete at home preparation for your labor and birth experience. Visit www.marylandstatedoulas.com for details and to schedule your customized labor preparation! 

Lilah Pittman, MA, MT-BC
Melody Music Therapy
www.melodymt.com

[email protected]
(301)-284-0792
Serving the DMV

Lilah Pittman, founder of Melody Music Therapy, is a board-certified music therapist and a Soundbirthing Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth Specialist. Music Therapy Assisted Childbirth uses evidence-based music interventions before, during, and immediately after labor and birth to create a calm and supportive environment for the birthing parent, reduce discomfort during labor, and promote family bonding. Though this method can be helpful to anyone, it can be especially beneficial to those who plan to have an unmedicated birth.To learn more or inquire about services, visit melodymt.com/mtacb

Amy E. Miller, CPM
midwife, monatrice, doula, placenta encapsulation, childbirth education
[email protected]
240.643.8768
www.redhousebirth.com
I am a midwife, doula, childbirth educator and placenta encapsulator serving a 80 mile radius from Hagerstown, MD. After bringing 5 of my own children into the world, I have been serving laboring women for 6 years. I attend home or hospital births and have varied experiences allowing me to serve families of varied backgrounds and cultures.
I believe that childbirth is more than just a physical event. It is a sacred time for mother, baby, the new family and the community. I believe that birth is a spiritual transition for the woman as she moves into motherhood for the first, fifth or tenth time! Every time I attend a birth, I feel deeply honored that I am privileged to witness a momentous event.  I also believe that birth is normal. Birth works best when undisturbed and motherbaby are encouraged to move, eat, drink and follow instincts. 
My service as a midwife, doula or childbirth educator reflects this philosophy. I do not believe in “methods” of childbirth. While they are helpful for some, childbirth methods tell the mother how to birth her child. This insinuates that she does not innately know how to birth her child already. Rather, I recommend taking time during the pregnancy to get in tune with baby and focusing on “letting go”. 
I am available to serve as a midwife at home births or as a doula at hospital or home births. Please contact me for more information.  I serve MD , VA, PA and WV.

My Birth Companion Odile Penet CD(DONA), LCCE, PES
www.mybirthcompanion.com   443-739-0113
[email protected]
Private and group classes  "Childbirth Education for Normal Childbirth"
Promoting a normal and natural approach that alleviates a woman’s fear  and helps her manage pain.  
Empowering women and families to make  their own choices for  a safe and healthy experience.
Evidence-based information - Relaxation technics -Comfort measures - Breastfeeding and Newborn care
Lamaze International  Certified Instructor - Certified birth doula - 14 years of experience

Preparing For Birth Workshop for Couples: https://www.yogaworks.com/classes/workshops/
Join Maria Sakaria on this journey of parenthood where you'll connect with your partner and baby, move and meditate and grow your toolbox of knowledge for pregnancy and childbirth. We will explore how to support each other with this hands-on 3hr workshop through various stretches, restorative poses,  along with breathing techniques to calm discomfort in the body and mind, and most importantly massage techniques to alleviate pain and regain energy. This workshop is appropriate for expectant mothers at any stage of pregnancy and their partners or close family member that will be present during birth. 
You will learn:
- Postures to help alleviate common discomforts like back and hip pain, leg cramps, and sciatica during pregnancy and more. 
- Breathing and relaxation techniques to be used during pregnancy, labor, and life as parents. 
- Massage techniques to aid in pain relief throughout pregnancy and during various stages of labor and delivery.
- Birthing positions and how your loved ones can support you through labor. 
- Information about Epidural, Pitocin, Natural labor (medicated or unmedicated), C-Section, Doulas, Birthing Centers, and more. 
- Exercises and stretches to help with postpartum recovery including strengthening the elusive pelvic floor. 
No Yoga experience is needed but wear comfortable clothing, bring water and be prepared to take notes. 
Offered at Yoga Works in Dupont Circle every 6-8 weeks for 3hrs on a Saturday. $100 per couple for 3hrs. Use the link above for more information or to sign up. Simply type in the instructor's name to see when the next one is available. You can also email [email protected] directly for any questions. 
Maria Sakaria is a Registered Prenatal Yoga Instructor and 500RYT. She is also a Professional Doula (not practicing at the moment) and a Licensed Massage Therapist. 

Stork Childbirth Education www.StorkChildbirthEd.com
Prenatal, CPR, baby care, toddler, breastfeeding and private classes taught in the group setting or in your home. Teaching locations at Bloom OB GYN, Spring Valley Peditrics, Capitol Women's Care at Silver Spring, Alexandria, Shady Grove Fertility K Street and Arlington. Also teaching privates in Baltimore and the Nanny Network in Towson. Community classes at Core72 and Fuse Pilates in DC. All classes taught by registered nurses and nurse practitioners, curriculum is evidenced based. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see us teaching.  As seen in Cosmopolitan, Doximity, Washington Parent, the Kent Connection & Spring Valley Life. Founded by Lauren Gordon, MS, CNM, WHNP and Flynn O'Neill RN, FNP. Prices calendar and class description available at our website www.StorkChildbirthEd.com
Email us at [email protected] or call Flynn 203 858 9470
   
Other Pregnancy/Prenatal/Preconception Classes

Integrative and Transformational BreathWork - Lauren Chelec Cafritz
[email protected], 301.221.8278
Breathwork is a safe potent way to optimize breathing and lower stress. It will bring energy and peacefulness to the birthing process. Breathwork boosts the immune system and oxygenates every cell in your body. We will work to get the breath low in the belly which is also wonderful for birthing. This breath prepares mother and baby for a beautiful birth.  Classes held at The Mindfulness Center  Mondays 6-7:15pm.  www.TheMindfulnessCenter.org.  4963 Elm Street, Suite 100 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-986-1090