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Local Childbirth Education Classes
Birthworks
Birth Works® is a process, not a method. It recognizes
that there is no one right way to labor and birth. Birth Works® does
not teach breathing patterns, but instead encourages slow deep
breathing as one of many ways to promote relaxation and facilitate
labor. Families are encouraged to take Birth Works® early
in pregnancy, or even prior to pregnancy, as this is an optimal
time for identifying and exploring beliefs about birth, interviewing
caregivers, and choosing a birth place that feels safe. A 20
hour 10 week course is offered.
Birthworks educators:
Liz O'Shea, lizjoshea@yahoo.com
Susan Messina, s.messina03@starpower.net
Rachel Silber, beautifulbirths@hotmail.com
Birthing
from Within
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.
Birthing from Within Educator:
Susan Lucas 301.588.7771, susan@wisebirthways.com, www.wisebirthways.com
Hypnobirthing
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. 5 2 ½ hour
class series is offered.
Hypnobirthing educators:
Laura Marks, 301-467-8725, VAP79@aol.com
Sara Shelley, 301-681-3459, salshell@comcast.net
Hypnobabies
In Hypnobabies, objectives are to help our pregnant couples
bond with their baby in utero, teach you how to stay healthy
and low-risk and be an excellent consumer, trust in your
body, mind and baby, as well as become self-reliant and confident
about birthing your own way. Focus is on overcoming negative
belief systems, getting in touch with the beautiful pregnant
body, and guiding you through your own excellent birth experience.
Birth Partners are brought into the preparation process and
have their own hypnotic relaxation cues, as well as a special
role to play as they await the birth of the precious newborn.
Options include a 5 week, 15 hour class, a shorter, 8 to
10 hour class and a home study course.
Hypnobabies educators:
Rose Quintilian
240-631-8177
rose@mygentlebirth.com
www.mygentlebirth.com
Hypnobabies
is a complete childbirth education course that incorporates
hypnotic techniques, imagery, and visualization to re-program
the mind in a very positive way. By doing this we can eliminate
the fear and pain that are associated with childbirth. You
will learn all you need to know about pregnancy, the birth
process, and your birthing options in addition to the hypnotic
techniques that will help you achieve a beautiful natural birth!
Hypnobabies classes are three hours long and meet once a week
for six weeks.
I also teach prenatal hula classes to help moms
bond with their babies while still in utero.
Jenn Riddick
(703) 273-1464
www.AlohaBirthServices.com
Alana
Rose
703-850-7952
alana@mindbodybirths.com
www.MindBodyBirths.com
based in Arlington, serving the entire DC Metro area
Sharon Stevenson
The
Bradley Method
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.
Bradley Method
Educators:
Shayla Boyd-Gill, BirthDiva, LLC www.birthdiva.com
info@birthdiva.com
DC and Bowie, MD. Private in-home classes are available.
Susan Gunn (202) 680-0590, S2GUNN@yahoo.com
Lorrie Leigh, (443) 545-5303, WCHAPPEL@MYEXCEL.COM
Julie
Maimone AAHCC Bradley
juliem.aahcc@gmail.com
Dana M. Pase, M.A., AAHCC (301) 868-4415
sweetpea25@msn.com
http://www.bradleybirth.com/ndweb.asp?ID=P336
Classes are conveniently located less than 10 minutes from
beltway exit 7-A in Clinton, MD. Although I often teach on
weekend afternoons, please call for current scheduling options.
Sheila Patton (202) 423-1682 sheilarosepatton@gmail.com
Bethesda
Ursula Sabia-Sukinik AAHCC (301) 231-5122 Usukinik@verizon.net
www.Birthyoudesire.com Bethesda and DC
Lamaze
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.
Lamaze Educator:
Heidi Bachman, (202) 246-3531, hbachman@aol.com
The
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 six 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.
ACHI Educator:
Ed Wilhelm, Lewilhelm@aol.com
(301) 585-4925 (H) (301) 233-9841 (Cell)
Magic
of Motherhood Method Childbirth Education and Preparation
online class in birthing support and education
Preparing
for the birthing of your child involves emotional, physical
and psychological knowledge and practice for both mom and baby.
This is a Complimentary Natural Childbirth method for use with
or without medications, at home, birth center, or in a hospital.
The key concepts are "Experiencing,
Understanding and Enjoying" your labor and delivery through
emotional support, empowering yourself, and empowering your
baby utilizing relaxation/visualization methods and understanding
your body.
Educator:
Jill Chasse baby_counselor@yahoo.com
Prenatal Yoga
Willow Street Yoga Center's specially-trained
instructors offer Pregnancy Yoga for both beginning and experienced
yoga practioners. Through yoga, our students deepen their relationships
with their babies, connect with other mothers-to-be, and develop
strength, flexibility, confidence and calm to serve them
through pregnancy, labor, and beyond. Classes include yoga
practice, breathwork, guided relaxations and labor preparation
exercises, as well as plenty of space to share individual
experiences. Beneficial in all stages of pregnancy; all levels & trimesters
welcome.
Pregnancy Yoga is an all-levels class that helps expecting
moms to develop the flexibility, concentration and strength
needed during the transformative time of pregnancy. Through
yoga, breath awareness and relaxation, moms experience the
special connection they have with their babies while developing
trust and confidence in their body's resources for birth. Suitable
for beginning yoga students. (Doctor or midwife's permission
note required.)
Pregnancy Yoga II is intended for students with previous yoga
experience, and helps expecting moms to modify their practices,
connect with their babies, and prepare minds & bodies for
birth. Includes active asana practice, breathwork, meditation
techniques, and vocal toning. (Doctor or midwife's permission
note required.)
Willow Street Yoga Center: 6930 carroll ave #100 takoma park
md 20912
301-270-8038
8561 fenton st, 2nd fl silver spring, MD 20910
general email: yoga@willowstreetyoga.com
Instructor:
Natalie Miller nataliekmiller@yahoo.com
YogaBirth:
Combines the ancient
mind-body wisdom of yoga with education on the modern
birthing environment.
My goals are to educate
families on the physical, emotional and spiritual importance
of
giving birth as nature intended and equipping them with the tools to help
them achieve this.
The class is for couples or pregnant women with any support person (or
alone) usually appropriate for third trimester. Each class combines a
yoga
practice - postures, breathing, relaxation techniques, with education and
discussion on a variety of topics.
The classes are currently held at Charm City Yoga in Mt. Vernon in Baltimore
City. The next session starts Nov. 6th, then another on Jan. 8th. Thursday
nights 6-8 pm. However, I am also open to expanding the class to other
locations if the demand is there!
Instructor: Heather Brown
Interested in
supporting midwifery? Consider making a donation.
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