My birth doula services include prenatal visits, labor and birth support, and postpartum care. I am specially trained to meet your non-medical needs by providing continuous emotional and physical support, facilitating communication between you and your team, and providing helpful information.
Birth Support (Doula)
Winter Class: December 5
Fall Class: October 3
THOUGHTFUL DECISIONS BIRTH CHOICES AND GOALS - EARLY PREGNANCY CLASS
Pregnant? Now what?
Expectant parents may need to navigate many options and choices, and make many decisions during their pregnancy and birth. This interactive class includes a step-by-step process for developing a birth plan, helps parents identify their goals and priorities, and aids in the communication of their preferences for labor, birth, and beyond. This one-day class is intended to be taken in early pregnancy.
Location: Timeless Birth, South Salinas
Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Fee: $50 per family
Includes:
~Modern, evidence-based birth choices booklet, with 12 full-color pages.
~Two hours of in-class instruction taught by a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator.
~Personal availability for support from your instructor, who is experienced and engaged in the local birth community.
~A discount on a 6-week Thoughtful Birthing class.
Many parents report greater satisfaction in their birth experience when they are involved in the decision-making process and work with their care providers to achieve the birth they desire. Making thoughtful decisions can help parents feel empowered, ensure their wishes and goals are respected, and bring them a sense of peace and satisfaction with the birth experience that they may not otherwise have if decisions are made for them without their involvement. Parents may avoid complications or interventions with the choices they make. Ultimately, parents are responsible for, and must live with, the consequences of the choices made during the birth of their child; therefore it is important, whenever possible, that they choose a birth location and provider that they trust and that offers them safety, respect, and support.
SPACE IS LIMITED. REGISTER EARLY!
Pregnant? Now what?
Expectant parents may need to navigate many options and choices, and make many decisions during their pregnancy and birth. This interactive class includes a step-by-step process for developing a birth plan, helps parents identify their goals and priorities, and aids in the communication of their preferences for labor, birth, and beyond. This one-day class is intended to be taken in early pregnancy.
Location: Timeless Birth, South Salinas
Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Fee: $50 per family
Includes:
~Modern, evidence-based birth choices booklet, with 12 full-color pages.
~Two hours of in-class instruction taught by a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator.
~Personal availability for support from your instructor, who is experienced and engaged in the local birth community.
~A discount on a 6-week Thoughtful Birthing class.
Many parents report greater satisfaction in their birth experience when they are involved in the decision-making process and work with their care providers to achieve the birth they desire. Making thoughtful decisions can help parents feel empowered, ensure their wishes and goals are respected, and bring them a sense of peace and satisfaction with the birth experience that they may not otherwise have if decisions are made for them without their involvement. Parents may avoid complications or interventions with the choices they make. Ultimately, parents are responsible for, and must live with, the consequences of the choices made during the birth of their child; therefore it is important, whenever possible, that they choose a birth location and provider that they trust and that offers them safety, respect, and support.
SPACE IS LIMITED. REGISTER EARLY!
Winter Class: December 12
Fall Class: October 10
FINDING COMFORT LABOR LAB - REFRESHER CLASS
There are many ways women cope with and find comfort during labor. This class includes information and techniques that parents can practice and ultimately use in labor. There are many strategies for comfort discussed, such as touch/massage, breathing, visualization/imagery, water for labor and birth, productive positions, professional services, and medical options. This one-day class is intended to be taken as a refresher course for those who have given birth before, or as a supplement to another childbirth education class.
Location: Timeless Birth, South Salinas
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm
Fee: $100 per family
Includes:
~Modern, evidence-based booklet, with 24 full-color pages.
~Four hours of in-class instruction taught by a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator.
~Personal availability for support from your instructor, who is experienced and engaged in the local birth community.
Labor is often an intense and lengthy process that without the proper understanding, support, and comfort tools, can easily overwhelm a woman. Every woman who labors can benefit from techniques to make her more comfortable. A woman who has identified and practiced her most useful comfort tools will likely have a far easier time utilizing and benefiting from them during her labor. A woman should understand her medical options for pain relief far in advance of her labor in order to make a more informed decision.
SPACE IS LIMITED. REGISTER EARLY!
There are many ways women cope with and find comfort during labor. This class includes information and techniques that parents can practice and ultimately use in labor. There are many strategies for comfort discussed, such as touch/massage, breathing, visualization/imagery, water for labor and birth, productive positions, professional services, and medical options. This one-day class is intended to be taken as a refresher course for those who have given birth before, or as a supplement to another childbirth education class.
Location: Timeless Birth, South Salinas
Time: 9:00am-1:00pm
Fee: $100 per family
Includes:
~Modern, evidence-based booklet, with 24 full-color pages.
~Four hours of in-class instruction taught by a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator.
~Personal availability for support from your instructor, who is experienced and engaged in the local birth community.
Labor is often an intense and lengthy process that without the proper understanding, support, and comfort tools, can easily overwhelm a woman. Every woman who labors can benefit from techniques to make her more comfortable. A woman who has identified and practiced her most useful comfort tools will likely have a far easier time utilizing and benefiting from them during her labor. A woman should understand her medical options for pain relief far in advance of her labor in order to make a more informed decision.
SPACE IS LIMITED. REGISTER EARLY!
Homebirth Cesarean Support Group
Babes in arms are welcome.
This is a free group.
When: The last Sunday of each month. 6:00pm to 8:00pm Date and time subject to change.
Where: Timeless Birth-South Salinas
Facilitator: Sarah McCabe, HBC mom, and owner of Timeless Birth
Contact: [email protected]
What is a Homebirth Cesarean birth?
Homebirth Cesarean (HBC) is the name given to births that began as out-of-hospital dreams and ended in hospital operating rooms.
Am I the right fit for this group?
The group is for HBC mothers only and is closed to all actively practicing midwives and doulas. If you are an HBC mother and you are unsure if you fit the group description, please send an email to [email protected] and we will happily answer any of your questions.
Homebirths or birth center births that end in hospital cesareans are often a difficult experience for a mother and her partner. This group offers private space to talk about, process, and heal from your experience.
The range of emotions is wide and varied after an HBC birth. You may:
~ feel grateful that you and your baby are alive
~ be completely devastated that you lost your birthing dreams
~ have questions about your physical recovery
~ feel scared about your ability to have another home or birth center birth
~ need community resources for therapy, scar healing, parenting, breastfeeding
~ not even know what you need, but know that you need something
What is the HBC Peer Support group about?
This peer support group offers a healing, non-judgemental space for women who have been through an HBC birth and are having a difficult or traumatic time healing from it.
We offer a comfortable talking circle for women to tell their birth story, share their troubles, or simply listen and observe other women’s journeys. Sharing is not required to attend, a simple introduction is fine.
What is a meeting like?
The meeting begins at 6:00pm with settling in time, introductions and a brief rundown of group logistics.
The facilitator will begin the circle check-in and suggest a topic in case anyone needs a jumping off point to begin sharing. During the circle check-in, each mother need only share her name and date of her HBC. If she feels comfortable, she can talk about her birth story, what’s been on her mind since the birth or the last meeting, triggers, emotions, questions…nothing is off-limits.
During most meetings, the facilitator will lead the group in activities centered around healing. Sharing is not required.
The group closes with a moment of silence and the extinguishing of the candle at 8:00pm.
We understand that it takes time to process feelings around a difficult birth and sometimes you may not feel like sharing. That is perfectly fine. A simple hello and stating of your name is all that is required.
To maintain a level of fairness and security, we have adopted these guidelines for group attendees.
Do I have to commit?
Nope. Come once or come every month. You are welcome no matter what.
Please RSVP below!
Babes in arms are welcome.
This is a free group.
When: The last Sunday of each month. 6:00pm to 8:00pm Date and time subject to change.
Where: Timeless Birth-South Salinas
Facilitator: Sarah McCabe, HBC mom, and owner of Timeless Birth
Contact: [email protected]
What is a Homebirth Cesarean birth?
Homebirth Cesarean (HBC) is the name given to births that began as out-of-hospital dreams and ended in hospital operating rooms.
Am I the right fit for this group?
The group is for HBC mothers only and is closed to all actively practicing midwives and doulas. If you are an HBC mother and you are unsure if you fit the group description, please send an email to [email protected] and we will happily answer any of your questions.
Homebirths or birth center births that end in hospital cesareans are often a difficult experience for a mother and her partner. This group offers private space to talk about, process, and heal from your experience.
The range of emotions is wide and varied after an HBC birth. You may:
~ feel grateful that you and your baby are alive
~ be completely devastated that you lost your birthing dreams
~ have questions about your physical recovery
~ feel scared about your ability to have another home or birth center birth
~ need community resources for therapy, scar healing, parenting, breastfeeding
~ not even know what you need, but know that you need something
What is the HBC Peer Support group about?
This peer support group offers a healing, non-judgemental space for women who have been through an HBC birth and are having a difficult or traumatic time healing from it.
We offer a comfortable talking circle for women to tell their birth story, share their troubles, or simply listen and observe other women’s journeys. Sharing is not required to attend, a simple introduction is fine.
What is a meeting like?
The meeting begins at 6:00pm with settling in time, introductions and a brief rundown of group logistics.
The facilitator will begin the circle check-in and suggest a topic in case anyone needs a jumping off point to begin sharing. During the circle check-in, each mother need only share her name and date of her HBC. If she feels comfortable, she can talk about her birth story, what’s been on her mind since the birth or the last meeting, triggers, emotions, questions…nothing is off-limits.
During most meetings, the facilitator will lead the group in activities centered around healing. Sharing is not required.
The group closes with a moment of silence and the extinguishing of the candle at 8:00pm.
We understand that it takes time to process feelings around a difficult birth and sometimes you may not feel like sharing. That is perfectly fine. A simple hello and stating of your name is all that is required.
To maintain a level of fairness and security, we have adopted these guidelines for group attendees.
Do I have to commit?
Nope. Come once or come every month. You are welcome no matter what.
Please RSVP below!
Winter Class: December 5
Fall Class: September 5
What is Lamaze?
Childbirth education has been around for many, many years. When “Lamaze” is mentioned, most people think of the breathing techniques. However, breathing is no longer the hallmark of Lamaze Childbirth Education. Today, we are committed to helping women and their families have the natural, healthy, and safe birth they are looking for. Women have an inherent ability to give birth and Lamaze not only supports this ability, but instills in women the confidence they need to deliver their babies. Lamaze, itself, has expanded its concept from being just a method of childbirth to an entire philosophy.
My childbirth education classes are based on The Lamaze Philosophy of Birth:
~ Birth is normal, natural, and healthy.
~ The experience of birth profoundly affects women and their families.
~ Women's inner wisdom guides them through birth.
~ Women's confidence and ability to give birth is either enhanced or diminished by the care provide and place of birth.
~ Women have the right to give birth free from routine medical interventions.
~ Birth can safely take place in homes, birth centers, and hospitals.
~ Childbirth education empowers women to make informed choices in healthcare, to assume responsibility for their health, and to trust their inner wisdom
My classes are also based on the Six Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices:
~ Let labor begin on its own.
~ Walk, move around, and change positions throughout labor.
~ Bring a loved one, friend, or doula for continuous support.
~ Avoid interventions that are not medically necessary.
~ Avoid giving birth on your back, and follow your body's urges to push.
~ Keep mother and baby together.
CONFIDENT CHILDBIRTH TAKE A GREAT CHILDBIRTH CLASS! Be Confident.
Summer series: June 7, 14, 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26 REGISTER NOW!
Fee: $175 per 7-week series (This fee includes the Baby Bump Services Study Guide.)
Time: 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Location: Timeless Birth Classroom, South Salinas
Using the Baby Bump Childbirth Education Platform™, my CONFIDENT CHILDBIRTH class is designed to facilitate your learning in a uniquely empowering way. This class is not affiliated with any particular “method”, but is rather a “best practices” approach to birth. Those best practices happen to be reflected in The Lamaze Philosophy of Birth.
In Confident Childbirth, I'll approach topics in a fun, new way. I'll engage parents and cover the following:
~ Essential confidence-building for both mother and partner (this is the distinguishing cornerstone of the class).
~ Tips for keeping birth normal.
~ Introduction to normal labor and birth.
~ Coping skills and comfort measures.
~ Interventions, informed choice, and self-directed advocacy.
~ A complete labor rehearsal.
~ Breastfeeding.
~ Postpartum care and early parenting.
At the conclusion of this Confident Childbirth class, you will be able to:
~ Define what a "satisfying birth experience" means to you.
~ Deepen your understanding and appreciation of the process of labor and birth.
~ Feel more confident about your body's innate wisdom, whether you choose a medicated or natural birth.
~ Feel well-prepared: with moms and partners well-equipped with skills and techniques for birth and resources for postpartum.
~ Feel well-informed about your options and possible paths for labor.
~ Feel empowered as a couple and as parents - capable of making informed decisions before and after the birth.
Session One - Setting the Stage: Class one is directed very specifically at two things: first, building confidence around the role of partner/dad by alleviating the stress of the need to act as “coach”; and two, understanding the role of oxytocin in labor and birth. These two elements set the stage for building both mom’s and partner’s confidence in the process of labor and birth, and their ability to work together to make it a satisfying experience.
Session Two - Early and Active Labor: The focus of session two is not just building confidence, but also developing knowledge and understanding of the way the female body was built to give birth. More than just focusing on the phases and stages of labor, we focus on the amazing anatomy and physiology of the mother-baby. In this way, we help the expectant couple develop confidence, not just in their understanding of the stages of labor, dilation and effacement, or how to time contractions, but in the process of birth.
Session Three - Transition and Pushing: The focus of session three is mostly about what can be happening emotionally and physically during transition and pushing, and continuing to develop an understanding and appreciation for the way the body KNOWS what is needed to move a mother-baby through labor and birth.
Session Four - Creating a Coping Mindset: This coping skills and comfort measures class is designed to help the expectant mom find her own personal “style” of relaxing and focusing. What we are learning here in preparation for labor translates directly or indirectly to early parenting, as these skills are so easily applied to the newborn.
Session Five - Interventions and Advocacy: Session five is the variations, complications, and interventions class. The spirit with which we approach this class is NOT that interventions are BAD. Rather, this session is about how to gather information, make choices without giving up options, avoid unnecessary interventions, and develop a plan to navigate unexpected, unwanted interventions when they are necessary.
Session Six - Birth Rehearsal: This is the birth rehearsal or “mock labor”. This is where it all comes together. One of the very real goals of the birth rehearsal is to discover what might need to be addressed, re-worked, practiced, or reconsidered. It is here that we want to find out what is working, and more important, what isn’t working, rather than during the actual labor and birth.
Session Seven - Beyond Birth: The focus is on breastfeeding and immediate postpartum. Here you’ll be introduced to the basics of breastfeeding, baby care, and the postpartum period.
PREPARED CHILDBIRTH TAKE A GREAT CHILDBIRTH CLASS! Be Prepared.
Summer Series: June 9, 16, 23, 30 FULL
*Please consider registering for the Confident Childbirth class listed above. Otherwise, please contact me to be put on a wait list for July.
Fee: $120 Registration includes the workbook Prepared Childbirth-The Family Way.
Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: Timeless Birth Classroom, South Salinas
This evening series meets for four weeks. This comprehensive class is designed to help give you the information you need to have a healthy and satisfying childbirth experience. These classes are designed for pregnant women and their partners, and provide an excellent opportunity to connect with other expecting families. The birth partner, whomever that may be, is extremely important during birth, and actively participates, giving the laboring woman comfort and support. By taking these classes the partner is knowledgeable, able to help in decision-making, and bonds closely with the mother and baby. Birth is not something to fear, but it is something to prepare for.
Topics include:
~ Healthy Birth Practices
~ Introduction to Normal Labor and Birth
~ Coping Skills and Comfort Measures
~ Pain Relief Medications
~ Interventions and Informed Choice
~ Newborn Procedures
~ Breastfeeding Basics
~ Postpartum Recovery & Adjustment
Childbirth education has been around for many, many years. When “Lamaze” is mentioned, most people think of the breathing techniques. However, breathing is no longer the hallmark of Lamaze Childbirth Education. Today, we are committed to helping women and their families have the natural, healthy, and safe birth they are looking for. Women have an inherent ability to give birth and Lamaze not only supports this ability, but instills in women the confidence they need to deliver their babies. Lamaze, itself, has expanded its concept from being just a method of childbirth to an entire philosophy.
My childbirth education classes are based on The Lamaze Philosophy of Birth:
~ Birth is normal, natural, and healthy.
~ The experience of birth profoundly affects women and their families.
~ Women's inner wisdom guides them through birth.
~ Women's confidence and ability to give birth is either enhanced or diminished by the care provide and place of birth.
~ Women have the right to give birth free from routine medical interventions.
~ Birth can safely take place in homes, birth centers, and hospitals.
~ Childbirth education empowers women to make informed choices in healthcare, to assume responsibility for their health, and to trust their inner wisdom
My classes are also based on the Six Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices:
~ Let labor begin on its own.
~ Walk, move around, and change positions throughout labor.
~ Bring a loved one, friend, or doula for continuous support.
~ Avoid interventions that are not medically necessary.
~ Avoid giving birth on your back, and follow your body's urges to push.
~ Keep mother and baby together.
CONFIDENT CHILDBIRTH TAKE A GREAT CHILDBIRTH CLASS! Be Confident.
Summer series: June 7, 14, 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26 REGISTER NOW!
Fee: $175 per 7-week series (This fee includes the Baby Bump Services Study Guide.)
Time: 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Location: Timeless Birth Classroom, South Salinas
Using the Baby Bump Childbirth Education Platform™, my CONFIDENT CHILDBIRTH class is designed to facilitate your learning in a uniquely empowering way. This class is not affiliated with any particular “method”, but is rather a “best practices” approach to birth. Those best practices happen to be reflected in The Lamaze Philosophy of Birth.
In Confident Childbirth, I'll approach topics in a fun, new way. I'll engage parents and cover the following:
~ Essential confidence-building for both mother and partner (this is the distinguishing cornerstone of the class).
~ Tips for keeping birth normal.
~ Introduction to normal labor and birth.
~ Coping skills and comfort measures.
~ Interventions, informed choice, and self-directed advocacy.
~ A complete labor rehearsal.
~ Breastfeeding.
~ Postpartum care and early parenting.
At the conclusion of this Confident Childbirth class, you will be able to:
~ Define what a "satisfying birth experience" means to you.
~ Deepen your understanding and appreciation of the process of labor and birth.
~ Feel more confident about your body's innate wisdom, whether you choose a medicated or natural birth.
~ Feel well-prepared: with moms and partners well-equipped with skills and techniques for birth and resources for postpartum.
~ Feel well-informed about your options and possible paths for labor.
~ Feel empowered as a couple and as parents - capable of making informed decisions before and after the birth.
Session One - Setting the Stage: Class one is directed very specifically at two things: first, building confidence around the role of partner/dad by alleviating the stress of the need to act as “coach”; and two, understanding the role of oxytocin in labor and birth. These two elements set the stage for building both mom’s and partner’s confidence in the process of labor and birth, and their ability to work together to make it a satisfying experience.
Session Two - Early and Active Labor: The focus of session two is not just building confidence, but also developing knowledge and understanding of the way the female body was built to give birth. More than just focusing on the phases and stages of labor, we focus on the amazing anatomy and physiology of the mother-baby. In this way, we help the expectant couple develop confidence, not just in their understanding of the stages of labor, dilation and effacement, or how to time contractions, but in the process of birth.
Session Three - Transition and Pushing: The focus of session three is mostly about what can be happening emotionally and physically during transition and pushing, and continuing to develop an understanding and appreciation for the way the body KNOWS what is needed to move a mother-baby through labor and birth.
Session Four - Creating a Coping Mindset: This coping skills and comfort measures class is designed to help the expectant mom find her own personal “style” of relaxing and focusing. What we are learning here in preparation for labor translates directly or indirectly to early parenting, as these skills are so easily applied to the newborn.
Session Five - Interventions and Advocacy: Session five is the variations, complications, and interventions class. The spirit with which we approach this class is NOT that interventions are BAD. Rather, this session is about how to gather information, make choices without giving up options, avoid unnecessary interventions, and develop a plan to navigate unexpected, unwanted interventions when they are necessary.
Session Six - Birth Rehearsal: This is the birth rehearsal or “mock labor”. This is where it all comes together. One of the very real goals of the birth rehearsal is to discover what might need to be addressed, re-worked, practiced, or reconsidered. It is here that we want to find out what is working, and more important, what isn’t working, rather than during the actual labor and birth.
Session Seven - Beyond Birth: The focus is on breastfeeding and immediate postpartum. Here you’ll be introduced to the basics of breastfeeding, baby care, and the postpartum period.
PREPARED CHILDBIRTH TAKE A GREAT CHILDBIRTH CLASS! Be Prepared.
Summer Series: June 9, 16, 23, 30 FULL
*Please consider registering for the Confident Childbirth class listed above. Otherwise, please contact me to be put on a wait list for July.
Fee: $120 Registration includes the workbook Prepared Childbirth-The Family Way.
Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: Timeless Birth Classroom, South Salinas
This evening series meets for four weeks. This comprehensive class is designed to help give you the information you need to have a healthy and satisfying childbirth experience. These classes are designed for pregnant women and their partners, and provide an excellent opportunity to connect with other expecting families. The birth partner, whomever that may be, is extremely important during birth, and actively participates, giving the laboring woman comfort and support. By taking these classes the partner is knowledgeable, able to help in decision-making, and bonds closely with the mother and baby. Birth is not something to fear, but it is something to prepare for.
Topics include:
~ Healthy Birth Practices
~ Introduction to Normal Labor and Birth
~ Coping Skills and Comfort Measures
~ Pain Relief Medications
~ Interventions and Informed Choice
~ Newborn Procedures
~ Breastfeeding Basics
~ Postpartum Recovery & Adjustment
and most important...
- How to find the answer to YOUR question...what do YOU need to know to feel CONFIDENT to give birth to and parent YOUR baby?
In Confident Childbirth, you'll discover:
- Your own personal birthing "style"
- The single greatest factor that affects your birthing, and what your partner can do about it
- The 10 best ways partners show up for the birth AND the baby
- How to identify expectations and influence satisfaction
- Pain and how to influence it
- How to connect your body and mind to move through your birth with ease
- Four essential ingredients in the "Recipe for Relaxation"
- Penny Simkin's "3 R's" of labor and the Confident Childbirth "4th R"
- The "themes" of the stages of labor and how to work with them successfully
- Four "secret truths" they didn't teach you in school about your pregnant and birthing body
- The #1 comfort measure for an unmedicated birth (and lots more that fit in a bag)
- The checklist for leaving...5 indicators that tell you it is time to go to your birthing space
- The three must-have pieces of information for marking progress in labor-an essential motivating tool
- The purpose and pitfalls of a birth plan...how to really ask for what you need
- i-advocacy...Confident Childbirth's step by step method to mapping your way through unknown territory
- Avoiding unnecessary interventions and navigating the necessary ones
- The truth about a cesarean birth - what you need to know and why...including how to have a satisfying cesarean if needed
- How to put it all together in the "labor lab"
- The significance of your baby's first hour of life...how to optimize those moments that can't be repeated
- Breasts and nests...postpartum DIY-how to create ease and comfort for nursing moms
- The common "booby traps" and bumps in the road
- Practical skills to survive with a newborn
- Proven tips to seize this window of opportunity to strengthen your relationship
- Your own personal birthing "style"
- The single greatest factor that affects your birthing, and what your partner can do about it
- The 10 best ways partners show up for the birth AND the baby
- How to identify expectations and influence satisfaction
- Pain and how to influence it
- How to connect your body and mind to move through your birth with ease
- Four essential ingredients in the "Recipe for Relaxation"
- Penny Simkin's "3 R's" of labor and the Confident Childbirth "4th R"
- The "themes" of the stages of labor and how to work with them successfully
- Four "secret truths" they didn't teach you in school about your pregnant and birthing body
- The #1 comfort measure for an unmedicated birth (and lots more that fit in a bag)
- The checklist for leaving...5 indicators that tell you it is time to go to your birthing space
- The three must-have pieces of information for marking progress in labor-an essential motivating tool
- The purpose and pitfalls of a birth plan...how to really ask for what you need
- i-advocacy...Confident Childbirth's step by step method to mapping your way through unknown territory
- Avoiding unnecessary interventions and navigating the necessary ones
- The truth about a cesarean birth - what you need to know and why...including how to have a satisfying cesarean if needed
- How to put it all together in the "labor lab"
- The significance of your baby's first hour of life...how to optimize those moments that can't be repeated
- Breasts and nests...postpartum DIY-how to create ease and comfort for nursing moms
- The common "booby traps" and bumps in the road
- Practical skills to survive with a newborn
- Proven tips to seize this window of opportunity to strengthen your relationship
What to Expect
You have a lot of choices in Monterey County, so why choose Confident Childbirth?
Because birth matters. As moms, we never forget our babies' birth days.
What will make your birth a satisfying experience? In Confident Childbirth, you'll determine what really matters to you and get specific, practical tools to help you achieve it.
Because it is true: "If you don't know your options, you don't have any."
In Confident Childbirth we'll use a variety of methods to introduce and reinforce informed choice. Using current research, I'll engage you in the process and help you navigate choices in a real and empowering way.
Because we live in a culture that approaches birth with fear.
There is a reason the class is called CONFIDENT Childbirth. It is refreshing and reassuring to hear how amazing your body and the process of normal birth actually is.
Because you and your partner can name at least three things you think you'd rather do than 7 weeks of childbirth classes.
This may be the primary reason that this class is for you! Boredom inhibits learning. The Confident Childbirth class was designed as a unique, personal learning process. Confident Childbirth classes are not "one-method-fits-all" classes. They are custom-designed, using high-quality instruction...just for you.
Mom, you will discover your own unique way to work with your body, and practical tools to help you throughout labor and birth.
You'll determine what is most important to YOU.
Partners, you'll learn how to be her greatest support, and you'll learn specific ways to bring who YOU are to the birth.
Because coming to Confident Childbirth has an element of "date night" about it.
We celebrate mothers and fathers, and your partnership in parenting is strengthened through the process. In Confident Childbirth, the skills you are practicing translate to caring for your baby.
Because you don't parent in isolation, you don't need to learn about birth and parenting in isolation.
At your Confident Childbirth class, you'll meet other like-minded parents from the Monterey County area, and have the opportunity to get to know them better.
Because over 1,800 families have used what they discovered through this childbirth education platform, and they tell us what they learned enabled them to feel confident in their birth and satisfied with their experience.
More than concepts and techniques, what we are doing in Confident Childbirth comes from having an instructor who is experienced and engaged in the birth community - working with women and their partners in all settings, with all kinds of care providers.
Because choosing your childbirth educator is as important as choosing your care provider.
I have taught childbirth education for over seven years, with over 500 families attending my classes. I have attended over thirty births. My knowledge as a childbirth educator is informed by my hands-on experience as a doula.
Because birth matters. As moms, we never forget our babies' birth days.
What will make your birth a satisfying experience? In Confident Childbirth, you'll determine what really matters to you and get specific, practical tools to help you achieve it.
Because it is true: "If you don't know your options, you don't have any."
In Confident Childbirth we'll use a variety of methods to introduce and reinforce informed choice. Using current research, I'll engage you in the process and help you navigate choices in a real and empowering way.
Because we live in a culture that approaches birth with fear.
There is a reason the class is called CONFIDENT Childbirth. It is refreshing and reassuring to hear how amazing your body and the process of normal birth actually is.
Because you and your partner can name at least three things you think you'd rather do than 7 weeks of childbirth classes.
This may be the primary reason that this class is for you! Boredom inhibits learning. The Confident Childbirth class was designed as a unique, personal learning process. Confident Childbirth classes are not "one-method-fits-all" classes. They are custom-designed, using high-quality instruction...just for you.
Mom, you will discover your own unique way to work with your body, and practical tools to help you throughout labor and birth.
You'll determine what is most important to YOU.
Partners, you'll learn how to be her greatest support, and you'll learn specific ways to bring who YOU are to the birth.
Because coming to Confident Childbirth has an element of "date night" about it.
We celebrate mothers and fathers, and your partnership in parenting is strengthened through the process. In Confident Childbirth, the skills you are practicing translate to caring for your baby.
Because you don't parent in isolation, you don't need to learn about birth and parenting in isolation.
At your Confident Childbirth class, you'll meet other like-minded parents from the Monterey County area, and have the opportunity to get to know them better.
Because over 1,800 families have used what they discovered through this childbirth education platform, and they tell us what they learned enabled them to feel confident in their birth and satisfied with their experience.
More than concepts and techniques, what we are doing in Confident Childbirth comes from having an instructor who is experienced and engaged in the birth community - working with women and their partners in all settings, with all kinds of care providers.
Because choosing your childbirth educator is as important as choosing your care provider.
I have taught childbirth education for over seven years, with over 500 families attending my classes. I have attended over thirty births. My knowledge as a childbirth educator is informed by my hands-on experience as a doula.
Is Confident Childbirth the right class for you?
I am beyond excited to announce that I will be offering a NEW childbirth education class! My next Confident Childbirth series will begin in June. This 7-week course will be held on Sunday nights, from 6:00 to 8:30. The class fee is $175.
Using the Baby Bump Childbirth Education Platform™, my Confident Childbirth class is designed to start facilitating couples' learning about birth in a uniquely empowering and fun way. The platform is based on the successful Confident Birthing childbirth class, developed by Kyndal May, owner and director of Baby Bump Services. Kyndal is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, DONA Certified Doula, and DONA Doula Trainer. She has taught nearly 3,000 hours of childbirth education, and attended over 300 births, 2/3 of which were out-of-hospital. Over 1,800 families have taken the Confident Birthing Childbirth Class, as her curriculum has been purchased and taught by others.
In Confident Childbirth I'll approach topics in a fun, new way. I'll engage expectant parents and cover the following:
- Essential confidence-building for both mother and partner (this is the distinguishing cornerstone of the class)
- Tips for keeping birth normal
- Introduction to normal labor and birth
- Coping skills and comfort measures
- Interventions, informed choice, and self-directed advocacy
- A complete labor rehearsal
- Breastfeeding
- Postpartum care and early parenting
Using the Baby Bump Childbirth Education Platform™, my Confident Childbirth class is designed to start facilitating couples' learning about birth in a uniquely empowering and fun way. The platform is based on the successful Confident Birthing childbirth class, developed by Kyndal May, owner and director of Baby Bump Services. Kyndal is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, DONA Certified Doula, and DONA Doula Trainer. She has taught nearly 3,000 hours of childbirth education, and attended over 300 births, 2/3 of which were out-of-hospital. Over 1,800 families have taken the Confident Birthing Childbirth Class, as her curriculum has been purchased and taught by others.
In Confident Childbirth I'll approach topics in a fun, new way. I'll engage expectant parents and cover the following:
- Essential confidence-building for both mother and partner (this is the distinguishing cornerstone of the class)
- Tips for keeping birth normal
- Introduction to normal labor and birth
- Coping skills and comfort measures
- Interventions, informed choice, and self-directed advocacy
- A complete labor rehearsal
- Breastfeeding
- Postpartum care and early parenting