Classes
We’re going to let you in on a little secret. Ready?
No one knows what they are doing before they bring a baby into this world!
It is truly one of those experiences that you cannot understand fully until you’ve experienced it yourself. The next best thing to first-hand experience is comprehensive education, and we’re here to provide that!
You’ve read the books, the articles, the blogs, watched the videos, and consulted with other parents. What now?
We invite you to pick our brains! And don’t worry if the questions aren't coming to mind; we have a sixth sense when it comes to understanding expecting parents. We will deliver straightforward, evidence-based information in a way that will empower you to take on the beautiful challenge that lies ahead.
Our educational courses will enable you to gather the tools, and resources you need to feel empowered, and confident during the remainder of your pregnancy, your labor, and your birth.
Childbirth Education Class
- Labor Prepared & Birth Education Readiness in One Afternoon -
4-1/2 Hour Interactive, Immersive & Discussion Based Learning Experience
Next Classes: - Nov 29th / Jan 31st / @ Whatcom Family Village 2p-6:30p - Register Here
HSA/FSA accepted (please reach out directly for this option)
Designed for single parents or couples.
Parent-to-be and alternate support person also welcome.
In this class we cover :
Parenting philosophies, and exploring your birthing preferences
Communication tools for advocating your wishes, and how to address fears
Preparing for labor including informed choice and informed refusal
Birth preferences to support birth plan writing
How to shift your pain into purpose, and your frustration into fuel
We will walk through labor together:
The emotional, mental and physical journey for the birthing person and the support tools and shared coping skills for partners.
1st Stage of Labor (Early)
- Birth philosophy & preferences mapped out
- Anatomy of pregnancy & physiological process of birth
- Cervical changes and provider conversations
1st Stage of Labor (Active)
- Alternative and medical options for pain management
- Fetal positioning
- Breath awareness
1st Stage of Labor (Transition)
- Labor walk rehearsal
- Comfort measures & coping skills practice
- Brain-to-Body connection
2nd Stage of Labor (Pushing)
- Finding your power in pushing and advocating your desires
- Medical interventions & labor assistance
- Pelvic floor muscle awareness & relaxation
3rd Stage of Labor (Delivery of the Placenta)
- Cord / placenta tour
- Golden hour
- Newborn care choices after birth
Personalized Private 1:1 Childbirth Education
Including partner or support person
4-Hour Session
Designed just for you and your specific care needs & family dynamics. Like your own choices for birth planning and postpartum care, you are the most important person in your informed decision making and educational support needs - we meet you where your needs are.
Areas of discussion and education include:
Building your support team
Birth philosophy and birthing preferences, starting a birth plan
Informed decision-making, and laboring coping skills
Early pregnancy & 2nd, 3rd time round
Anatomy of pregnancy & birth
Labor preparation and the stages of labor
Comfort measures, breathing practice, and laboring positions
Alternative and medical options for pain management
What a hospital/ birthing center/ home experience involves. What to expect:
Vaginal birth
VBAC preparedness
What happens in a Cesarean birth
Postpartum recovery, transitions to parenthood, bonding with baby
Feeding your newborn
All classes are offered in your private home or a live virtual option if preferred. Please fill in personal info on our Contact Form with any interests and we will connect with you to schedule your personalized private class.
Newborn & Infant Feeding Classes
Group classes for the birthing person, parents, caregivers or support persons
Building confidence in how you nourish your baby and having the tools, tips, and tricks to empower you on a strong foundational newborn feeding journey.
How would you like to feed your baby?
Breastfeeding/ Chestfeeding/ Bottle Feeding/ Combination Feeding Options/Tandem Feeding/ Alternative Infant Feeding Methods
What would you like to try?
What is feeling right, right now?
Preparation for infant feeding in the home including body feeding choices, and partner/ support person help and bonding with feeding.
Education on Infant Feeding
Parenting philosophies, relationship to feeding, prenatal beliefs & postpartum realities
Anatomy and physiology of lactation
Human milk composition & production
Let-down reflex
The value of skin-to-skin contact as much as possible
Baby-led latch & guidelines for proper latch
Comfort measure and positioning support for feeding person
Benefits, importance, and how-to of hand expression
Newborn feeding patterns & frequency of feeding
Nipple care
Infant hunger cues, and getting to know your baby’s behaviors
Preparation, safe storage, and transportation of prepared milk
Collection & storage safety of human milk
Common concerns, support, planning, and FAQ’s
Classes are scheduled at local private venues in Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish County.
Jump To:
The difference between a great childbirth experience and the best childbirth experience is knowledge!
So much is happening during labor and birth; it can be overwhelming and scary without the right information and tools. Your birth experience makes sense when you have a comprehensive understanding of what your body, and your baby are doing.
It’s one thing to hear pregnancy jargon, it’s another, to understand it!
Let The Very Best Doulas help you prepare for Your Very Best Birth!