What is the philosophy of the BABS classes?
We believe that every woman labors best when she feels the safest, and that what makes her feel safe will be unique to her and her circumstances. Each mother is the expert on her needs, and her partner is the expert on what his or her needs are. We act as guides and resources; our responsibility is to provide you with information and your range of options. Your responsibility is to think about the options and make an informed decision in collaboration with your caregiver.
How long is a series?
Our classes meet once a week for 8 weeks. Each class session is 2 1/2 hours long.
Wow! That’s a lot of time. What am I going to get from the series?
Yes, it is a lot of time! Taking this much time allows us to help you practice and makes it more likely you will remember what you have learned. In addition to the week’s main topic, each week you will learn and practice a comfort measure for labor and birth and each week you will learn something about newborns and how to care for a baby.
I’m not sure I want to be in a big group. How large are your classes?
We try to keep our classes no larger than 10 couples. You will probably be in a class of 5-8 couples. We also offer private classes.
What can I get from a childbirth class?
Childbirth classes provide an opportunity to receive up-to-date information that is specifically tailored to your needs. Because a childbirth class is an interactive setting, your childbirth educator can address your specific needs and concerns.
Can’t I just get that information from books or videos?
Books and videos can be a valuable source of information, but nothing can really substitute for the give and take that you can have with a well-informed and experienced educator. You will also meet other families going through the same thing you are, and that can be very helpful.
What about my partner? Is it worth both of us taking this much time from our busy schedules to attend a class?
It is understandable that your partner is reluctant to make such a time commitment. But be assured the classes are as much for your partner as they are for you! It provides an excellent time for the two of you to stop and focus on the upcoming changes in your life: on what labor and birth may be like for both of you, on what to expect in the postpartum period, on how your partner can help you with breastfeeding, and what newborns are like. And most partners have not had much time (or inclination!) to read or talk with friends about pregnancy, birth, and newborns!
I’ve heard that your classes are just for those having home births or working with midwives or planning unmedicated births. I’m not sure what I want to do and I might want an epidural. Am I going to be uncomfortable in your classes?
Actually, most of our clients are first-time parents planning hospital births. Many of them do want unmedicated, low-intervention births, but not all do. And, as we will tell you in class, birth is unpredictable! We also work with clients expecting highly medicalized births, such as scheduled cesareans or inductions, helping them to define their options and feel more in control of their birth experiences. Our goal is to help you maximize the chances that you will have the kind of birth you want and to be ready with an alternate plan if things do not go as you expect.
How do I get more information?
Please contact our office and we will send you a registration packet. The packet includes a list of the topics we cover each week as well as information about cost and location.
This isn’t my first child, do you have anything for me? When are classes offered?
The Refresher Classes are offered on a regular basis. Please check our website or call the office for the next class date.
How many sessions are there with the Refresher? And can I bring my older child(ren) with me?
The Refresher class meets just once, usually on a weekend afternoon for three hours. We are happy to accommodate your schedule if we can. The class is not really intended for children. We do hold a Sibling class if there is enough interest.
I had a cesarean section with my first child. Do you have any classes for me?
Yes, we have several resources for women planning vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), including a support group, a class, and private consultations.
