CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION
We offer a complete series of classes in preparation for childbirth. Our series is considered a meditative or conscious method of childbirth preparation, similar to childbirth methods such as Hypnobirthing TM and Hypnobabies TM. Medical research has shown that meditative methods of childbirth preparation are associated with lower epidural rates, higher patient satisfaction, and less overall intervention in labor. Our classes expand on these other methods of meditative childbirth preparation and provide comprehensive preparation for all types of births, as well as a strong foundation of deep relaxation techniques for unmedicated labor that fully prepare our patients for natural childbirth. Over 80% of our patients use our methods to have unmedicated births. Our series is also one of the few in the nation that is taught by an OB/GYN who specializes in natural birth.
You may attend classes with or without your partner. It is recommended to attend all classes and in listed order, however you may choose to attend each class whenever is most convenient for you. Most classes are offered monthly and are part of your standard care as a Wombkeepers patient. For busy parents, we also offer a Weekend Intensive several times per year, where couples may spend the weekend with us and attend all their classes at one time. Patients of other practices may join our classes through our wellness packages or by registering for one of our Weekend Intensives.
You may attend classes with or without your partner. It is recommended to attend all classes and in listed order, however you may choose to attend each class whenever is most convenient for you. Most classes are offered monthly and are part of your standard care as a Wombkeepers patient. For busy parents, we also offer a Weekend Intensive several times per year, where couples may spend the weekend with us and attend all their classes at one time. Patients of other practices may join our classes through our wellness packages or by registering for one of our Weekend Intensives.
Complete Childbirth Series
Empowered Birth Class 1: Conscious Birth Part 1 (1.5 hrs)
Introduction to Meditation for Pregnancy and Birth, the first portion of our Conscious Birth Series, which teaches parents the foundations of meditation, breath work, and body relaxation in order to help mothers work through the stresses of pregnancy and begin to prepare for a conscious birth experience. Best attended in the late first trimester or early second trimester.
Empowered Birth Class 2: The Labor Journey (1.5 hrs)
Taught by Dr. Aristizabal, this class offers couples a deep understanding of the process of labor and what to expect on the day of your baby's birth. This class is relevant to all expectant mothers and will review how first births differ from subsequent births. Best attended by the end of your second trimester. Also available for online viewing.
Empowered Birth Class 3: Medical Interventions during Birth and Integrative Approaches to Labor Management (2.5hrs) |
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Taught by Dr. Aristizabal, this class will help couples understand the benefits and risks of the various medical interventions that they may experience during labor and delivery, in order to help them make informed decisions regarding their birth. It also reviews alternative, integrative approaches to labor that emphasize a natural, physiologic birth process. Best attended by the end of your second trimester or early third trimester.
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Empowered Birth Class 4: Comfort Strategies for Labor (2hrs) An intensive skills class that prepares couples hoping for an unmedicated birth experience. The class teaches hands-on comfort techniques, labor and birthing positions, breathing techniques, and early infant bonding and breastfeeding. This class is recommended for all first time mothers, as well as experienced mothers who need a refresher or are preparing for their first unmedicated delivery. Best attended by the end of your second trimester or early third trimester.
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Empowered Birth Class 5: Conscious Birth Part 2 (2 hrs)
Building on the concepts introduced in class 1, the second part of our conscious birth series continues to prepare you for meditative birth, including relaxation and breathing techniques.
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Empowered Birth Class 6: Conscious Birth Part 3 (2 hrs)The final class of our series features further training in meditative breathing, visualizations, and fear release. This is often a deeply moving class where parents let go of past experiences and prepare to birth and parent their new child with loving intention.
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Special Topic Classes
offered periodically dependent on patient volume
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Empowered VBAC (3 hrs)This class reviews all of the information included in Empowered Birth Classes 2&3, as it specifically relates to patients planning a vaginal delivery after a prior cesarean delivery.
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Birth Center Delivery (1 hr)
This class is specifically focused on families who are planning or considering a birth center delivery. The class will review policies and procedures of the birth center, review what to expect on the day you go into labor, and answer all questions.