Childbirth Classes

Childbirth Classes

Our childbirth education classes are taught at our Brooklyn Studio (Park Slope), our SoHo Studio, and in satellite locations, including Caribou Baby in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and Classic Kids Photography on The Upper West Side.

View Schedule or Book a Class

Childbirth Education Classes we offer:

Why come to our Studios for classes? In addition to our fantastic reputation for teaching high quality classes that are fun, engaging and open to all perspectives and types of families, we have comfortable couches and chairs for you to enjoy in our living room-like space that is dedicated to childbirth preparation. Don’t get stuck sitting on the floor!   We are also the only independent Childbirth Studio in NYC; we are not affiliated with any doctor, midwife, pediatrician, or hospital, so we can inform you fully without restriction.

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASS (click here for schedule); 6-WEEK (Park Slope) or 4-WEEK (SoHo/Greenpoint/Upper West Side) 
Preparing for the Labor Experience. $350 per couple. Add an additional class (including Breastfeeding/Newborn Care or Infant CPR) and receive $25 off. Add 2 classes and receive $65 off.  Click here to purchase a package.

Our childbirth preparation classes are designed to offer couples a well-rounded, accessible curriculum. As doulas and childbirth educators, we have assisted thousands of couples through a very wide range of birth choices and experiences. Though certified with Lamaze (Not your Ma’s Lamaze, as they say…check out the great work they are doing today), DONA International and Birthing From Within, we don’t teach any one method; rather we pull the best parts from the most popular methods, as well as from our extensive experience in the field. There is no one right way to labor. We stand by the philosophy that birth is a normal process and hope to inspire confidence in the couples that we teach. It is our goal to teach the full spectrum of options a woman has when preparing for her birth, and then to support her unconditionally. The most important way to approach your birth is with confidence and relaxation. You achieve this by knowing what possible things to expect, developing the skills to move through your labor, and by feeling prepared to work through whatever your journey turns out to be.

Class is a blend of lecture, video, demonstration, and practice and will include, but not be limited to:
* Gestation and Anatomy
* Preparing your Body and How to Adapt To Its Changes
* Signs and Stages and Emotional Signposts of Labor
* Pain Management Techniques including breathing, relaxation, position choices, massage techniques, pressure points, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy options, vocalization, and much more…
* Understanding Evidence-Based Care
* Birth Prefence Sheets (birth plans)
* Pain Medication Options
* Labor Support–who to have at your birth
* Understanding Medical Support or Interventions
and Induction
* Cesarean Birth and Prevention
* Postpartum Health

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION WEEKEND INTENSIVE (click here for schedule)
1 weekend, Two classes, $350 per couple. The same material covered in our regular weekday series, only all in one weekend.
This class is designed for the busy New Yorker! Add an additional class (includingBreastfeeding/Newborn Care or Infant CPR) and receive $25 off. Add 2 classes and receive $65 off.  Click here to purchase a package.

PRIVATE CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION (including Comfort Techniques for Partners, Childbirth Refreshers, Homebirth)
Childbirth class on your own time, in your own way. For those of you with limited time, special needs, or who prefer to be outside the group setting. Can also be done via skype.
$90/hr in our studio, $125/hr in your home or $65/hr/per couple if semi-private in our studio; $85/hr/couple in the home. In order to have a semi-private class, you must bring in your own group.
Contact us to set up your private class and to discuss your specific needs. Class is typically 2-6 hours total instruction.

CHILDBIRTH REFRESHER CLASS (click here for schedule)
2.5 hrs, $85 per couple.
A great workshop for the family who is getting ready to welcome another baby. Review the stages of labor and (re)learn a wide range of pain management techniques. Time will be spent examining what worked and didn’t work for you during the last birth experience and how to translate that knowledge into a different birth experience. The aim of this class is to give you some special focused time on your upcoming birth and to empower you in this new experience. Appropriate for VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) students as well.

SIBLING PREPARATION CLASS (click here for schedule)
2 hrs, $75 per couple.  Taught by Rachel Cedar of You Plus Two Parenting.
Expecting a new addition to your family and worried about how your oldest child will adjust?  Then you won’t want to miss this informative and helpful workshop which will guide you through strategies to ease your Big Kid into becoming a Big Sib.  We will touch on the following topics:

  • When and how to break the news to your big kid about the pregnancy
  • Ways to teach your child about babies, what babies “do,” and how he/she can help when the baby comes
  • How to preparing your child for the separation while you have the baby
  • Strategies for making a smooth introduction between new siblings
  • Ways to address negative behavior or behavior regression after the baby arrives
  • Ways to balance the needs of both children and yourself during the post-partum recovery period

We will also discuss common worries and concerns that accompany the arrival of a new infant, such as feelings of guilt and sadness at the end of your “alone time” with one child.  We guarantee you will come away feeling more prepared and informed about how to make this exciting yet overwhelming time much easier on your entire family.  This class will be for parents only.

Expectant Parents Photo

PREPARING YOUR PET FOR A BABY (click here for schedule)
1.5 hrs, $65 per couple.  Taught by Jessica Jacobson of Dapper Dog Training.
Having a baby and a pet at the same time can seem overwhelming, especially in a city environment. So Dapper Dog Training is coming to Birth Day Presence to help you prepare.  We will tell you what your dog/cat needs to learn in order to accept their new lifestyle, keep your baby safe, and keep chaos away! We will also help you understand the best way to introduce your dog to your newborn, and how to help them bond for a lifelong relationship.

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASS FOR SINGLE MOTHERS- TBA 
Class offers the same info as above, but in a supportive environment geared toward the single mom. You are welcome to bring a friend, doula, family member to any session of class or feel free to come solo.

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION FOR PARENTS PLANNING A HOMEBIRTH- TBA
This class is specifically designed for parents who are planning to give birth at home. This offers a supportive environment and the chance to connect with other parents making similar choices. The same topics covered in our other childbirth education classes. Additionally, this class will cover: How to prepare your home and supplies you will need; History of Homebirth in America; Discussion of evidence that supports the safety of the homebirth choice; How to prepare for a possible transfer to the hospital; Preparation for Self-Care following the birth.

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