The Studio is located at 291 8th Street, ground floor, between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Why come to our Studio for classes? In addition to our fantastic reputation for teaching 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 livingroom-like space that is dedicated to childbirth preparation. Don't get stuck sitting on the floor! We also limit our class size to 9 couples.

You will find us just inside the Pilates Garage. N or R train to 9th Street or F train to 4th Avenue. Click here for a map.

To register for classes using Google Checkout (now accepting credit cards), follow the link under each class. Once your payment has gone through, you will receive confirmation from us. You can also call 917-751-6579 if you'd like more information. Class is not full, unless noted.

For our schedule calendar, please visit the Studio Schedule page.

More classes and workshops get added all the time, so check back often!

SIGN UP FOR ANY OF OUR CLASSES OR SEMINARS HERE.

Not ready to sign up for classes yet? Sign up for our Newsletter so we can keep you updated about our upcoming events, classes and workshops. And you'll get some great tips!

FREE/LOW-COST TALKS, WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

Boost Your Immune System Naturally: The Chinese medical approach to beating the flu season
Sat, Jan 30 12:30-1:30p, $10

In Chinese medicine we believe prevention is the mother of health and longevity.   During pregnancy there are specific and time tested ways to strengthen and bolster your immune system.   We will cover acupressure, diet, and herbal therapies to keep you well in all stages of pregnancy.   This simple and natural approach to wellness is easy to integrate into even the busiest schedule.   It's the things we do everyday that make a difference.

Zoe Kogan, L.Ac. is a nationally board certified and licensed acupuncturist and the co-founder of Brooklyn Acupuncture.   She attended the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine in Wisconsin for acupuncture and Tri-State College of Acupuncture for certification in Chinese Herbology.   She has completed additional training in Beijing, China, as well as the certification as an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist Trainer from the Lincoln Recover Center in the Bronx.   In 2002, Zoe initiated the Acupuncture Detoxification Training Program at Beth Israel Medical Center, where she trained and certified hospital staff in acupuncture detoxification.   In 2006, to better support pregnant clients Zoe completed a birth doula training in Madison, WI.

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Event focusing on Pelvic Floor Health for pregnant and postpartum women
TBA $10
Isa Herrera of Renew Physical Therapy will teach:
A Unique Workshop Focusing on the Most Important Muscles of the Female Body

• Learn pelvic floor muscle awareness and relaxation for an easier birth
• Confused about kegels? Understand how to perform them correctly
• Hands on strategies to prevent urinary leaking
• Simple to implement tools to avoid pelvic floor muscle strain and injury
• Get your body back the way it was with safe abdominal training
• Breeze through your Post-Partum recovery with exercises for the immediate Post-Partum period (Days 0-15)

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Prenatal Self-Care 101: Self-Massage, Posture & Stretching Tips, and Herbal Recommendations
Instructor: Lena Posner (owner of Red Moon Massage Therapy ), licensed massage therapist, herbalist, doula
$10, Feb 3 7-8:30p.
Pregnancy comes with a variety of physical changes and challenges. Learn simple and natural ways to take care of your ever-changing body:

• The best positions for sitting and sleeping to avoid strain and discomfort
• Self-massage techniques that can reduce the risk of perineal tears and stimulate your lymphatic system
• How to effectively stretch tight hip muscles (and more)
• Herbs (that are inexpensive and easy to find) that will nourish your pregnant body as well as ones that can help prepare your body for labor
• A technique that can help to stabilize your pelvis and abdominal organs after the birth

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Pregnancy Classes

EARLY BIRD SEMINAR (20 weeks and under)
1.5 hrs, $50 per family (sign up for 6 week childbirth classes later and receive $25 off!)
Are you newly pregnant and seeking some more information about how to take care of yourself, where to give birth, etc.? This seminar covers various topics including nutritional needs, substances to avoid, your growing and changing body, prenatal testing, warning signs, common discomforts of pregnancy and some relief options, how to choose a caregiver and place of birth (hospital, birth center, or home), what are the differences between
the midwifery and obstetric model of care, what kinds of exercises you can do, what books would be great to read, what are your choices in childbirth, etc. There will be time for questions, so that we can make sure we're
helping everyone to make the best choices for their pregnancy and birth.

TBA, 7-8:30p

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Our childbirth preparation classes are designed to offer couples a well-rounded, accessible curriculum. As doulas and childbirth educators, we have assisted hundreds of couples through a very wide range of birth choices and experiences. Though certified with Lamaze (the new Lamaze; no funny breathing techniques), 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 Plans/Birth Preference Sheets/Birth Vision
• Pain Medication Options
• Labor Support--who to have at your birth
• Risk and Benefits of Common Interventions and Induction
• Cesarean Birth and Prevention
• Postpartum Health

Thursdays, Feb 25-Apr 1
Mondays, Mar 1-Apr 5
Tuesdays, Mar 9-Apr 13 at Yummy Mummy in Manhattan 6:30-8:30p.
Thursdays, Apr 8-May 13
Mondays, Apr 12-May 17

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My husband and I spent a lot of time looking around and researching different people/organizations that we felt would be a good fit and finally settled on Birth Day Presence. They offer more than just classes and have a beautiful studio space in Park Slope. Anyway, we really enjoyed it and learned a tremendous amount. I think the most important aspect of the class was that for the weeks leading up to our son’s birth it gave my husband and I a set time where we sat and thought and learned about us and the baby (and nothing else)- it really helped ease us into the crazy reality that we would soon be “mom and dad”. It was also really neat to get to be around other parents at a similar stage and learn from them. Beyond that, our instructor knew a ton about birthing and had worked for years attending births and being around different mothers. She created an atmosphere of learning that was open to even the most embarrassing or silly questions. She pushed us to really listen to ourselves and think about the type of birth we wanted, but at the same time taught us to remain flexible in the face of the unknown. She used handouts, video’s, stories, books, physical movement, specific pain reduction techniques, and even roleplay - all of which where great to draw on when the time came. I’ll never be able to thank her enough for teaching my husband how to deal with back labor by pressing down on my tailbone area - saved my life. Also, I should mention that I have met a number of the women that are part of her studio and/or doula team and I’d say, no matter what, you are in good hands.
     -Amy

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION WEEKEND INTENSIVE
1 weekend, 2 5-hour classes (12:30-6 with 30 min break), $300

The same material covered in our regular 6-series, only all in one weekend. This class is designed for the busy New Yorker! We recommend the longer series if you can work it into your schedule.

•Jan 16 and 17 FULL
•Mar 13 and 14
•Apr 24 and 25
•May 22 and 23

We also teach intensive classes at the Prenatal Yoga Center on the Upper West Side- Please see schedule (ours runs once per month and is taught by Anna Merrill) and register through them. Classes fill early.

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CHILDBIRTH REFRESHER CLASS
2.5 hrs, $85 per family
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.

Mon, Jan 25, 7-9:30p

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BREASTFEEDING AND NEWBORN CARE CLASS
2 hours each; $125/family for both classes ($25 savings) or $75/family for single class.

We offer a breastfeeding and a newborn care class which will help new families to become familiar with the basics of feeding and caring for your infant in the first 6 weeks after birth. Partners welcome and encouraged at both classes! Topics covered will include:

• Benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby
• How to get breastfeeding off to the best start
• How to help your infant latch-on and correct positioning
• How to know if the baby is getting enough milk
• How to avoid common breastfeeding problems and when to call a specialist

• Understanding normal infant behavior, communication, appearance and sleep patterns
• Understanding common newborn procedures in the hospital
• Benefits and demonstration of babywearing
• Understanding the basics of diapering, cord care, bathing, and assessment of your baby
• How to care for the umbilical cord, taking temperatures
• Choosing a pediatrician
• Understanding postpartum adjustment for the whole family
• Newborn warning signs
  
  All classes 7-9pm
• Tues, Jan 5 Breastfeeding
• Tues, Jan 12 Newborn Care
• Weds, Feb 17 Breastfeeding
• Weds, Feb 24 Newborn Care
• Tues, Mar 9 Breastfeeding
• Tues, Mar 16Newborn Care
• Tues, Apr 6 Breastfeeding
• Tues, Apr 13 Newborn Care

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Childbirth Ed + Breastfeeding + Newborn Care Package $450 ($50 savings)

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JOIN THE NEW PARENT GROUP LIST FOR YOUR MONTH OF BIRTH (free with childbirth class sign-up)
For just $20, we will add you to a yahoo group for your baby's birth month. We will host one meetup while you are pregnant and one after all the babies are born. This is a great way to meet lots of parents and babies born at the same time in your neighborhood. From then on you can all decide where and when to meet on your own through the yahoo group. The easiest way to meet other parents!!

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BRING YOUR BABY DROP-IN HOURS
By appointment only. $5/per parent.

Bring your baby to the studio for some social time with other moms, dads, and new babies. A comfortable place to hang out with other new parents in the community. To meet with your already established groups here, please email us to reserve your weekly timeslot. There is a large rug surrounded by comfy couches, so come spread out with your baby and enjoy! Bring snacks. Especially great for babies who are on the move...no more chasing in a tight cafe!

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP LED BY THERAPIST
Contact us. When we have a few moms interested we will create a group for you. $40/session.
This is a true therapy group for moms who are struggling with postpartum depression since the birth of their baby. Postpartum depression is depression that occurs after childbirth or anytime up to one year. It is surprisingly more common then most people realize. It is the #1 complication of childbirth and affects 1 in 8 new mothers.   Many new mothers experience moodiness, exhaustion, and crying or called the "baby blues". This typically lasts a for few days to a few weeks. If this gets worse or lasts longer it may be or become postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is more severe and debilitaing than baby blues and lasts much longer.

Many of the feelings, thoughts and behavoirs a mom with postpartum depression experiences are frightening and confusing. These symptoms include frequent crying, persistent sadness, anxiety, excessive worries, panic, extreme irritablility and agitation, difficulty slowing down, overwhelming guilt or shame, low self-esteem, hopelessness, helplessness, exhaustion, insomnia, appetite or intestinal disturbances, difficulty concentrating, feeling trapped, thoughts of escape and lack of interest, connection or love for the baby.

The good news is that there is help and you will recover. Groups are very helpful in the recovery process. It is   powerful experience meet others going through a similar situation. This group is a place to share, feel less isolated and get information, guidance and support.

This group will be led by Diana Zelvin, LCSW. Diana is a psychotherapist (and nutrition counselor) who has been practicing since 1995 and specializes in postpartum depression. She has a private practice in Manhattan and Brooklyn. She also experienced Postpartum Depression.

INFANT MASSAGE
2, 1.5 hr classes, $60/family
Learn infant massage and share the gift of loving touch with your baby. Learn to calm and soothe your baby, promote bonding and attachment, and provide your baby with a healthy start. Infant massage techniques can help baby release tension and sleep better, relieve digestive discomfort, and encourage growth and development. Class is open to pre-crawling babies up to 5/6 months old and their moms, dads, and caregivers. Class meets for two 90 minute sessions. Bring your baby and a cozy blanket. Massage oil will be provided.

Taught by Carolyn Cryer, Licensed Massage Therapist. Carolyn has been practicing massage
since 2004. Her practice focuses on helping pregnant women feel comfortable in their changing bodies and providing parents the tools to connect with their babies and support their healthy development.

Carolyn also provides private infant massage sessions in your home. Email her for more info.

Next Class:
Part 1 Sat, Dec 12 12:30-2p
Part 2 Sat, Dec 19 12:30-2p

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Infant CPR
2.5 hrs, $85/person

Vanessa Anton will teach her Infant and Child CPR plus Relief of Choking training to expectant and new parents, grandparents and caregivers. You will learn:

-Infant and Child CPR
-Relief of Foreign Body Airway Obstruction ( Choking )
-Taxicab and Car Seat Guidelines
-Extensive Baby Safety Tips for use from Day 1 on.

She provides 1 mannequin for every student so that you can have tons of hands-on practice. You will take home various handouts as well.

Your baby is welcome if not yet crawling.

•Sat Jan 9, 3:30-6p
•Sat Feb 27, 3:30-6p

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GoGo Babies Parent/Baby Movement Class
Wednesdays, 1-1:45p. $20 drop in or $150/10 classes
An interactive joyful class for baby & parent/caregiver utilizing developmental movement, song, dance, yoga, bodywork, & breath with a variety of stimulating props, instruments, & age appropriate activities. Nurture baby's developmental path from birth to standing vertical & walking. Stimulate sensorimotor systems, enhance visual & auditory development, develop social & emotional skills, support healthy digestion & sleep, support for parents & caregivers
Please register at GoGo Babies or call 718-643-6064 for more info.

DONA Birth and Postpartum Doula Trainings

So you want to become a doula? Birth Day Presence regularly hosts incredible doula courses. Classes are located in Brooklyn and taught by the most amazing instructor out there, Debra Pascali-Bonaro. Vist DONA to learn more about the certification process.
Birth Doula Training
TBA

Please email us for information and registration and to be on our list.

Birth Day Presence Cancellation Policy

Birth Day Presence classes and workshops are non-refundable within 28 days of class. If you would like to cancel your space 29+ days in advance, you will receive an 85% refund (15% non-refundable cancellation fee). Birth Day Presence is not responsible for providing make-ups or issuing any credit for classes missed as a result of scheduling conflicts, vacations, illness, emergencies, or other circumstances beyond our control.

We highly recommend that you schedule any prenatal classes or workshops to end by the time you are 36 weeks pregnant.

Policy for Missed Class within a Series:
If you cannot make it to one of the scheduled classes, you may:

A. Sit in on the appropriate night of another series (depending on space availability in class and whether or not there is a concurrent class--you will need to contact us to confirm this option before signing up)

B. Hire a Birth Day Presence teacher for a make-up session at the rate of $90/hr. A two-hour class will be condensed into 1 hour.

C. Ask a class member to catch you up to speed

In the special circumstances of a mother-to-be being placed on bedrest or delivering before 36 weeks, we will work with you to apply the unused portion of your class fee to other classes and workshops at our studio.

Birth Day Presence reserves the right to alter class times due to low enrollment. Every effort will be made to work with students' schedules.