 Birth class series in progress Next birth class series begins Dec 2009 in Ventura, CA
Intentionally small classes allow for individual attention- call now to reserve your spot 805 643-4354 Helen
Childbirth Education
Birth class is typically a cherished part of the pregnancy experience. Birth class provides a safe place to ask questions and express fears and concerns, either through interaction with other expectant parents in a small group setting, or through individual and focused support from the instructor in a private instruction setting. Your birth experience can be
affected by what you learn or even do not learn in birth class.
Continue reading to see what this class can do for you and how it is unique.
This class has real substance and promotes holistic methods of educating and empowering women and their partners to have the confidence and tools to make informed decisions and to embrace the momentous events of labor and birth with an open heart, without fear,with full understanding, and with flexibility.
Childbirth classes with Helen Loucado, RN are open to all pregnant women with or without their partners. People with diverse viewpoints and choices are equally welcome. Discussion and questions are encouraged.
Whether you are choosing to birth in a hospital, at home, or in a birth center this birth class will be just what you need.
This comprehensive seven week series covers the physiological, psychological and emotional changes of pregnancy, labor,
birth and postpartum, as well as ways to effectively cope with any discomfort, pain or stress that may occur during this time. Topics and activities are presented in ways to accommodate the different learning styles of individuals. Introspection and various means of self expression are encouraged. Evidence based information and research are presented. Emotional issues are explored. Communication skills with partners and health care providers are emphasized. Certain aspects of well known birthing methods and philosophies are presented where they may be helpful, but there is no one particular birthing method or philosophy is promoted. This is because a woman's body knows how to give birth. Each woman is respected as an individual and is encouraged to find her own unique way, not to feel bound to a prescribed “method” of birthing.
Is birth class just for women? No, both men and women benefit from attending a childbirth preparation class. Men appreciate the information and learn to have confidence in the birth process, in the strength of their partner,and in their ability to help her cope.
What if you are planning an epidural- do you still need a birth class? Yes! Enhancing your understanding of the labor and birth process adds to your experience. You will also need to know how to cope until you are able to receive your epidural and how both you and your partner can stay focused and connected to your labor as well as how to prepare yourself for the unexpected.
Helen Loucado, RN has a passion for supporting families during this incredible time and draws on her years of professional birth experience, as well as her education to assist women/couples to feel confident and prepared for their own special birth experience.
Personal attention will be given to each couple's concerns .In order to better serve families we are offering a unique opportunity in childbirth and parenting preparation. Our new format will be a seven week class taught by two licensed birth professionals. We will have a combined series with wonderful sessions for childbirth education and an entire session exclusively devoted to a breastfeeding workshop presented by a breastfeeding expert with more than seventeen years in the field. Dedicating a complete two hour session to breastfeeding helps to lay the necessary foundation for this vital nourishing and bonding phase of the holistic birthing process and gives it the importance it deserves. There is nothing in our area that is like this class. The instructors are both holistically oriented registered nurses and have worked together in the birth community for more than 10 years. They have partnered in a way that maintains a continuity of thought and style. You will find that they truly give from their hearts and love supporting families. This new format is designed to fully prepare parents on all levels for their birth and parenting experience. The breastfeeding portion will be presented the week after the session covering newborn care. This timing supports the learning curve and will allow participants to weave together what they have just learned about newborn care and behavior with babies’ feeding cues and instinctive behavior regarding breastfeeding. Our last session is devoted to postpartum issues and then wraps up beautifully with an invitation for ongoing connections and mentoring with classmates and instructors. We are very excited about this unique format for Childbirth Education and Breastfeeding Preparation. The instructors are looking forward to supporting you during this major life changing experience.
Birth class at Sunrise Birthing Center
What can you expect from this childbirth preparation class?
Your right to maintain personal responsibility for your birth experience will be supported by: stimulating your thinking, supporting introspection, sharing information and directing you to other resources. By the end, you will: have addressed your fears and concerns, feel confident in your ability to birth and parent, feel equipped to make informed decisions and communicate them, and be able to fully embrace the entire birth experience as it uniquely unfolds for you.
A sample of what you will learn:
This series is a multidimensional preparation for birthing and parenting. It sets itself apart from the typical birth class.
Helen has a lending library of books and videos. She will also be available for phone consultations during and even after the completion of the class series.
Group or private classes offered in Ventura County Birth class is presented in a 7 week series with each session lasting 2 ½ hours
Refresher course is available for couples who have previously taken a birth class.
Helen has partnered with Diane Berger, RN PHN for this combined format. Diane will be the instructor for the Breastfeeding Workshop portion of this class. Profile for Diane: Diane Berger RN PHN has an extensive background in maternal-child health. She is a professional Midwife's Assistant assisting at home and center births and has been teaching and supporting breastfeeding dyads since 1991. She is committed to protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding, as well as, nurturing the development of diverse mothering styles that develop through the unique bonds between families and their babies. Diane provides loving in-home breastfeeding support, breast pump assistance, classes and consultations to assist mothers and babies experiencing both typical and complex breastfeeding issues. The joy of being a mother to 3 breastfed boys provides her with much compassion and levity for the mothering process.
For class schedule and fees: helen-maternalinstincts.blogspot.com or
All classes are woman-centered rather than institution-centered. The goal is to help women and their partners take an active, consumer-oriented stand toward maternity care and prepare them both physically and emotionally. Parents have the right to make informed decisions regarding all possible birthing options, in order to have the best birth possible for themselves and their babies.
Helen is a Registered Nurse, professional Midwife's Assistant, certifed Labor Assistant (Doula) and has attended more than 150 births. She is an instructor of Infant Massage, certified in Pregnancy Massage and a certified Lactation Counselor.
As an independent childbirth educator she uses her well rounded education and experience to assist you in getting what you personally need from your birth class.
Helen received her training in childbirth education from the Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE - now International Birth and Wellness Project (IBWP)) and has been teaching in a variety of settings since 2000. Childbirth education classes are seven weeks long, and are taught in two and one half hour sessions per week.
Intensive Saturday/ week end classes occasionally offered ( private and by arrangement).
Maternal Instincts offers both small group instruction in Ventura or private in home instruction in Ventura County. For more information on class schedules, availability, and fees, click here or see my blog for schedule and fee listing
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