Natural Childbirth Classes

Lori has been working as a birth professional in the bay area since 1998. She has been a certified childbirth instructor affiliated with The Bradley Method® of Natural Childbirth from 1998-2011. Lori is intimately familiar with The Bradley Method® (having taught these classes for 13 years and personally delivered all 4 children naturally using this method) and currently continues to teach Natural Childbirth Classes that focus on the partner’s role in supporting the pregnant and laboring mother.

We recognize that reducing unnecessary interventions, active involvement of the parents, and making informed decisions are important goals for most expectant parents. Our classes help prepare families to feel empowered to make educated decisions, to trust in their bodies, and to maintain the respect and integrity for the natural process of labor and birth.

We incorporate simple and thorough techniques that encourage women to channel their confidence, strength, and relaxed disposition that most women already posses and allow these attributes to carry them through the process of labor and birth. The information, activities, and videos shown help couples develop realistic expectations and learn practical tools that minimize discomfort while allowing labor to progress smoothly.

This course includes time for parents to prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally by improving and mastering various relaxation techniques coupled with natural abdominal breathing. These exercises are vital to parents who wish to allow themselves the ability to let go and surrender to the beautiful unfolding of birth. The birthing partner/coach will use the information and tools learned to maintain an active role in supporting mom during pregnancy, labor and birth.

Our course includes 8 weeks of instruction, study guides, helpful resources, and instruction in coach/partner preparedness, proper exercise and nutrition, anatomy and physiology of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd stage labor, evidence based care (objectively discussing the effects, benefits, risks, and alternatives of interventions and medications for both mother and infant), complications and cesarean sections, compiling birth preferences (also known as a birth plan) as a family, and postpartum preparation including infant care, supplies, and breastfeeding. Relaxation techniques and childbirth videos are also included.

Classes have a minimum of 3 and maximum of 8 couples to allow for optimal interaction with the material and other participants. We recommend scheduling this class to end by 35-37 weeks of gestation. Advance registration is required.