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Frequently Asked Questions

Does everyone need to take a childbirth class?

With the advancement of technology, this perfectly normal physiological process is treated as a medical emergency. Since most people have only been exposed to childbirth through its dramatization in movies and tv shows, they perceive it as a dangerous life-threatening medical event. These fear-based cultural messages are deeply ingrained in a generation of women and men who are taught not to trust their intuition, much less their own bodies. Childbirth classes are a near prerequisite to getting past our cultural preconceptions about birth.

Can’t I just educate myself online using Google and YouTube?

A lot of that info you find online about pregnancy and birth? It’s inaccurate! The benefit of the Evidence Based Birth® class is that we curate all of the best, evidence-based information for you. What’s more, you can ask your experienced Evidence Based Birth® Instructor questions any time– meaning you’ll have someone to mentor you through the process!

What's the difference between your class and the one the hospital offers?

Independent childbirth courses have the advantage of being smaller and longer. My class usually has four to six couples. These smaller class sizes are less intimidating - encouraging discussion and questions - and allow for some flexibility and tailoring of the content to fit your needs. Whereas hospital classes meet once or twice, my class series is six weeks long. The longer length allows for a much more comprehensive examination of the topics and coaching and labor rehearsals that hospital classes just do not have time for. The closeness of my class and the amount of time spent together means that my couples often bond and form their own little support group. There's nothing like having a friend going through the same stages of parenting that you are.

Shouldn’t I just let the doctors and nurses tell me what to do?

Routine practices in some hospitals are still about 15 to 20 years behind the research, and there is a lot of pressure to conform to traditions that might not be in your best interests. We will teach you and your partner how to be your own advocate—how to respectfully speak up for yourself, your partner, and your child. This is a skill you can use for the rest of your life!

When in the pregnancy should we take the classes?

I encourage taking the course as early as possible because this provides you with the most time to develop a healthy birth philosophy and make any necessary changes to create a positive perinatal experience. Plan to register sooner rather than later; one of the consequences of a smaller class size is that they fill up quickly!  

Is this course only for people planning a natural childbirth?

Absolutely not. Circumstances can shift. The couple planning a totally natural birth may discover that a medical intervention is prudent. The couple expecting to use pain medication may realize that a medical condition precludes them from that option. Even people who opt for the pain medication need emotional support. The information helps all couples stay low-risk, have a healthier baby, mother, and family and an easier recovery. All couples will be faced with decision after decision as they go through the labor process. Information is power, whatever your desired goal.

Will my insurance cover this?

Insurance doesn't usually cover childbirth classes, independent or hospital-based, though it doesn't hurt to call and ask them. If you happen to have a medical flexible spending plan, those usually will cover the cost of the class in full.

Do you offer other payment options?

Yes! Prefer to pay with Venmo or on a payment plan? Shoot me an email and we'll work it out. 

I am a birth professional (doula, CBE, physician, etc) who wants to audit your Childbirth Class!

Great! Limited seats may be available for audit, fee applies. Email me to inquire.

Refund Policy:

Your payment reserves a spot in the class and is non-refundable, but tickets are transferable to different pregnant students with adequate notice and approval. Transfers to a different childbirth class series are typically not recommended, if you think transferring to a different series is appropriate, please email me.

Scholarships:

We offer one discounted spot per class for couples who are teen parents, military families, or students. If this describes you (or if you think you should qualify for another reason), please email to inquire if the scholarship spot is still available for the class you're interested in. **In an effort to address the appalling inequities in maternity outcomes, BIPOC birthers are given a special discounted rate.**

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