» Childbirth classes

Starting Your Birth Journey

Stephanie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:06:51 +0000

Whether you are newly pregnant or just considering having a baby, there is quite an adventure in store for you. So many books to read, people to talk to, decisions to make…it can be overwhelming. Taken one step at a time, the intimidation that seems to come with the territory can be dialed way down.

We are here to help you. Some of the most critical decisions regarding yours and your baby’s health are made during your first trimester. Also, there are many options regarding the details of your birth experience. Wouldn’t you like to know what choices are available to you before you make those decisions?

Here are some questions you should ask yourself as you begin this journey:

1. What is my ideal birth?

2. Where will I give birth? Home? Birth center? Hospital?

3. What can I do now to ensure mine and my baby’s health?

4. Who will my support team be? Hubby? Family? Doula? All?

5. What kind of preparation classes will I attend?

6. How will I handle breastfeeding challenges?

7. Who will my baby’s pediatrician be?

8. Who will my care provider be? Obstetrician? Midwife? Family practice doctor?

9. What do I need to know about newborn care?

10. How will I find resources to help me?

The list can go on. Let us offer you a good place to start. Starting You Birth Journey is meant to cover these and many other topics. This class is a 2 hour event chock full of not only important information, but help finding the resources most important to you.

We are now offering two classes in the area. Register here now.

If you’re not a birthing family, why should you care about those that are?

Terri — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:44:06 +0000

We all have a responsibility to care for others in our community. Pregnancy and childbearing is a time when parents need extra support from those around them. Families who feel prepared for birth and parenting enter this new stage of life with confidence and tend to remain more active in their communities. There is no question that attending a childbirth class and/or having a doula hired for labor promotes a higher level of preparedness. We are excited to provide for you a tangible way to rally around, encourage and support birthing families in our community.

You may be wondering how we settled upon the charges for our classes and doula services. Much thought, research and prayer have gone into it. We firmly believe that we are offering a quality and valuble service at a fair price. We compared the price and extent of our childbirth preparation classes and doula services with similar ones in the Spokane/CDA area. As a result of those comparisons, we are confident that our prices are fair for this region.

We are not unaware of the current economic challenges that many families face. Our vision is to have a scholarship fund available for those who have a financial need. We never want to turn anyone away, simply due to lack of funds. Also, we are open to discussing creative payment options. So please do not hesitate to approach us with your ideas.

We hope that you will consider coming alongside us in our mission to serve birthing families in our community. You have the option to designate that your funds go towards a specific family or service. Any donation amount is greatly appreciated and don’t forget that our services make a great gift. To donate to our scholarship fund for classes or doula services, click the donate button here.

The New Birthjourneyprep.com!

Stephanie — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:54:56 +0000

Thank you for visiting the new Birthjourneyprep.com! As you can see, we’ve been on a little journey of our own. For those of you who know me (Stephanie) from before this change, you’ll notice I have a new partner. Terri has experience as a doula and childbirth educator (like me) and is also a midwives assistant. We share such a similar philosophy about all things birth and baby that teaming up to teach these classes was a natural fit.

We will continue to maintain our separate doula practices and will provide back up for each others’ clients. Our site is still a work in progress so please bear with us. I promise, more doula information is coming!

Right now, our focus and big push is for getting our Starting Your Birth Journey event off and running. We have found, as we work with families from all different walks of life, that one constant is the lack of information available to them early in the journey. So many mamas are well into their 3rd trimester of pregnancy before they realize all the options that have been available to them all along. So it follows, that very few of them will make any changes or incorporate new strategies for their care at this late date, even if they see the benefit.

With that in mind and heart, Starting Your Birth Journey was born. We’ll provide a 2 hour presentation meant to equip, enlighten and empower birthing or soon-to-be birthing families. There will be lots of resources available at the event that cover a broad range of options, research and providers of all sorts and services. Here are a few to start you off: lamaze.org, mothersnaturally.com, birthingnaturally.net and motherfriendly.org. Our suggested donation of $15 covers our time and handouts and will be refunded when you sign up for our 5 week or 2 day Christ Centered Birthing class series.

Keep in mind, the Starting Your Birth Journey event is not just for Christians! Anyone having a desire to learn more about pregnancy, birth and beyond can benefit from attending. Our 5 week or 2 day classes are geared to the Christian family but are of course available and welcoming to all.

As always, please feel free to contact either of us anytime and we wish you blessings on your journey.