1. I’ve heard of lamaze classes, Bradley method, and hypnobirthing. What are you classes based on? 

My training is in the Bradley Method, otherwise known as husband coached childbirth. While I found Dr. Robert Bradley’s ideas about birth so helpful for couples, I felt the material did not reflect the situation in Canada, both within hospitals and within modern families. I now teach my own material based on many books and my wealth of experience, while being unique in that I continue to believe a woman’s partner is her best support in pregnancy and labour.   

2.     How are your classes unique in Ottawa? 

a.  I focus on not just teaching you how to get through labour, but how to prepare your body to be in the best state to give birth. Early classes focus on nutrition, exercise, and small changes you can make that can help ease your birth and help you stay low risk.

b.  I teach a multitude of relaxation techniques and doula tips and tricks so that you have many options to help you in labour. We practice these, week after week, so that you know what works best for you and you have plenty of time to practice with your partner.

c.  I guarantee you are receiving quality childbirth education. As a formerly certified instructor of The Bradley Method and an active doula, I am highly trained to help you learn how to give birth.

3. Why on earth would I want a natural childbirth? 

Yes, I know you won’t get a medal at the end. What I hope you will get is a healthy baby, a healthy mom, and a healthy family. I hope you will feel the natural endorphin rush after birth, that facilitates mother-infant bonding and leaves a mother feeling higher than she ever has before. I hope you will feel the thrill of accomplishment with conquering something that feels more powerful than you, but clearly isn’t. I hope you will feel more connected with your partner, as you realise that they knew just how to help you in your moment of need. I hope you will feel prepared to start your lives together, with the best start possible.

4. Why should I choose your classes? 
   My students have a phenomenal record of both vaginal births and umedicated births. Moreover, when complications do arise and interventions are necessary, couples report feeling confident and informed while making decisions with their healthcare team. When students complete my class, they report feeling shocked that anyone could get the information they need for one of the most important days of their lives in a weekend course. They also report feeling very well informed and prepared for the birth and their baby. And isn’t that how you want to feel before your little one arrives?
5. How much do classes cost? 
   Please contact me for more information.
6. When should I start? 
   You can start classes any time after 12 weeks and I suggest that the latest you start is 30 weeks. I find early preparation allows much more time for integration of life-style changes and time to research all your options. I also invite couples who take classes early in their pregnancy to join me in my next series as often as they wish to review material. In particular, I find couples benefit from coming back for a second labour rehearsal.
7. How long are classes? 
   Classes are 10 weeks long and 25+ hours of instruction. This allows enough time to present all the information needed for birth, breastfeeding, and baby care. As well, learning over many weeks results in increased retention of material, in comparison to weekend crash courses. Think about how much time you spent researching your last car or your child’s crib or stroller. Don’t you want to spend more time preparing for one of the most important days of your lives?