Preparing And Supporting Parents
For Birth And Newborn Care
We support new parents in their journey through "Childbirth" and "Newborn care & Basic Breastfeeding" classes. We offer group classes (see schedule) and personal classes. We can tailor the personal classes to your specific needs. You can also schedule them at a time and location that is convenient for you. We also started in 2026 with a "Mom Support Group" to share experiences and build connections with other new moms.
Childbirth Classes
Childbirth Class
A childbirth class gives you the skills and confidence to handle labor. The 3rd-semester overview prepares you for late pregnancy, teaches you how your body prepares for delivery, and shows you how to recognize signs of labor. You learn the four labor stages, time contractions, and decide when to go to your hospital or birthing center.
To help you manage the physical demands of delivery, the curriculum emphasizes comfort techniques. You will examine several labor positions. You will also practice coping strategies such as rhythmic breathing, massage, and hydrotherapy to ease discomfort. These sessions are paired with partner support skills and strategies. Your support person will receive useful tips on what to expect and how to provide effective, supportive, and physical assistance. This approach ensures you both feel like a synchronized team.
Finally, the class prepares you for the clinical aspects of birth by explaining common medical procedures you may encounter, such as labor induction and various pain medication options. You will also learn what to expect if you have a cesarean birth. This ensures that even an unplanned shift in the birth process feels manageable rather than overwhelming. Ultimately, this knowledge is the basis for decision-making and birth planning, including preparing your own birth plan. It enables you to have informed conversations with your care team and keeps your preferences at the heart of your birthing experience.
To help you manage the physical demands of delivery, the curriculum emphasizes comfort techniques. You will examine several labor positions. You will also practice coping strategies such as rhythmic breathing, massage, and hydrotherapy to ease discomfort. These sessions are paired with partner support skills and strategies. Your support person will receive useful tips on what to expect and how to provide effective, supportive, and physical assistance. This approach ensures you both feel like a synchronized team.
Finally, the class prepares you for the clinical aspects of birth by explaining common medical procedures you may encounter, such as labor induction and various pain medication options. You will also learn what to expect if you have a cesarean birth. This ensures that even an unplanned shift in the birth process feels manageable rather than overwhelming. Ultimately, this knowledge is the basis for decision-making and birth planning, including preparing your own birth plan. It enables you to have informed conversations with your care team and keeps your preferences at the heart of your birthing experience.
Newborn Care & Basic Breastfeeding Classes
Newborn Care & Breastfeeding Class
Preparing for the arrival of a newborn is a major shift that often brings both happiness and uncertainty for new parents. To support families as they navigate this important stage, this course delivers a comprehensive overview of essential newborn care practices and knowledge. The journey begins by demystifying your baby’s arrival, starting with newborn traits. We help you understand newborn procedures performed in the hospital—like a newborn's appearance, the Apgar evaluation, newborn’s senses, and the importance of skin-to-skin contact—so you know what to expect and what to do. This naturally leads into a discussion of newborn behaviors, where you will learn about a baby’s sleep cycle, recognize subtle sleep cues, and room-sharing with a baby.
When you settle into home life, the class addresses the more vocal moments of early parenthood through crying and comforting techniques. You will learn about various soothing strategies, such as gently rocking your baby or using rhythmic shushing sounds to help calm periods of fussiness. The course also includes information on shaken baby syndrome, the art of swaddling, and new parents’ emotions (the baby blues). Because nutrition is a top priority, we closely examine breastfeeding basics, covering everything from achieving a painless latch and comfortable positioning to making sure your baby is getting enough milk.
The course then moves into the practical, hands-on skills you will use every single day. We cover the fundamentals of diapering, compare your options, and teach you how to prevent and treat diaper rash. For example, you will learn how to properly clean and dry your baby's skin during a diaper change to minimize irritation and reduce the risk of rash. This is followed by a guide to bathing, nail care, & dressing, where you will learn the safest ways to keep your baby clean and groomed without stressing the baby (or yourself). As a baby cannot regulate its body temperature the way older children can, the class will provide tips for dressing your baby.
Finally, we emphasize your family's sustained well-being by focusing on newborn health and newborn safety. You will learn about umbilical cord stump care and signs of illness, so you know when to call the pediatrician. We conclude with life-saving safety procedures, including safe sleep practices, car seat safety, and safe baby gear to ensure your home environment is ready for its newest member. This complete approach assures you are prepared to provide a safe, loving, and healthy environment for your growing family.
When you settle into home life, the class addresses the more vocal moments of early parenthood through crying and comforting techniques. You will learn about various soothing strategies, such as gently rocking your baby or using rhythmic shushing sounds to help calm periods of fussiness. The course also includes information on shaken baby syndrome, the art of swaddling, and new parents’ emotions (the baby blues). Because nutrition is a top priority, we closely examine breastfeeding basics, covering everything from achieving a painless latch and comfortable positioning to making sure your baby is getting enough milk.
The course then moves into the practical, hands-on skills you will use every single day. We cover the fundamentals of diapering, compare your options, and teach you how to prevent and treat diaper rash. For example, you will learn how to properly clean and dry your baby's skin during a diaper change to minimize irritation and reduce the risk of rash. This is followed by a guide to bathing, nail care, & dressing, where you will learn the safest ways to keep your baby clean and groomed without stressing the baby (or yourself). As a baby cannot regulate its body temperature the way older children can, the class will provide tips for dressing your baby.
Finally, we emphasize your family's sustained well-being by focusing on newborn health and newborn safety. You will learn about umbilical cord stump care and signs of illness, so you know when to call the pediatrician. We conclude with life-saving safety procedures, including safe sleep practices, car seat safety, and safe baby gear to ensure your home environment is ready for its newest member. This complete approach assures you are prepared to provide a safe, loving, and healthy environment for your growing family.
Clients' Thoughts About the Class
Ameena: The venue and overall setup were great. The space felt warm and welcoming. The screen and visuals were clear and easy to follow, and everything felt organized and comfortable.
In terms of scope, my husband and I both felt the topics covered were excellent. The breadth felt comprehensive without being overwhelming, and we left feeling both informed and reassured.
We especially appreciated the hands-on components. The opportunities to practice holding, swaddling, and diaper changing were helpful. And Irene was absolutely wonderful. Her presentation style was warm, knowledgeable, and engaging. She clearly has deep expertise, but she shared it in such an accessible and reassuring way. We felt very comfortable asking questions and truly valued her guidance.
In terms of scope, my husband and I both felt the topics covered were excellent. The breadth felt comprehensive without being overwhelming, and we left feeling both informed and reassured.
We especially appreciated the hands-on components. The opportunities to practice holding, swaddling, and diaper changing were helpful. And Irene was absolutely wonderful. Her presentation style was warm, knowledgeable, and engaging. She clearly has deep expertise, but she shared it in such an accessible and reassuring way. We felt very comfortable asking questions and truly valued her guidance.
Find Support in the 4th Trimester
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The early weeks of parenthood can feel joyful, overwhelming, and isolating — sometimes all at once. Our New Mom Support Group is a welcoming circle for all birthing parents in their first three months postpartum. Together, we'll share stories, exchange resources, and build connections that last far beyond the group.
Our support group goes beyond just sharing information; it is about building a sustainable village. In these sessions, we lean into the 'village' mentality, providing a non-judgmental space where you can be vulnerable about the highs and lows of early motherhood. |
Whether you are navigating the shift in your identity, managing sleep deprivation, or simply looking for a reason to get out of the house with your newborn, you will find a group of peers who truly understand. Many of our participants find that the bonds formed during these five weeks turn into lifelong friendships and a vital support network that continues long after the fourth trimester.
A 5-session new mom support group will start every 2-3 months.
A 5-session new mom support group will start every 2-3 months.
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