Birth Classes

I offer childbirth preparation classes, based on the amazing practices of Birthing From Within.

Classes are held in the Life Song Perinatal Wellness Center – an intimate, beautiful, peaceful setting – located in the lower level of the Bellingham Birth Center at 2430 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham.

Days/Times: Classes are held on Wednesday evenings, 6:15-9:00pm.
Cost: $100 for EBAC/VBAC or Birthin’ Again Weekend Workshop, $200 for 6-week series

Suggested Text: Birthing From Within (England and Horowitz).

Class Topics & Overview: (6-week series). Wednesdays, 6:15-9:00 pm.

A lovely and powerful class in a peaceful setting. $200 for full series.

Topic #1: Birth Matters

An intimate look at the physical, emotional and spiritual journeys of childbirth; Birth as a sacred rite of passage; Relaxation & Breathing

Topic #2: From Womb to World
Normal Laborland and Birth + Comfort Measures, including Relaxation, Visualization, & Journaling, LabOrinth experience; the vital role of Dad/birth partner during labor and birth

Topic #3: Baby’s Got Back!
Back Labor: How to avoid it in the first place, and how to offer comfort and relief to the laboring woman with back pain. Gentle things for mama to do to encourage her baby’s womb positioning. Belly mapping. Excellent for mamas in their last 6-8 weeks of pregnancy (first baby) and last 3 weeks for repeat mamas. Dad’s, you will learn all about back labor comforts during this class, wonderful tools for labor!

Topic #4: Prepare for Anything
Variations of Labor, Cesarean Births, and VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean); Birthing in Awareness, regardless of how the mysteries of labor unfolds; Natural Labor Induction Techniques

Topic #5: And Baby Makes Three (or more!)
Postpartum – How to diaper and swaddle, soothe a crying baby, the needs and realities of life with a new baby, plus how to deeply care for yourself following your Birth Goddess journey (perineal care, breast care, emotional and physical comforts for mama).

Topic #6: Breastfeeding & Blessing of the Parents

Breastfeeding – Easy steps to start you on a successful breastfeeding relationship with your baby, with Group Blessingway Ceremony – Honoring the new parents, welcoming the baby, and blessing the birth – complete with belly decorating and birthin’ mama cake (This class you won’t want to miss!!)

Optional Gathering: Reunion, once all babies are gently earth-side

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EBAC: Empowered Birth After Cesarean – A VBAC Preparation Class (3-week series). Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9:00 pm. $90. This class always fills up, so be sure to sign-up early.

Looking Back, Gaining Strength from Your Experience

Encountering, sharing, & releasing your past birth(s); Physical challenges & Spiritual journeys – overcoming hurdles – the realities and healing potential of EBAC.

Optimal Fetal Positioning, plus Birth & Labor Refresher

Learn gentle techniques for encouraging baby to be in the best position for labor and birth. And a labor & birth overview – a great refresher of the stages and phases of normal labor and birth. This class is open to anyone, EBAC or not. It’s a great refresher class, not to mention the necessary information about getting your sweet babe in a good position. Please call for availability if you want to sign up for this class.

Looking Ahead, Towards Empowered Childbirth

Preparing for your Empowered Birth After Cesarean; Tips for VBAC birth; Creating a sacred space/Birth environment; Surrounding yourself with support; Separating past birth(s) from your upcoming birth; Releasing the fears & Accessing the Strength inside!

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If you are interested in chatting about or signing up for these classes, please contact me:

Mary Burgess
Life Song Perinatal Services
maryburgess555@gmail.com