Whether you are planning an unmedicated birth at the hospital, a natural childbirth at home, a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), or a medicated birth (epidural), you need a childbirth education class that lays out all your options for you! Our class is different because it's independent and not beholden to hospital policy. You will learn everything there is to know about physiological birth plus how to make informed decisions for your family in your most vulnerable state. Our curriculum is curated to leave you feeling empowered and ready to birth, no question goes unanswered. Add to your preparedness for your new stage of life by attending our Preparing for Postpartum and Lactation workshops. These workshops provide realistic expectations of life after birth and provide tangible resources for any problem you may face during your journey.
A few things to make note of:
All Childbirth Education Classes are taught by Bria. She is a Lamaze Certified instructor and has created her course to be interactive and engaging for virtual and in-person learners.
All Bright Earth Birth Doula clients receive FREE access to our 4-week childbirth education course, and 25% off all other courses and events.
While classes can be taken any time during pregnancy, we recommend trying to schedule it between 24-34 weeks. Partners are encouraged to join all classes and workshops at no extra cost.
Bundle & Save $50 when you combine our 4-week childbirth education class with at least two of our workshops
4 Week Series
$325
If you want to learn everything you can about labor and birth, with ample time for practice, this course was designed for you!
Class 1: learn about pregnancy, and begin prepping your mind for labor. We talk about pregnant anatomy to better understand the aches and pains you're feeling, discuss the 6 ways that labor progresses (hint: dilating to 10cm is just one of them!), and spend a good amount of time tackling the elephant in the room: fear of labor pain.
Class 2: review physiological birth (what to expect if your body just does its thing - with no interventions), and non-medical comfort measures. We talk about stages and phases of labor, birth hormones, and different positions to labor and push in.
Class 3: let's talk about options and possibilities for medical interventions, including: inductions, pain meds, and c-sections. We dig deep on which interventions you might need, or want, and how to make informed decisions. We also discuss tips and tricks for advocacy in labor.
Class 4: what to expect in the first few hours after baby is born: "The Golden Hour". We'll talk about delayed cord clamping, birth of the placenta, first latch (breast/chestfeeding), and newborn interventions such as vitamin k, eye ointment, vaccines.
Classes on Monday or Tuesday nights from 6-9pm
Hybrid (Zoom or in-person in St. Paul, MN)
12 hours of instruction divided into 4 classes
The difference between first time and second time parents is that second time parents are planning for their birth and postpartum experience.
6 Ways To Reduce Birth Trauma
$100
Did you know 1 in 3 births is described as traumatic? It shouldn't be that way. Taking an active role in your pregnancy care drives your autonomy in labor and birth. In this interactive hybrid course, you will learn 6 ways to effectively prevent unnecessary birth trauma plus 3 tips to advocate for yourself in a vulnerable state, all while bringing your medical team together in support of your birth preferences in a collaborative way.
Taking an active role in your birth experience helps mitigate fear and will help you feel empowered, confident, and in control.
Class Agenda:
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What is birth trauma and why does it happen?
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#1 secret for preventing unnecessary trauma.
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Dive into each of the 6 ways to reduce trauma through a variety of learning activities: hands on learning, role playing and videos.
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Learn our 3 top tips for advocating for your wishes in labor.
Class times vary
Hybrid (Zoom or in-person in St. Paul, MN)
3 hours of instruction
You've planned the birth, don't forget about postpartum!
Bundle & Save $50 when you combine our 4-week childbirth education class with at least two of our workshops
Preparing for Postpartum
$75
This one is about you, the birthing person. Learn about navigating the emotional, physical, and relational needs in your new chapter.
You can expect to learn:
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What is the 5/5/5 rule, and why is it important to prioritize rest in the first few days and weeks after birth.
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What supplies you need to manage your bleeding, c-section incision, and leaky nipples.
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Chore division to maintain the household while prioritizing rest.
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The difference between visitors and helpers, and how to set boundaries with visitors.
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Why is it really hard to find time to shower??
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Warning signs, and when to seek help for mental health issues like postpartum depression.
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Warning signs, and when to seek help for physical health issues like urinary incontinence or painful penetrating sex postpartum.
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Relationship challenges + take home a partner connection activity.
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Homework for you and your partner to complete after class (this creates your postpartum plan!).
Virtual & in-person classes in St. Paul, MN
2 hours of instruction
Lactation 101
$75
It's not just about latching your baby. This course teaches you basic understanding of lactation and closes out with information on pumping.
You can expect to learn:
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what supplies you need
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basic anatomy & physiology
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milk supply
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the golden hour through the first 48 hours and what to expect
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common problems and troubleshooting
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pumping
Virtual & in-person classes in St. Paul, MN
2 hours of instruction
Newborn Basics
$75
Learn how to keep tiny humans alive! We'll cover all of our best (evidence-based) tips & tricks, while also encouraging you to lean into your cultural traditions and your own intuition.
You can expect to learn:
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How to put on a diaper, when to go up in sizes, and tips for avoiding poopy blowouts.
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What baby gear you really need, and which items you can totally skip.
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Sleep options, including how to bedshare safely, and how to recognize when your baby is sleepy.
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How to bathe a newborn, including caring for their umbilical cord stump.
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Soothing fussy babies and avoiding overstimulation.
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Car seat and babywearing safety tips, and options.
Virtual & in-person classes in St. Paul, MN
2 hours of instruction
I am a mother of 2 (ages 3 and 1) and pregnant with my third. I took the [4-week series] childbirth education class with Bria and cannot recommend it more! I took a childbirth education class before my first delivery through my hospital and found it was mostly helpful for my husband. This time around, even with my previous experiences (and maybe actually because of those experiences) I found myself taking so many notes and having great conversations with my midwife after every class! I am so happy I took this class and am feeling ready to advocate for myself during this delivery like I never was before.
SARA