Extensive Evidence-Based Education

My classes are based on 10 years of immense independent study and observation of the perinatal season as a student, as a mother, and as a doula. I am constantly adding more to this series as I complete additional specialized courses. At the end of every class, references and resources are sent out for additional research. Informational support on additional topics may be provided upon request.

By the end of class, ALL participants will receive:
  • A customized birth preferences list (birth plan) to share with their birth team
  • A 'Postpartum Care' template to assist with planning this season
  • Useful handouts to recall key concepts taught in class

Participants local to Los Angeles and Orange County will also receive:
  • Access to a discounted postpartum meal delivery service (must be local to Los Angeles/Orange Counties in California)
  • Access to an extensive Los Angeles resource list (including local care providers, placenta encapsulators, chiropractors, etc.)

Class 1:
​Understanding and Supporting a
​Healthy Pregnancy

Topics Covered:
  • Fetal Development
  • Mother's Physical & Emotional Changes
  • Solutions to Discomforts
  • Risks and Benefits of Available Prenatal Tests
  • Overview of Childbirth
  • Optimal Nutrition & Exercise
  • Models of Prenatal Care
  • Supportive Prenatal Therapies

Class 2:
​The Stages of Childbirth

Topics Covered:
  • Stages of Vaginal Birth
  • Spontaneous Onset of Labor
  • Methods of & Reasons for Induction
  • Dilation, Effacement, & Station
  • Emotional Progression of Labor
  • Physiologic Stages of Pushing
  • Stages of Cesarean Birth
  • What to Pack for Birth

Class 3:
​Managing
​Labor's Intensity

Topics Covered:
  • Benefits and Risks of Medicated Labor
  • Statistics on Cesarean Births
  • Explanation of Pain Theories
  • Utilizing Knowledge of Pain Theories
  • Difference Between Coping and Suffering
  • How to Labor Alone
  • Therapies to Make Labor Easier
  • Techniques and Tools to Prepare for Labor During Pregnancy
  • Techniques and Tools to Cope with Pain During Labor

Class 4:
​Postpartum:
​Making Time for Healing

Topics Covered:
  • Healing in the First Few Days
  • Healing in the First Few Weeks
  • Healing After a Cesarean Birth
  • Helpful Tools for Healing
  • Optimal Nutrition and Movement
  • Important Preparations to Make During Pregnancy
  • Important Conversations with Partner
  • When to Seek Help
  • How to Seek Help

Class 5:
​The Basics of Breastfeeding

Topics Covered:
  • The Benefits of Breastfeeding
  • Helpful Tools
  • Anatomy of the Breast
  • Newborn Hunger Cues
  • Timeline of a Feed
  • How to Achieve a Proper Latch
  • The Milk Ejection Reflex
  • Understanding Supply and Demand
  • Milk Composition and Maturation
  • Pumping and Returning to Work
  • Common Issues
  • Local Lactation Resources

Class 6:
​The Basics of
​Newborn Care

Topics Covered:
  • Newborn Development
  • Common Concerns
  • When to Call the Doctor
  • Breastfeeding Basics
  • Formula Feeding Basics
  • Options for Diapering
  • Options for Transportation
  • Babywearing Basics
  • Creating a Safe Home Environment
  • Creating a Safe Sleep Environment

Class 7:
​Developing
​Birth Preferences

Topics Covered:

  • What is a Birth Plan?
  • How to Create a Birth Plan
  • Autonomy in Birth Choices
  • What are Interventions?
  • How to Evaluate Interventions
  • Benefits and Risks of Options in Pregnancy
  • Benefits and Risks of Options in Labor
  • Benefits and Risks of Options While Pushing
  • Benefits and Risks of Options During Immediate Postpartum

Class 8:
​Sharing
​Birth Preferences

Four Hour Session Provides:
  • Expertise and guidance in building a birth plan
  • Templates to build customized birth plan
  • One-on-one opportunity to ask any final questions and review any topics of interest