Welcome to Best Starts Childbirth Preparation
We're gathering both experienced and first-time mothers together with professionals for a unique childbirth preparation class. Join us for the laughter, stories, interaction, education and strength that come from gathering together.
Week 1 Welcome
Meet other parents due within a few months of you! Try your hand at Labor Minute-To-Win-It, hear uplifting birth stories, and discuss the important role of partners in labor.
Week 2 All Things Labor
Cozy up with your partner in the comfort of your own home. This week's class is accessed via Google Classroom and promises to get you laughing as you learn. Topics include how labor progresses, contractions, and inner birthing wisdom.
Week 3 Coping Techniques
Bring your partner, grab a birth ball and get ready to practice! We'll cover breathing, positions, counterpressure, visualization, and even vocalization.
Week 4 Delivery and Beyond
Another week where you are free to learn at home, at your own pace. Topics include common medical procedures, birthing your baby, and the first few hours. ,
Week 5 Mix and Mingle
Beyond childbirth we want you to feel well prepared for every aspect of motherhood. This is your opportunity to meet professionals in other fields and ask your questions!
Week 5 Featuring
Tonya Ethington
Ludmila Martinez
Tonya Ethington
Certified Breastfeeding Specialist
Doula
Best Starts Childbirth Educator
Jacki Gilpin
Ludmila Martinez
Tonya Ethington
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
Evidence Based Birth Educator
Chastity Jewel
Ludmila Martinez
Ludmila Martinez
Prenatal Massage
Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga
Ludmila Martinez
Ludmila Martinez
Ludmila Martinez
Infant Sleep Expert
Maressa Michelle
Maressa Michelle
Maressa Michelle
Birth Photography
Alex Browne
Maressa Michelle
Maressa Michelle
Placenta Encapsulation
Belly Binding
Maggie Ockey
Maressa Michelle
Maggie Ockey
Newborn Cares Nurse Educator
Lisa Almond
Maressa Michelle
Maggie Ockey
Life Coach
Mid-Columbia Babywearing
Mid-Columbia Babywearing
Mid-Columbia Babywearing
A representative from our local babywearing group
Momma Care
Mid-Columbia Babywearing
Mid-Columbia Babywearing
Local Postpartum Mental Health Therapists and Physical Therapists working together to improve your health.
Le Leche League
Mid-Columbia Babywearing
Le Leche League
A representative from our local Le Leche League
Bringing us ALL together
Here you'll find first time moms, experienced mothers, and birth professionals - all benefiting each
What sets this course apart?
- We're bringing women together to learn, share experiences, and laugh. This connection to other mother's strengthens us all! By choosing this class you'll meet other mothers with due dates close to yours and meet 12 other professionals who support women in our community. You'll leave feeling surrounded by a community of women who support and uplift each other.
- It's highly recommended that your birthing partner attend with you. This course is specifically designed to prepare your support person to leave knowing exactly how they can assist you through labor and delivery. Portions of this class are taught by my husband Clint, who has kept me anchored through 4 unmedicated deliveries. Fathers who take our class RAVE about the personal Q&A time they get with Clint.
- Both an educated and experienced instructor. I have 7, 5, 3, and 1-year-old children who were all delivered without pharmacologic intervention using the techniques taught in this class. I've had both hospital and homebirths and currently work as a Registered Nurse. I'm well educated in the normal progression of labor, common hospital practices, and supporting laboring women.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- I'm planning a _____ birth, is this course right for me?
Yes! The primary objective of this course is for you to leave confident & excited for your opportunity to give birth. You can benefit from this class whether you are planning to receive an epidural, desire an unmedicated delivery, are planning a C-section, or don't yet have a vision for the birth you want. That being said, approximately half of the time spent in this class is dedicated to teaching, practicing, and reviewing non-pharmacological pain management techniques. It is my firm belief that every laboring woman should be prepared with some coping techniques. I frequently hear women say they wish they had these techniques to use in early labor, while waiting to receive an epidural, or because the epidural didn't work quite as expected. Students also say "These techniques helped me remain calm and enjoy my unexpected C-section", and "I continue to use these techniques when I feel anxious or am in pain".
- When in my pregnancy should I take this class?
I recommend beginning the series somewhere between the 25th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. This is around the start of your third trimester and allows plenty of time to practice techniques before the big day!
- Why do I need a childbirth class?
Often we don't know what we don't know! In my experience, more knowledge leads to more confident mothers.
- Why does my "birth story" matter?
Research has shown that mothers who are satisfied with their birthing experience may be less likely to develop postpartum depression. This in turn makes women better able to care for themselves and their infants.
* Bell AF, Andersson E. The birth experience and women's postnatal depression: A systematic review. Midwifery. 2016;39:112-123. doi:10.1016/j.midw.2016.04.014
