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10/24/2018 0 Comments

Why You Need Childbirth Education Classes

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As a birth worker, families ask me in many different ways - Why are childbith prep classes so important? Not to sound like a broken record for those who have already asked me, but here's why I feel so strongly about them. 

Picture yourself planning a big vacation. You may pick a place to go immediately or take time to figure out the best option for your destination. Once you've picked your spot, you figure out travel plans to get there, where to stay, make dinner reservations or schedule tours, etc. You may leave some of your vacation more open so you can relax or decide what to do once you are there. Heck, some of you may take a spontaneous trip and book a flight two hours before it takes off! However, for many of us, flying by the seat of our pants may sound more stressful than exciting. 

Thinking through all the small details you attend to when planning a vacation can help you understand why taking a full-day or 6-week childbirth education course before baby comes is so beneficial for you and your partner. You both will benefit immensely by taking the time to learn more about the journey you will be going on to meet your sweet babe. Also, because most of us didn't grow up around birth, it may make us uncomfortable or fearful of the unknown.

It wasn't always that way. Many years ago (and still in some cultures today), giving birth was very much a community effort. Women helping women, men supporting the community collectively and so on. Our society has gotten away from birth as a community and family effort. As a result, we don't talk much about labor and birth, and we have so many unknowns when it comes to childbirth. 
How do you learn about childbirth? Books? Blogs? Asking parents? While these sources offer advice,  nothing beats a hands-on learning experience from an expert in childbirth education.  A solid childbirth education class will include: 
- Anatomy and physiology of labor and birth
- Stage of labor (physical and emotional)
- Position practice for labor, birth, and optimal fetal positioning
- Hands-on coping techniques, pain management (medical and non-medical), dealing with the unexpected and the role of the birth partner
- Birth videos 
- Handouts including birth and postpartum resources and information
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No matter what type of childbirth prep class you choose, it is the first step in preparing you and your partner to welcome your baby. You'll learn about the birth process, how birthing parent's body and baby work as a team during labor and delivery, and talk about how to prepare for postpartum. Some  birth classes go beyond that and teach both you and your partner coping techniques (there are many out there!) and how your partner can support you. This can give both of you the boost in confidence that you can birth your baby. You also may learn about various medical interventions and their pros and cons, why they were introduced, and how and when they become necessary.  A good course will present these to not scare you but to empower you to know what your options are, if you may need them. 
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Now that I've convinced you childbirth education is important, I bet you are wondering where you can find a great course? Several of our member doulas offer childbirth education in both private and group settings that cover labor and deliver, coping techniques, massage for labor, breastfeeding, planning for postpartum, infant sleep education, and more! Find all of these member businesses here.
A version of this blog previously appeared over on the Stacey Schmitt Birth & Photography blog.

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Stacey Schmitt is a mother to her three littles, prenatal & postnatal yoga instructor at Toula Yoga, and a birth doula with Iowa Doula Agency.  Find a full offering of Stacey's birth, photography, placenta, and yoga services here.
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8/29/2018 0 Comments

Classes and Events - fall/winter 2018

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​Check out all these awesome upcoming classes for expectant parents as well as free events where you can meet and chat with Doulas of Iowa City member businesses. We hope to see you soon!
October 5 - Dream on: the Art and Science of Infant Sleep
Nested Mama Prenatal & Postpartum Doula Support
A prenatal course designed to set up healthy expectations and habits surrounding infant sleep.
Taught by Johanna Tomlinson, PhD, MCPCD, MBE, MCE

November 3 - Meet the Doulas
Doulas of Iowa City
A free, open-house style event where you can chat with the member business of Doulas of Iowa City.

November 4 - 
Planning for Postpartum Workshop
Nested Mama Prenatal & Postpartum Doula Support
A prenatal workshop designed to strengthen your partnership and prepare for a better postpartum. 
Taught by Johanna Tomlinson, PhD, MCPCD, MBE, MCE
**Save a combined $30 when you register for this and ICBS's November 10 childbirth education class**

November 10 - 
Birth: The Process, the Pain, and the Positions
Iowa City Birth Services
A one-day comprehensive childbirth education class - evidence-based and judgement free.
Taught by Hannah Sandler, CLD (CBI)  and Emily Piette, CLD (CBI) 
**Save a combined $30 when you register for this and Nested Mama’s November 4 postpartum planning course.**

Fall TBD - Breastfeeding from the Beginning

Beloved Bonds Birth & Bodywork
Breastfeeding your newborn from birth through the early months. 
Taught by Kimberly Hendricks, LMT, CLC, CD
As always, don't hesitate to reach out to our member businesses directly with any questions. Private classes and consultations available. You'll find a full listing of our members and services here.
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    The Doulas of Iowa City blog contains guest posts by Doulas of Iowa City member businesses. We are excited to share with you about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and surrounding communities and to help you connect to fabulous local resources.

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