Overcoming Fear with Information

Society's bar for a "successful" birth is about as basic as it gets... the survival of the birthing parent and the baby. "We just want a healthy mom*, healthy baby" is a refrain we've heard countless times. 
(*We attempt to use inclusive language at AthensBorn whenever possible, but we promise you this is a phrase you'll hear as your estimated due date approaches.)

Another consistency is people who describe their birth experience as scary, chaotic, even traumatic. Sure, they made it out alive, but now have birth trauma that is remembered and relived annually as their baby celebrates their birthday. 

We believe that folks should know that it's possible to look beyond just surviving childbirth, and to take that a step further by having a birth that isn't full of fear.  

And the next step is what spurred us to begin offering childbirth education classes. We want people to know that they can, in fact, enjoy and be proud of their birth experience. 

Who should take this class?

This class is perfect for you if...
  • You want to understand all your options and choices so that you can make informed decisions about your care while you give birth
  • You want to understand what's happening with your body and baby as you give birth so that you aren't afraid of what you're feeling/seeing
  • You want to know what your rights are as a human being who happens to be in labor (even if you're in the hospital)
  • ​You want to go into your birth feeling confident and knowing you have the tools to approach it without fear​

​This class doesn't teach any particular "method" of childbirth, or that there is one way to labor that's better than another. Only you can decide what's best for you. However, it is taught based on the assumption that participants are planning on laboring (vs. planning a scheduled Cesarean... Click here if you are planning a Cesarean birth to learn about how we can support you!).

What will this class teach?

  • Anatomy & Physiology - Understanding what is happening with your body can help you trust the process
  • Labor - From the textbook definitions of the stages of labor to the myriad ways people move/look/sound during contractions... we get into the nitty gritty here.
  • Movements - We'll practice several positions/movements for laboring and pushing and learn how each is useful. 
  • Optimal Fetal Positioning overview
  • Comfort measures - We talk a lot about the mental game of labor, then we discuss and practice several hands-on techniques. 
  • If you have a partner/support person, they'll also be learning specific things they can do/say to support you during labor.
  • Interventions - And when/why they might be offered and why you might accept/deny those interventions, including in-hospital pain management options and other things you might see on a birth plan
  • Induction - This class is based on the assumption that folks are going into spontaneous labor, but we will discuss some at-home and in-hospital induction techniques
  • The first hour of baby's life - From the moment they place your brand new tiny human on your chest to the first latch, and how you can protect those sweet and intense moments.
  • Bodily autonomy & consent - We believe that people are autonomous human beings, capable of and deserving of making their own decisions about their healthcare... even when they're in the hospital. The teachings of this class reflect that.

Afterwards

You'll receive a link to a list of resources and information from the class, as well as the chance to have 1 follow-up phone call with Becca before your little one arrives. 

Other important info

​The ideal time to take the class is before week 34/35 of your pregnancy (just so you don't miss it if baby decides to arrive early)​
​
If the cost of the class is holding you back from registering, email me and let's figure it out together. 

Pricing & Logistics

Group Class Options

All group classes are held in the Athens area and are a great opportunity for meeting other growing families. The cost covers the pregnant person + 1 support person. 
Half-Day Group Class
​5 Hours
​$125

5 hour group childbirth class​​
​​Anatomy & Physiology
Cervical Checks Deep Dive
Contractions
Early & Active Labor + Survival Techniques
Massage Techniques & Comfort Measures
​Movements & positions for labor
​Overview of optimal fetal positioning
​
Two Session Weeknight Classes
3 hours each for a total of 6 hours
$150

-or-

Purchase each session separately
​$80/each

​Session 1: Labor
Anatomy & Physiology
Cervical Checks Deep Dive
Contractions
​Early & Active Labor + Survival Techniques
Interventions + birth plans
​
Session 2: Movements & Comfort Measures
Massage Techniques
Pain Management Theory
Movements & positions to encourage labor progression
Optimal Fetal Positioning Deep Dive
​Pushing positions & Methods
The First Hour of your baby's life on the outside

Private Classes - $275

The cost covers the pregnant person + any members of your support team you'd like to have there
5 hour private class held in the comfort of your home
Covering all the above topics + individualized to your needs
Flexible scheduling

Need more information?

Please reach out! Becca will be happy to answer any other questions you have and help you figure out if this class is right for you.