Who Attends?
Our classes are usually about half “homebirthers,” half “hospital birthers.” What everyone has in common is a desire to give birth in awareness, aiming for natural, simple, and safe. No need to feel uncomfortable or pressured. We know there’s no “Best, Safest or Most Satisfying Way” to give birth. Instead, we want to help you find what’s best for you.
Most couples are first-time parents, but we often have second- and even third-time parents join us as they work toward a different kind of birth. Single mothers are welcome, as are nursing students, med students, and doulas-in-training.
Class sizes vary from four to ten couples.
What attendees say about our class
“So glad we took the class! Now I’m really looking forward to our birth!”
“Great class! We really appreciated the hour spent on getting what you need in a hospital setting.”
“I had never seen a birth without all the machines and TV music. It was really helpful to see a birth and dispel some of my fears.”
“I just feel like I know so much more about labor and birth now. I’m scared of less, and feel so much more informed.”
Want to Know More?
The basics come first… the anatomy and definitions. But then we discuss what normal birth looks like. How long is normal? What does normal birth look like? Sound like? Feel like? Watch a few movies, check out a pelvic model, and learn how a baby is designed to be an active participant in birth.
Relaxation skills and comfort techniques are essential to a natural birth. Learn how the mind-body connection works, and the wonderful array of hormones our bodies produce to get us through the hard physical labor and birth. Coping with labor pain requires preparation and insight. We want you to be confident of your skills and ability.
Birth can be stressful, and at times, we rely on medical technology to gain safe passage. We’ll explore medications, complications, and interventions. We want you to understand the “what its” and be ready to make informed decisions.
Learn about your new baby and what to expect in the first hours, and then the first weeks. Newborns are amazing creatures, and we too often forget the astounding things they do. We want you to be ready to greet your child for the first time, appreciating the skills he or she is already showing off.
Breastfeeding is truly and art—for mom and baby. Get ready by asking questions and learning what to expect. We’ll talk about how a woman’s body returns to its non-pregnancy state, and how those fascinating hormones keep on working while you feed your baby and care for yourself.
Finding and creating a community of support is the basis on a healthy new family. Meet other birthing families, learn about Duluth’s growing birth community, and discover “new mom groups” to plug into after your baby arrives.
Hopefully, what you learn about the most is yourself. What do you need to give birth? What are your beliefs, your values? What are your goals and hopes for this birth?
Registration, Fees, Details
Download a registration form here. Classes generally fill quickly!
Class fee is $150 per couple. We are happy to work out a payment schedule if needed.
We provide receipts, which can be used for tax deduction or flex-plan spending. Jana is a Certified Lamaze Instructor, which may qualify your fee for health insurance reimbursement.
Weekend classes are usually held at The Venue in the Mohaupt Block, 2024 West Superior Street (get map). Parking is ample!
We have fabulous potlucks both days of class! You bring a yummy dish to share, and we’ll provide plates, utensils, coffee, tea, water and juice.
We’ll call you the week before class starts to check in, give any last minute instructions, and remind you about the potluck.
We look forward to meeting you!
