Birth Beginnings - Informative, practical, trusted, prenatal classes in Burlington, ON

WHY SHOULD I ATTEND PRENATAL CLASS?

The Inspired Beginnings: This prenatal class goes beyond what to expect when expecting. Every family is unique and are encouraged follow their own path. Seek the answers to your own questions and develop the skills and resources you need to feel confident and connected in the birth of your baby and in your journey through parenthood. Our commitment is to prepare both parents physically and emotionally through practical information and thought-provoking dialogue. Along with the class you will receive an in-depth manual. This class is comprehensive and inspiring.

Class Topics

What options do I have?
- Decision making in pregnancy and beyond
- Informed consent

Pre-birth preparations
- Preparing your pelvic floor
- Developing a coping mindset
- Your support team

What happens during labour and birth?
- Signs of labour
- How to time contractions
- Physical, and mental stages of labour
- What to expect at your birthing location

Techniques for easier and faster birth

Unmedicated and medicated birth

Interventions
- What happens when I go past my due date
- Fetal monitoring
- Pain medication options
- Vacuum, forceps, and cesarean birth
- How to minimize the risks of intervention

Feeding babies
- What is normal for babies
- Tips on feeding babies, however you choose to feed them
- Pumping, storing, and preparing milk

Realistic postpartum expectations

The postpartum family

Newborn care

It was apparent that through her work as a doula, instructor, etc. that she had hands on experience to be able to apply the theories taught to real-life experience through her work. Michelle also had a way of explaining the material in a very common sense manner that was easy to understand and remember, which is important. -first time mother

IF I HAVE A DOULA DO I STILL NEED TO TAKE PRENATAL CLASS?

Prenatal class is a great opportunity to connect with other parents in your area who are having babies the same time as you. Parents express how much they benefit from the questions others bring up that they had not previously thought of.

Your doula is a great source of information. It is her job to ensure you have access to all the information you need to make the decision that is best for you and your family. It can be difficult to cover all of that in her prenatal visits with you and even more difficult to teach you in between contractions during the birth. During labour a mom needs to be working from the instinctual, in the moment side of her brain. This helps her labour progress smoothly and safely. When she needs to tap into her reason and logic skills it causes her to disconnect from that. The information and insight you gain in prenatal class lays a great foundation so in the throes of labour you can receive simple reminders of the options you have, allowing you to tap into your knowledge and instincts to make the decision that is right for you in that particular moment in time.

WHEN SHOULD I REGISTER FOR PRENATAL CLASS?

It is important to register for prenatal class early to reserve your spot. For each family deciding when to attend prenatal class varies. Many parents decide to choose a series they will have completed by 36 weeks, which gives them added time to slowly digest the information they learned, in addition to the information in the manual. Other parents take prenatal class later with the intent that the information will be fresher in their minds. It is important to consider how you learn best and your schedules to get the most out of your classes.

HOW TO REGISTER FOR PRENATAL:

You must preregister for prenatal classes either online, by calling the office at 905-464-8076, or by emailing michelle@birthbeginnings.com. Please note a "spot" includes the pregnant parent and one support person. Please click here to read our cancellation policy.

Weekday (5 weeks)

Class runs one day a week for 5 weeks from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm. Class fee is $290+HST.

Date	Status
Apr 17 - May 15, 2024 (Wednesdays)	Class is full!
Aug 20 - Sept 17, 2024 (Tuesdays)	4 spots left	Click here to register
Nov 25 - Dec 23, 2024 (Mondays)	4 spots left	Click here to register

Weekend (4 weeks)

Class runs one day a week for four weeks from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Class fee is $290+HST.

Date	Status
June 8 - 29, 2024 (Sundays)	4 spots left	Click here to register
Nov 10 - Dec 1, 2024 (Sundays)	4 spots left	Click here to register

Weekend crash course

This option is only a two day commitment, however with a week in between to not overwhelm you with the mass of content. Class runs 10 am - 5 pm both days. Class fee is $290+HST

Date	Status
Mar 24 & 31, 2024 (Sundays)	Class is full!
Sept 29 - Oct 6, 2024 (Sundays)	4 spots left	Click here to register