Childbirth is a normal, natural, and healthy experience--and one that is sure to be one of the most remembered and treasured events of every parent's life. Being prepared for the decisions that will face you during your child's birth is one of the single most important factors in making that experience a maximally positive, rewarding, and safe one!
At North Hills Childbirth, we don't make decisions for expectant parents; we educate them as to all their options, and support them in their decisions. As two moms who have "been there, done that" and who are not affiliated with any particular hospital or birthplace, we strive to put our student's concerns first, which is why we can always be counted on to "tell it like it is!"
Because we know that your time is valuable, our course has been carefully honed and tailored to provide the most critical information you need to know, without duplicating that which can be easily found in books or seen on parenting videos. Our classes are small, our discussions are informal, and questions are highly encouraged!
Our first two sessions cover the essentials of birth for parents-to-be, walking them through the process step-by-step. From how to time contractions through the cutting of the cord, this reality-based overview shows what normal birth is all about, in a relaxed setting... and with just a little bit of humor. Nobody has to do any "exercises" they don't want to, and the only people making fools out of themselves with funny breathing noises will be us.
Our second two sessions focus on complications that might arise, medical interventions that might be suggested, and strategies for how best to make your baby's birth the experience you want it to be. During labor and delivery, you will be faced with numerous decisions about your and your baby's care, and 6cm of cervical dilation is probably NOT the best time to make critical judgments on issues you have never heard of before! But you can prepare yourself in advance by hearing the latest evidence-based information on maternity care, understanding your options, and learning how to communicate effectively with your caregivers--from the first contraction on.
There are few experiences more life-altering than giving birth, and virtually none more empowering than birthing a baby with all of one's mental, hormonal, and emotional faculties intact and in natural harmony. Although giving birth with minimal medical intervention may not be possible or practical for every woman and every birth, we are delighted to offer extra support--including an extra session that does include "hands-on" exercises-- to those who choose to strive for it.
North Hills Childbirth provides expectant mothers and their partners in the North Hills of Pittsburgh with fun, entertaining, and informative childbirth education courses taught conveniently close to home. Because these classes are offered independent of any particular hospital or birth center, we are able to provide valuable unbiased and comparative information on local birthplaces and policies of care. No matter where you take your childbirth class, however, be sure to sign up for a tour of your birthplace before the big event!
To meet the curriculum guidelines of Lamaze® International, which require a minimum of 12 hours of instruction, we recommend that in addition to the four-session (10 hour) "Childbirth Essentials" course, parents-to-be also consider enrolling in an extra two-hour session of training in "Comfort Measures for Normal Birth," and/or hire a doula. Enrollment in separate baby care and breastfeeding classes (readily available through all local maternity hospitals) is also highly encouraged!
For contact information, or to check out our currently available courses and rates, see our schedule box, above left. We hope to see you soon!
Lamaze® is a registered trademark of Lamaze International, Inc.
Find out more about normal birth! http://www.lamaze.org/
For information about breastfeeding, please visit www.breastfeeding.com.
