Mother's Circle

Empowered Childbirth Classes

Offered at the Greenhouse Birth Center

1831 Newman Road

Okemos, MI 48864

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Course Philosophy

This course was created for  mothers, and their partners or support people, who plan to give birth in a hospital setting yet also want to experience natural childbirth. The philosophy of natural childbirth is that giving birth is not a medical procedure but a natural physiological process. The goal of this course is to inform the mother and her support person about the birth process in order to empower them to make informed choices. This will enable them to approach the birth of their child with confidence instead of fear and uncertainty.

The needs of the participants are best met in this small class setting. The goal is to give each participant as much information as possible in the (approximately) 12 hours we have together so that they can make informed decisions about their care and work with their care providers to create that care.

Cost

The cost to enroll in the course is $150. Tuition is collected before or at the first class, checks and credit cards are accepted.

When & Where

The course consists of  six sessions, classes are held on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9:15 at The Greenhouse Birth Center in Okemos. The course is offered continuously throughout the year with new sessions starting about every seven or eight weeks. Check the GBC calendar or e-mail to find out when new sessions are being offered.

Course Content

Week One

Introductions

Discussion: philosophy of birth: role that attitudes and beliefs play; anatomy and physiology of labor and birth.

 

Week Two

Positions for labor/changing positions

Pushing

Strategies for long, early labor; slow progress; posterior labor

Relaxation

 

Week Three

Discussion of labor support/role of support person

Eating & drinking

Comfort measures

Relaxation

 

Week Four

Birth Plans and Plan B - when you might need to take a left turn

First days and weeks after birth—Mother and baby care

Planning for your postpartum period

The circumcision decision

 

Week Five 

Breastfeeding

Vaccinations

Calming and Soothing your infant

 

Week Six 

Reunion

First-hand birth stories told by class alumni