Prenatal Class

Birth is a special and life changing event that needs preparation!  The Vesta Prenatal Class will help give you the tools to meet the challenge of birth and have a memorable experience.  Having a solid childbirth education class will help you prepare for the normality and beauty of your birth.

You have the right and responsibility to make choices for your birth, your child, and yourself.  You will make these choices before delivery, during the birth, and after the birth of your baby.  Our classes will provide you with the information you need to make educated choices and not be left in the dark.  Sometimes situations arise and you may have to make quick decisions that will affect your labour and birth.  By educating yourself you can better know what to expect and prepare a plan on how you will handle the situation.      

The Vesta Prenatal Class gives the mom and her partner an in-depth look in to the birth experience and early postpartum.  After taking this course you and your partner will feel more comfortable with the entire process - you will know what to expect and how to prepare.  If you are nervous about your birth this course will likely put you at ease as you see just how exciting and wonderful birth can be. 

Vesta is excited to offer local parents an alternative in birth education with our 8-week prenatal program. We spread our focus over many main concerns: labour, delivery, breastfeeding, post-partum adjustments, and attachment parenting philosophies. While a large part of our program prepares you emotionally and physically for a safe delivery, we believe the journey to parenthood is so much more than the birth-day. The “fourth trimester”?deserves some attention too!

Throughout these classes there will be numerous videos and interactive exercises. This is not a series of lectures but an active participation program, so be sure to come in your comfortable non-restrictive clothing!  Included in the course cost is a workbook that reviews the material covered in the course and communication exercises for the expectant family to work on together.

Commonly Asked Questions

Why are Vesta classes different than other classes in the community?

We love this question! We believe the journey to parenthood is so much more than the birth-day.  We focus on teaching exercises and relaxation techniques to help you prepare for a natural birth and avoid unnecessary pain in labour.  We believe a woman should retreat within and work with the phenomenal energy moving in her body during birth, not be distracted with complicated unnatural breathing techniques or focal points. 

Our course is a training program as well as an education session.  In our 8-class program we will leave you with the confidence necessary to approach labour, delivery, breastfeeding and post-partum without fear.

We feel that in the intensity of the moment, a great knowledge of the process and familiarity with medical terms will help you sail through any rough patches. We therefore help you to understand many of the terms you hear leading up to and during your birth.

This course is taught by women who have given birth, both naturally and with pain medication.  They have received a variety of training related to birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum support.   

Our course is an excellent compliment to other courses offered in the community. 

But won't my doctor or midwife just tell me all of this?

Unfortunately, with busy schedules, doctors and midwives don't have the time to go through all of the information taught in this course with you in your office visits. 

Do you answer medical questions in your class?

With no medical background we cannot provide medical advice about child birth or any other situation.  We do provide education that we have received from a variety of training courses, from reliable books and websites, and through the use of videos.  Medical questions should be directed to your doctor or midwife. 

But I don't want a "natural child birth", why would I take your course?

Firstly, our course is not just for those who are planning for a natural child birth.  The exercises and relaxation techniques are designed to help your body best birth your child, whether you are doing so with or without pain medication.  Also, the education, planning assistance, and postpartum information apply to all births.  The course gives a lot of attention to breastfeeding, which can be done no matter what your birth scenario.      

The reality is that although you may intend to use medication to assist you through your labour, it just might not happen.  If you have a quick labour or the medication does not work you could be left struggling through a natural child birth with absolutely idea how to get through it.  Child birth is unpredictable.  This course can help you prepare for a variety of "what ifs".   

Here's what you will learn in our classes:

Breastfeeding:

  • Benefits of Breastfeeding
  • Preparation for Breastfeeding
  • Breast Changes in Pregnancy
  • Anatomy and Physiology of Breastfeeding
  • Early Feedings: Positioning and Latch
  • Frequency and Duration of Feedings
  • “Signs” that Baby is Getting Enough
  • Hurdles
  • Maternal Nutrition
  • Pumping, Storing, and Bottle-feeding
  • Breastfeeding Beyond the First Six Months

Labour:

  • The Anatomy and Physiology of Labor: Cervical Changes, Baby position and movement through the pelvis.
  • Optimal Fetal Positioning. How you sit/exercise now affects the baby’s position in labor. Conditioning Exercises and Body Mechanics How will I know I’m in labor?
  • Onset of Labor: some signs that your baby may be on its way.
  • Are there problems I should be watching out for?
  • Warning Signs in Late Pregnancy.
  • Why is there pain in labor? What makes it worse? What makes it better?
  • Stages Of Labour: physical and emotional signs to help you understand where you're at in your labour.
  • Techniques for coping and understanding transition.
  • Recognize signs of a long or short labour.
  • What is a Doula and what benefits do they offer?
  • Is a doula something my family should consider, do I need a doula if I have a midwife?
  • Interventions: what they are, what they do and how they can effect your labour and delivery.
  • What to expect immediately after the baby is born - newborn procedures, cord cutting etc.

 The "Fourth" trimester - bringing home baby :

  • Normal Newborn Characteristics Baby Communication- baby cues; hungry, tired, too hot, too cold, over/under stimulated Feeding - what's normal, what's not Sleeping - Safe sleeping guidelines for optimal sleep (for everyone) Baby’s Temperament Different Parenting Styles.
  • Crying and Calming
  • Sanity/Self Care for Parents

Cost

$200 per 8-week session.  Preregistration and $100 non-refundable deposit or payment in full required to hold a spot.

Includes a workbook

Schedule

Classes are SUNDAY from 7 - 9 pm.  Next class starts January 20.

To Register

In person at Vesta or online.

Share this