Building a Foundation.

The couple will learn the importance of excellent nutrition. We will practice postures and movements specific to labor and helping baby find his optimal positioning. Families will spend intimate bonding time learning communication and relaxation skills which are the necessary birth tools and optimal foundations for a healthy family. Additionally, partners will come away from this class with a good understanding of the critical importance of their role not just as labor support but as the first line of protection over the sacred birthing space, the laboring mother, and baby.

Approaching the Birth Day.

We will explore those last exciting weeks of pregnancy and how to interpret and respond to early labor. Partners will discover methods to create an environment conducive to a safe and positive birth, promoting the optimal levels of helpful hormones. We will further discuss what to expect from our practitioners as we approach the estimated due date.

Tools and Resources.

We will move into the most challenging aspects of labor learning breathing, relaxation techniques and positions to cope with the power and intensity with confidence and grace. We will explore how to reframe and invite each contraction to welcome your baby.

Navigating Challenges.

We will discuss the topics around how to have as natural a birth as possible in a hospital or birth center environment, homebirth transfers, common detours and how to know normal and return to normal when off track. We will talk about “when things don't go as planned" and review the most commonly used interventions including the pros and cons of pain relief methods, monitoring, cesarean section, how to thoughtfully make decisions with the help of your caregivers and how to avoid the domino effect of birth interventions.

The Sacred Hours.

The focus will be on the sacred hours immediately after birth, how to take full advantage of this time of imprinting and physiologic bonding and the role of privacy and quiet. We will talk about those first amazing moments with your precious newborn with information to help you fully enjoy the first hours, days and weeks of your baby's life. We will talk about how to establish a good breastfeeding relationship, fully recover from your birth, wearing your baby, sleep strategies, and attachment parenting. We will also explore the common and sometimes surprising interventions and choices that you will encounter both at home and in the hospital as well as in the first 8 weeks.

Nursing Your Newborn.

We will look at the science and practical aspects of breastfeeding, and take a whirlwind tour of everything the new parents need to know for a successful breastfeeding relationship as well as how and when to get help and why Breastfeeding Matters.

Postpartum Planning.

Eden will teach you the best and most effective strategies for a blissful and satisfying Postpartum helping you plan ahead for baby's first weeks and months. This in depth class will help you understand the need for rest, nourishment, support and recovery while building a relationship with your baby and your partner.

Celebration and Support.

This is our joyful reunion when we celebrate and share our babies and our stories. We will enjoy a potluck meal, give and receive support as well as learn more about our amazing newborns. We will also discuss common challenges, learn developmental tips and share the joys of the early postpartum period.