Childbirth Classes

The birth of a child is a significant event in the life of a woman and in the life of a family. A childbirth class is a great way to prepare for labor and birth and to provide you with the information you need to minimize your fears and help you make informed decisions.  Childbirth classes offer expecting parents a chance to stop the busyness of everyday life and completely focus on the upcoming birth.  As a childbirth educator and advocate for natural childbirth, I view birth preparation classes as an important part of information gathering for new parents. 

I offer natural childbirth classes specifically designed to meet the informational needs of families giving birth at home or in the birth center. I approach birth as a natural, normal process and I teach based on the midwifery model of care.  Most importantly, my goal is to provide you with the information you need to build confidence in your ability to birth naturally.  I also focus time on preparing the father or partner in how best to support the birthing woman during labor birth and beyond.

I offer both group classes and individual private classes.  Being in a group setting allows you to connect with other parents who are sharing this major transition.  As the group discusses their ideas and feelings about birth and parenting we all learn from each other. A private class might be a good choice for the woman or couple who can’t make the scheduled classes.  Either way, you get the chance to ask direct questions of your instructor, giving you more personal responses than you can find in books or websites alone.

Deborah Craig,
Certified Childbirth Educator  

“Birth is not only about making babies.  Birth is about making mothers – strong, competent capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength.”  Barbara Katz Rothman, Professor of Sociology and author.

Class Schedule

Dates for next two class series:

July 6th - August 3rd, 2010

September 7th - October 5th, 2010

Classes are held in Bellingham, WA., Tuesday evenings from 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Cost of Class: $150.

   Classes include:
·    Prenatal Exercises
·    The Stages of Labor
·    When To Call the Midwife
·    Comfort Measures
·    Breathing Techniques
·    Relaxation Techniques
·    Role of Partner
·    Pushing & Birth
·    Water Birth
·    Newborn Care
·    Complications
·    Postpartum Care
·    Breastfeeding
·    Early Parenting
·    Birth Plans
·    Role of a Doula
·    Community Resources
·    Recommended Reading

Instructor : Deborah Craig 

My interest in natural childbirth began with the home birth of my daughter in 1993. The beauty and transformational qualities of natural childbirth led me to become a certified Birth Doula and I began attending women in childbirth both in the home and hospital settings.  Next, my interest turned to childbirth education and, after completing training, I became a certified Childbirth Educator. I have been teaching natural childbirth classes for Bellingham's natural birth community since 1996.  In 2001, I gave birth to my son, again at home with a midwife - another experience that confirmed my commitment to natural childbirth.  My own birth experiences, my training, and my work with birthing couples, shape and inform the content of my childbirth classes.  I hope that my passion for the birth process and my belief in the transformational qualities of birth can inspire and support your journey to natural childbirth.