Prenatal Class - Tuesdays, 4 Weeks, 7pm-9pm - In Person, In Studio
Prenatal Breastfeeding Class - Tuesday, April 18, 2023, 6pm-8pm - In Person, In Studio

This childbirth preparation class covers information needed to make the best decisions possible for families and their baby’s. Birthing mothers and partners will learn about how their personal strengths can be used as coping practices during their birth and parenting experience; whether things go as planned or when something unexpected takes the journey on a detour.

Our prenatal series is recommended for expectant families to attend early in the 3rd trimester. This series is now being offered in person in four weekly 2 hour evening sessions for $165/couple.

Add our Prenatal Breastfeeding Class with Sarah Harmer, IBCLC for $50/couple (regular $75).

Topics include:

Session 1: Labour and Birth

• Preparing for your labour and birth

• What is a "normal" birth?

• Understand the anatomy and physiology of birth - what to expect at each stage of late pregnancy and labour both physically and emotionally. 

Session 2:  Confidence and Comfort Measures

• Build confidence in yourself to birth your way

• Build confidence as a birth partner being an effective support person through each stage of labour and birth

• Gain knowledge about making empowered decisions in labour

• Learn how fear affects childbirth, 

• Bringing your home to the hospital

• Develop pain managing practices for labour including breath awareness, visualization, use of positions, and other advanced comfort measures

• Understand when it is compassionate to use drugs and epidurals

• Demystifying any potential medical procedures that may be required during your birth

• Understanding a Caesarean Birth

Session 3: Postpartum Changes

• Understand birth recovery and learn the ins-and-outs of the postpartum period for a smoother and softer transition to parenthood

• Normal physical changes that occur in the 6 weeks after birth

• Birth control options after baby

• The difference between baby blues and postpartum depression and strategies to cope with both

• Postpartum depression in partners

• The importance of partner involvement

• What is it like bringing a baby home?

• Basics of breastfeeding 

Session 4: Newborn Care and Safety

• Learn how to care for and feed your newborn

• Understanding newborn characteristics

• Common newborn procedures offered to parents after birth

• Routine newborn screening offered to parents and why

• Important tips for car seats, crib, and sleep safety

• Why do babies cry and how can you soothe them?

• The importance of healthy attachment and ways to promote it

• Establish community resources to support your journey to parenthood

Our Instructor

Karrie Skillings, Maternal Health Nurse

Karrie Skillings has been a a Maternal Health Nurse of 25 years and a recently certified BIRTHING FROM WITHIN® mentor. She is a mother of 2 children and has previously worked in paediatrics at sick kids in Toronto. Karrie has been teaching prenatal classes for public health for several years and has now joined with The WOMB to infuse a traditional prenatal curriculum with the soulful and holistic philosophy of Birthing from Within. Her approach to birth and parenting preparation integrates experiential exercises, hands on learning and focused discussion.