For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher.  I began my career as an elementary school teacher with Jefferson County Public Schools before I entered the birth world.  In college and in the classroom, I gained knowledge about how learners process information, how to write an effective curriculum, create engaging content and assess what learners know. All of these skills have carried over into my work as a professional birth educator.

American culture perceives labor and birth as dangerous and something to be feared. Many learn about birth through television or the movies (where babies are born in 22 minutes!). Sometimes people come to class and tell me they have heard stories that labor is painful and terrifying. Some come to class doubtful of their ability to birth because of struggles with infertility or loss. As a result, they often come to class feeling stressed, with misinformation and unrealistic expectations. These fears, worries and influences can have an impact on the experience of labor, birth and parenthood.  As a birth educator, I’m here to help you build confidence in these processes by meeting any fears and worries with compassion and understanding.

Classes and workshops are designed to offer engaging content and evidence based information in a format that is fun, interesting and easy to understand. Breaking down myths and fears, building confidence and learning about options will help you envision a labor & birth experience that is in alignment with your values and preferences.

What to expect in every class I teach:

• Evidence based information.  As a teacher,  I’m responsible for providing facts, not opinions.
• Learning experiences that are engaging and dynamic.  No PowerPoint, no lectures, no problem.  In classes we move, we collaborate, we talk, we explore.  This makes the information more likely to remain in your brain when you need it most–like when labor starts at 3 am.
• Valuable preparation for partners.  Classes aren’t just for mom–partners have a unique role to play, too.  Partners need to build their confidence , so they can support mom through labor & birth.
• Respect.  You know what’s best for you and your baby.  I trust that you will make choices that are right for your needs.
• A positive community environment.  All families are welcome, and building relationships outside of class is encouraged.
• Empowered decision making strategies.  Thanks to smart phones and social media, we have a wealth of information at our fingertips, but I find that parents are often times overwhelmed by the sheer number of options.   It’s great to have the information, but what do you *do* with the information?  I can help with that.