Empowered Birth classes help you navigate the journey of labor & birth by providing a solid foundation and understanding of the physiological birth process.  This knowledge enables you to consider the many options available and the tools you need to make decisions in accordance with your values and preferences. You’ll receive compassionate support as you explore the excitement and apprehension you may feel about labor & birth.  Classes are fun and engaging, with a variety of activities designed to reach everyone.

This content of this Empowered Birth series is geared toward hospital birth.   If you’re giving birth at home or at Tree of Life Family Birth Center, you’re welcome to join us if the Empowered Birth: Home/Birth Center times & dates don’t work for your schedule.

Schedule & registration…

I recommend starting classes anytime after the start of your second trimester.  The cost of the 6 week class is $265.  The fee covers the pregnant mom and her choice of birth partner.  Click on the class date of your choice for more information and to register.  Classes are held in the Rainbow Blossom Community Room, 3046 Bardstown Road in the Gardiner Lane Shopping Center or in the Tree of Life Family Birth Center Classroom in Jeffersonville, Indiana (across from Clark Memorial Hospital).

Note:  As of 4/18, there are 2 spaces (1 space=mom & birth partner) remaining in the May class.

Mondays, May 20th-June 24th, 6:30-9 PM

Tuesdays, July 9th-August 13th, 6:30-9 PM

empowered birth themes…

“You do you.”

Empowered Birth is for anyone who wants to have a positive birth experience.  In class you’ll learn about a wide range of comfort measures and options to cope with the physical and emotional discomfort of labor, and how partners can help support and encourage.  You’ll create your own toolbox for comfort, tailored to your preferences and needs.  Some classes focus on one way to cope with pain–but after attending births for 17 years I know that moms need to choose what works best in the moment.  In class you’ll learn about massage, aromatherapy, movement, breathing for relaxation, the benefits of water labor–and more.

“Birth is like a box of chocolates…you never know what you’re going to get!”

Labor may last 3 hours or 30 hours, an exhausted mom may choose an epidural for rest, a baby may present in the breech position (bottom down).  Through decision making exercises and discussions, you’ll determine your priorities for birth and how to advocate for your wishes to care providers. The most important goals are that mom & baby are both healthy, emotionally and physically, and time and care are taken to discuss how it might feel when birth looks very different from what we hoped and dreamed of.

“It’s the process, not the product”

An empowered birth happens when parents are active participants—trusting the birth process, communicating with a trusted birth team, asking questions and choosing/accepting medical intervention if determined it to be necessary or appropriate.  It is my wish for parents to feel informed, validated and supported throughout the process.   Every birth is different and special, and classes focus more on the journey to a healthy, empowered birth experience and less on specific outcomes. Beautiful births come in many different packages!