Part of finding empowerment as a parent-to-be involves knowing the answers to any questions you might have. Here are some answers to questions I’m most often asked.

Do you take insurance for your services?

At this time I am not contracted with any insurance plans.  However, I am happy to provide you with a receipt that you can present to your insurance company or Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account for your reimbursement.

I want to sign up for an Empowered Birth series, but I’ll be out of town and I’ll have to miss one of the classes.  What are my options?  

That’s okay!  It happens.  I am usually teaching more than one class series at one time, so I can usually offer you a make up class.  You’ll receive handouts in every class as well as access to your class’s Google Classroom page so you’ll know what was covered.   I’m always around before or after class for questions.

What is the philosophy behind your Lamaze classes? 

I believe that birth is normal, natural and healthy and that the process works most of the time given time and patience. The point of coming to class is not to memorize information, but to learn how to become an active participant in your birth. No one can tell you in advance what your birth will look like, how long it will be and what challenges you may face. To that end, classes focus on building your confidence in the birth process, the importance of becoming an informed healthcare consumer, and options for labor and birth.  All birth plans are welcome.

I’m planning to get an epidural. Should I still sign up for the class?  

Yes! There is more to birth than pain medication. There is a myth in our society that women who choose epidurals don’t need to go to childbirth classes because they won’t feel any pain, or that they’ll simply follow the lead of the nurse at the hospital. On the contrary, the vast majority of women will experience pain in labor before getting an epidural, so it’s a good idea to learn some coping mechanisms to rely on until the epidural is administered, or in case a busy anesthesiologist or fast labor preclude it.

You’re a Certified Lamaze Childbirth Educator. Does this mean that your class focuses on breathing techniques? 

No.   Modern Lamaze classes look very different than the ones our parents may have had! Lamaze is a philosophy consisting of six Healthy Birth Practices and created with these healthy birth practices in mind. The six Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices include letting labor begin on its own; walk, move and change positions during labor; have continuous support; avoid unnecessary interventions; get upright and follow your body’s urges to push; and keep your baby with you after the birth. All of the recommendations in the Healthy Birth Practices are based in the latest evidence-based research on labor, birth and parenting.

I’m not sure that I want a doula because I want our birth to be a private, intimate experience. How can I make sure that my partner is involved and isn’t overshadowed by a doula’s presence? 

This is a common concern for many parents. My mission is to work on the sidelines and make respectful suggestions, such as a position change or a specific comfort measure.  I follow the couple’s lead as to how much physical presence and support  they want and need.  There are times during labor when I step outside the room so the parents have a chance to reconnect and share their feelings about being in labor. In fact, I have found that the L&D staff tend to give us more privacy; most Labor & Delivery hospital staff understand the role of a doula and know that I am there to answer basic questions, provide comfort measures and help the parents to stay calm and relaxed. Because of this, the nurses know their patients’ basic needs are being met.  I remind parents in class that you can’t pour from an empty cup; the doula is there to help the partner support the mom to the extent that he/she feels able to do so.