Bay Area Classes and Support Groups for the Birthing Family

Programs Designed Especially for Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum

• General Information About the Programs
  
• Pregnancy and Birth Support Classes
  • Birth Preparation Class & Pregnancy Support
  • Breastfeeding Your Baby
  • Newborn Parenting Preparation
  • Maiden to Mother^sm Pregnancy Support Circle
    
    
• Postpartum Support Groups and Classes
  • New Mothers & Babies Support Group
  • Baby Moves
    
    

General Information About the Programs

Most programs will be held at the El Cerrito/Berkeley, CA Center.

All of our classes, workshops, and groups are limited in size to assure that all participants receive personal and comprehensive support. All programs are facilitated by certified pregnancy, labor and postpartum support practitioners.

Call or e-mail us for dates and times. Please include your mailing address and phone number when requesting information via e-mail.
(510) 527-2121
contact@birthbonding.org

Scheduled class dates have some flexibility -- if you are either too late to meet the beginning of a session or will be due too soon to complete a session, we encourage you to call right away. Class topics can be rearranged to meet the needs of all participants.

Support Available for Vaginal Birth Preparation after C-Section, Pregnancy and Postpartum Counseling

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Pregnancy and Birth Support Classes

Birth Preparation Class & Pregnancy Support

This ten week series is an exploration that will prepare you and your partner to give your child the best possible journey into the world. Through breath, touch, movement exercises and verbal interaction, you will learn deep relaxation skills. We will explore the natural physiology of birth and the wise use of technology if a true emergency arises. Your participation in this series will help to reduce your anxieties and prepare you as individuals and as a couple to make personal decisions that are best for you and your family, and help you have knowledgeable conversations with your health care providers.

Specialists from various deciplines will facilitate during each series to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience for participants to draw upon during the birth of their child: Birth preparation, relaxation touch, baby development, movement, breastfeeding & newborn parenting are included in the series.

2003/2004 Series Beginning Dates & Times:

Tuesdays, 7:00 to 9:30pm

• August 12
• October 21
• January 13, 2004

Wednesdays, 7:00 to 9:30pm

• September 24
• December 3
• February 4, 2004

Cost:

Ten Week Class: $165 members, $180 non-members. Per Couple Cost.
Sliding scale available.

 Private Childbirth Preparation scheduled at your convenience.

Classes in your home. These classes are great for mothers on bedrest.

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The Breastfeeding Information in Childbirth Classes

provides helpful information in forming an enjoyable breastfeeding relationship with your baby. You will have an opportunity to ask all of your questions. Recommended that fathers attend. Facilitated by a Lactation Specialist Topics to be covered include:

• Physiology of milk production
• Resources for solving difficulties
• Positioning and techniques
• Pumping & storing milk
• How to prevent, recognize, and manage potential difficulties.

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Newborn Parenting Preparation information in childbirth classes

will give practical guidance for the day-to-day nurturing of your newborn.

Topics to be covered include:

• The parent-infant bond
• Colicky infant
• Care of the umbilical cord
• Postpartum care for the parents
• Communication Skills
• Sleeping and Wake Time of the Newborn
• How to optimize your first moments and hours together as a family
• Day-to-day care: bathing, diapering, clothing
• Essential supplies to have on hand.

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Maiden to Mother^SM Pregnancy Support Circle

Join our intimate circle of pregnant women as we explore the sacred growing within ourselves. Whether this is your first child or your fourth, join us as we explore the sacredness of the pregnancy and birthing experience. Birth is a rite of passage that can be an opportunity for personal and spiritual transformation. Through enriching discussion, field trips, movement, art, guided visualization and more, we will explore our changing bodies, relationships, sexuality, connection to child, support, ritual, chanting, meditation and so much more.

For more information or to register, e-mail MaidenToMother@earthlink.net or call 510-597-1974.

2003/2004 Series Day & Times:

Mondays, 6:30 to 8:30pm

Cost:$100, includes six pregnancy and three postpartum circles.
Sliding scale positions available.

Jaclyn Kellye Higgs, M.A. is a new mother of a beautiful, spirited son. She holds a Masters Degree in Philosophy and Religion with an emphases in Women's Spirituality from CIIS. She is currently in Childbirth Support/Doula and Childbirth Education Training. Jaclyn has been leading women's and spiritual circles for the past seven years.

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Postpartum Support Groups and Classes

New Mothers & Babies Support Group (Birth to 4 months)

This eight week series provides a caring and supportive setting to address the many changes commonly experienced by new mothers. It is a time to connect with other new mothers, make new friends, and expand your community. Together we will share joys, ideas, problems, and solutions.

Facilitated by Sharon Ledbetter, Kim Lyons and Birthe Kaarsholm.

Topics will include:

• Baby Care
• Self Care
• Infant Massage
• Bonding With Baby
• Schedules
• Nursing/Bottle Feeding
• Health Care for Babies
• Crying Babies
• Developmental Stages
• Childcare
• Organization Skills
• Body Image
• Making time For Yourself
• Sexuality
• Relationship
• Sharing Birth Stories
• Returning to Work and Not Returning to Work

Dates and Times:

Tuesday Series, 1:00 - 3:00pm
Thursday Series, 1:00 - 3:00pm,

A group begins every 4 to 6 weeks: please e-mail or call for information.

Cost:

$110 for Birth and Bonding Family Services Childbirth Preparations Attendees

$110 members. $120 non-members.
Sliding scale available.

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Baby Moves

Baby development and play program for three to eight months old. Explore the unfolding stages of early childhood through movement patterns that take us from birth to walking. These patterns of connection form the foundation for our development through life.

Facilitated by Birthe Kaarsholm. For more information, call 510-845-0911 or visit www.breemastudio.com.

Beginning Day & Times:

Tuesdays, 10:30 - Noon

Cost:

$175 - eight weeks.

Birthe Kaarsholm is a Movement Therapist and a certified practitioner of Body-Mind Centering®, an approach based on the study of human development, movement, and hands-on bodywork. Birthe has more than twenty years experience, working with movement and expression in Europe and the United States.

Parents' Comments about Baby Moves:

"Baby movement became clearer to me. The class supported me in finding out what my child wants. When he starts to cry out of frustration, I know better how to handle it."

"The exercises were wonderfully healing and helped me get in touch with my own body."

"It was helpful to learn a more grounded and grounding approach to the parenting which encompasses the power of the floor and independent playtime!"

"I always had lots to think about and share with my husband after each class."

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