Childbirth Preparation Classes
You will walk away from this class with a better understanding of your body, the mechanics of birth, actionable tools such as breathwork, movement, partner support and embodiment practices as well as a workbook for you and your partner to take home.
If you are looking for actionable practices and tools that will build resilience, trust and connect to yourself and your baby during labor, then this class is for you!
A Doula’s Guide to Labor- what sets this class apart?
This class is a unique and engaging course that blends years of experience as a
Birthing From Within Mentor,
yoga teacher and
doula.
This blend of perspectives offers you a class that honors storytelling, emotional preparation and attention to the inner journey of becoming a parent. You will learn how to use breath, movement and nervous system regulation in ways that you can actually use during your labor, and everything is grounded in real birth room experience. Tools that actually help people cope, make decisions and feel supported when it matters most.
During this class, you will gain:
Deep understanding of your body and birth physiology.
You will learn the mechanics and physiology of labor in a way that makes sense and feels empowering- not overwhelming. You will walk away from this class with an understanding of:
What is your body doing during each phase of labor?
How do your hormones support your birth process?
How to recognize progress without relying on numbers.
Tools to stay calm, present and connected.
You will leave with practical, accessible and actionable tools that are unique and specific to you and your desired birth. During these classes we will practice:
Breathwork and how to access it during times of intensity
Movement and positioning to that supports comfort and progress
Mental and emotional tools to navigating moments of intensity
Confidence in your ability to make decisions and hold boundaries with your team
Birth rarely follows a perfect script. This class will prepare you to make informed choices in real time and give you the ability to advocate for you and your family in any setting. You will gain:
A clear understanding of common medical options and interventions
How to ask the right questions and advocate for yourself while maintaining collaborative care
Confidence to pivot with confidence while protecting your autonomy
And more!
This class will cover partner support, emotional preparation for the transformation of birth and early postpartum planning so you feel encouraged and empowered from the last weeks of your pregnancy all the way into your fourth trimester.
Q&A Logistics:
How long is this course?
You can choose from two styles of classes. One-on-one classes will meet once a week for 4 weeks.
Group classes will meet for 2 consecutive days, 3 hours each day.
When should I take a childbirth class?
While it is completely up to you, I recommend sometime around 25-30 weeks so you have time to practice the tools you learn in the class.
Can my doula or other support people attend?
Absolutely! Doulas and support people can join us free of charge.
How is this class different from a hospital childbirth class?
Hospital childbirth classes will likely be tailored to the structure of the hospital you are with and cover the basic mechanics of labor and delivery as well as your pain management options. This class will cover additional aspects of labor and delivery such as pelvic floor health, breathwork, embodiment, partner support, other comfort measures and can be customized to your unique family- for example, exploring the needs and nuance of surrogacy and adoption. Classes can speak directly to the experience you are having.
Is this a class for homebirths or hospital births?
Neither and both! This is a class to prepare you for the birth environment and experience you are planning. You will be fully prepared and equipped to give birth in any environment.
What if my birth plan changes or something unexpected happens?
Although each class is designed to prepare you for your desired birth plan, in each class we will also cover the “what-if’s” so you are prepared for any possible outcome. You will be empowered to gracefully traverse any direction that your birth takes, knowing your options, how to ask the right questions and fully trusting that you are in charge of your body every step of the way. This class will give you those skills and tools.
class investment per couple:
$300
One-on-one classes are subject to my availability, and group classes will be held bi-monthly. Both will take place in my cozy space in the 5th Street Marketplace.
scroll to the bottom of the page to take the next steps in joining a class
Birth is not just physical; it’s emotional, mental, and spiritual. It’s a breaking open, a transformative surrender that asks everything of us.
Britta Bushnell, PhD
I’m in, what’s next?
Use this form to request information for customized virtual or one-on-one classes, or get information for our next in-person group class in Eugene.