Coping & Comfort for Birth

Available Online & In-Person

Please select either an IN-PERSON OR a VIRTUAL online class. If you would like to attend both, you would need to register for both classes. Price includes a support person.

Description

Coping & Comfort for Birth is a supplementary, low‑intervention childbirth preparation class designed for parents who want an engaging, hands‑on learning experience. This course is offered in‑person or virtually. You may choose either a one‑time 4.5‑hour class or a two‑part evening series.

This class helps expectant mothers and their support person learn and practice a wide range of comfort techniques, coping skills, and relaxation/breathing/meditative exercises. Additional materials and your class link (for virtual sessions) will be sent via email. You may also be asked to gather simple household items for class activities. All sessions are taught by experienced RN Childbirth Educators.

Expecting mothers are encouraged to bring a support person, but it is not required. For virtual classes, please ensure you have a computer or phone with audio and video capability.

Please note

This course is educational only and should not replace guidance from your Healthcare Provider. Please contact your provider with any questions about your pregnancy or upcoming birth.

Course Topics Include

Understanding basic labor and birth physiology
Practicing a variety of coping and comfort measures
Learning when to go to the hospital
Participating in multiple guided relaxation meditations
Creating birth preferences with your partner
Applying your new skills in a Birth Rehearsal

How is Hypnosis for birth different?

This class includes activities and techniques also in the Hypnosis for Birth. Hypnosis for Birth includes additional deep relaxation techniques, recordings, and self-hypnosis that are not included in this class.

How is 6 week childbirth series different?

This class is a course focused on coping and comfort skills for those planning a low-intervention birth. The 6-week childbirth preparation has more details and videos for birth preparation with a condensed amount of coping and comfort skills. There is some overlap. Coping and Comfort has more hands-on activities and body support.

When is a good time to start?

It is recommended to start this class at about 7 months' gestation or after. Many women enjoy practicing the skills they learn in this class over time, before going into labor.

Does it include breastfeeding instructions?

This class does not include breastfeeding instruction. This would be a good class to take in addition to this series.

Can I switch between in-person and virtual?

No. The in-person classes are only instructed in-person, and the virtual classes are only taught online, with a live instructor. You will need to choose a virtual class to attend online with a live instructor. Sometimes a hospital is required to cancel an in-person class and in this case, you will be invited to attend virtually.