A Better Birth - Childbirth Refresher Course

This class is designed for experienced parents who have taken childbirth preparation classes in the past, and would like to take a refresher course.

It is an interactive class, where parents are encouraged to share the story of their prior birth(s), discuss what they hope will happen again, and what they would like to change this time around.

You may also be interested in our Working With Labor Pain >> and in Sibling Preparation >> for your older child.

Register now >>

Class Topics

Class discussion focuses on the issues most important to class participants.

Topics typically include:

• a refresher of the stages of labor, and the ways in which a typical labor process is different for women who have given birth before than for first time mothers
• updates on hospital procedures, or learning what to expect at a birth center or home birth
• re-examination of pain medication options
• information about how to advocate for your own needs within the medical setting
• exploration of effective methods for labor support and comfort techniques for coping with labor pain, with time for hands-on practice
• VBAC – vaginal birth after cesarean
• breastfeeding and sibling issues

Logistics

Class is three hours long. Class size is limited to 9 pairs (fee covers an expectant mom plus a support person). We ask that you leave your children with a babysitter to allow focus on class discussion.

The class is held monthly at the Parent Trust classroom in the Rainier neighborhood of Seattle. For dates, see our online registration system >> or call (206) 789-0883

Our Instructor

The class is taught by Janelle Durham, Great Starts’ Trainer. She is a social worker, a doula, a lactation educator, and a childbirth educator (certified with ICEA and Lamaze), with years of experience facilitating a variety of groups. She uses a variety of teaching techniques to help students understand and integrate what they learn.