Better Birth Refresher

Class Overview

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 the ways this birth may play out differently, and explore what they can do to aid labor progress and have a satisfying birth.

If you need help or have questions, call or email Great Starts Registration Monday through Friday, between 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM at:  +206 789 0883, or email us at:
greatstarts@parenttrust.org >>

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.

We ask that you leave your children with a babysitter to allow focus on class discussion.

The class is held in-person and online.

The class is taught by Janelle Durham, MSW, Great Starts’ Professional Trainer. She is a social worker, co-author of Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn as well as author of The Simple Guide to Having a Baby, and several blogs.  She is a birth doula, a lactation educator, and a certified childbirth educator (certified with Great Starts, 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. She has 3 children, and has had 2 successful VBACs.

Additional Information

General Class FAQS >>

Class Locations >>

Great Starts Instructors >>

View or download (pdf) our Great Starts™ Brochure >>

Please see our registration page for price information.


If you need help or have questions, call or email Great Starts Registration Monday through Friday, between 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM at:  +206 789 0883, or email us at: greatstarts@parenttrust.org >