What do labor and birth look like?

Discover the tools you need to approach birth, postpartum, and your new baby confidently, in a way that’s meaningful to you. The classes I offer are grounded in the anatomy and physiology of birthing and the near postpartum, understanding options, and the value of creating community. Whether you are solo or partnered, located in the Missoula area or beyond, please be in touch to chat about your needs.

All classes are live, interactive, conversational, and based in Missoula. In-person/hybrid options are expanding in 2023. Online makes learning available to you where you are – outside the area, away for travel or work, or needing to connect from your own space at the end of the day. Current offerings include Birth Essentials 6-week comprehensive series; Lactation and feeding workshop; Seasoned parents refresher. I also offer private sessions tailored to fit your needs and schedule.

2023 Birth Essentials -  childbirth preparation series

Birth Essentials is a comprehensive 6 week series. Each week, we explore the emotional and physical challenges of labor and birth, postpartum recovery, and early life as a new family. Whether online or in person, we create intentional space for community. Every class, we practice relaxation, movement, communication and coping techniques that promote active birth and postpartum healing, conscious decision-making, and ease your transition to life after the birth. Series investment $200 (includes your birth partner/companion + all class materials), sliding scale & limited scholarships available. Be in touch for information/registration!

We cover: anatomy & physiology of birth and postpartum - sensations of labor & birth & what to expect - understanding pain & coping - partner roles - movement & relaxation techniques - variations, communication & decision-making - early postpartum recovery & needs - getting to know your newborn

2023 Winter Series [complete] – Wednesday evenings, beginning January 25, 6:00-8:30 pm. Session dates 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1.

2023 Late Winter Series [complete] – Thursday evenings, beginning March 2, 6:00-8:30 pm. Session dates 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/30, 4/6, 4/13 (no meeting 3/23).

2023 Spring Series [in progress] – Wednesday evenings, beginning April 19, 6:00-8:30 pm. Session dates 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24.

2022 Summer Series [registration open; in person/remote option] – Wednesday evenings, beginning July 12, 6:00-8:30 pm. Session dates 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9, 8/16.

2022 Fall Series [registration open; in person/remote option] – Wednesday evenings, beginning September 13, 6:00-8:30 pm. Session dates 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11,10/18.

2022 Late Fall Series [registration open; in person/remote option] – Wednesday evenings, beginning November 1, 6:00-8:30 pm. Session dates 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13 (no meeting 11/22).

Simply fill out the form below for more information or registration – I’ll be in touch soon to answer any questions you have. Shorter refresher courses, special topics, and private/personalized sessions are also available.

Philosophy

Reproductive health education has always been part of my life – crawling around in my mom’s educational materials and books taught me to read. I’ve taught about physiology, development, and the natural world to preschool through university learners. Knowledge is for sharing, not gatekeeping, and my passion is engaging with conversation and stories. As a birth & perinatal educator, I’ve trained or certified with many organizations (including ICEA, Evidence-Based Birth, DONA, BADT, PSI, and TALPP). Respect for autonomy, consent, shared decision-making, honest information, evidence based best practices, the transformative power of birth, and the wellbeing of birthing people and families form the basis of my practice and teaching.