Birth Essentials – Comprehensive Preparation
Birth Essentials is a 6-week, in person series. Discover tools for an active birth, conscious decision-making, postpartum healing, and an easier transition to your life after birth. Find real, honest information. Debunk common myths. Understand your options. Get to know how bodies work in birth and how they heal postpartum. Practice coping and relaxation techniques. Build community and meet other expecting parents who get you and know the questions on your mind. Approach the time ahead in a way that’s meaningful to you. Birth Essentials is welcome to all birth intentions, whether you plan a home, birth center, or hospital birth.
In the 6 sessions, we cover: Anatomy of pregnancy and birth and creating openness the pelvis • Understanding emotions, sensations, and coping in birth • What happens in labor • Physical practice of coping strategies • Advocacy, communication, and variations in birth • Postpartum recovery and intro to how newborns see the world. Each class we engage in learning, discussion, movement, practice coping and relaxation techniques, and build community.
PRICING for Birth Essentials 6-week Series $275
Sliding scale opportunities available on a limited basis [be in touch to inquire]
Registration always includes your birth partner and all class materials
Solo parents warmly welcomed, attend solo or with your companion of choice
LOCATION in central Missoula near UM
2026 Upcoming Classes + Registration
2026 Summer & Fall Calendar Coming Soon
Be in touch for registration or more information
2026 WINTER 1 [CLASS FULL] – Six Thursday evenings, beginning January 15, 6:00-8:30 pm. Session dates 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19.
2026 WINTER 2 [CLASS FULL] – Six Wednesday evenings, beginning January 21, 6:00-8:30 pm. Session dates 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25.
2026 SPRING 1 [CLASS FULL] – Six Thursday evenings, beginning March 12, 6:00-8:30 pm. Session dates 3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/16, 4/23 (no class meeting 4/9).
2026 SPRING 2 [In progress] – Wednesday evenings (see note), beginning March 18, 6:00-8:30 pm. Session dates 3/18, 3/25, 4/9, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 (note no class meeting 4/1; class will meet on Thursday 4/9)
2026 SOLSTICE 1 [CLASS FULL – ask about waitlist] – Six Wednesday evenings, beginning May 20, 6:00-8:30 pm. Session dates 5/20, 5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24.
2026 SOLSTICE 2 [Registration Open] – Six Thursday evenings, beginning May 28, 6:00-8:30 pm. Session dates 5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/9 (no class meeting 7/2).
2026 LATE SUMMER [Registration Open] – Six Wednesday evenings, beginning August 26, 6:00-8:30pm. Session dates 8/26, 9/2, 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30.
2026 FALL [Registration Open] – Six Wednesday evenings, beginning October 7, 6:00-8:30pm. Session dates 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11.
Simply fill out the form below for more information or registration info – I’ll be in touch soon with registration links or to answer any questions you have. Shorter refresher courses, special topics, and private/personalized sessions are also available.
ABOUT ME Cerisse Allen, CLC, Full-spectrum doula, CD/PCD(DONA), Educator. Serving families in and around Western Montana since 2014.
cerisse allen - doula 