MotherJourney Classes
*Customized Childbirth Classes
*Nutrition, Exercise and Herbs for Pregnancy
*Aromatherapy for Pregnancy and Labor
What clients had to say:
"My husband and I took Laurel's class early this year and found it to be extremely educational. We were so relaxed going into labor because we had recieved all the information we needed to enjoy our baby's birth. Laurel is an awesome teacher, she is honest and very well educated in childbirth." Sarah, Lakewood.
"She includes so much great information and detail. Not only does Laurel cover all the basic medical aspects of childbirth, but she also includes alternative options and guides you through how to decide which option is best for you and your situation. My husband also felt comfortable in the class and was included in many of the exercises Laurel leads the class through. It was a very moving experience for me and I have recommended this class to all my friends who are expecting." ~Gretchen, Denver
"We asked Laurel to come to our home for private childbirth classes before the birth of our first child and it was wonderful. We received personal attention
in the privacy and comfort of our own home and Laurel designed the class to fit our needs. Not only did she teach us the mechanics of how everything works,
but she gave us insight and practical tips on newborn care that we couldn't have gotten in a class at a hospital. It was so empowering to learn how your body and your baby
work together to give birth and it was beautiful when put into practice. Thanks Laurel!
~BethAnne Gillier, Denver
What Are MotherJourney Childbirth Classes?
*Complete, holistic childbirth preparation that offers couples opportunities and tools to look within themselves and define their needs to make informed and responsible decisions during the childbearing year.
*Acknowledging the mind/body connection, these classes instill confidence and trust in the woman's ability to give birth. We believe there is not any one right way or method to give birth. Each birth is unique to itself. Each couple has their own idea of safety and security.
*Class participants work independantly, as a couple and as a group to discover unknown truths about what they need and want during pregnancy and labor. The discussions, materials, exercises , and up-to-date information facilitate safe and satisfying birth experiences.
What do childbirth classes include?
*Discussion of physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy and birth.
*Exploring how the mind influences the body.
*Hands-on practice of comfort measures, massage techniques and visualization.
*Identifying fears and learning to work with pain.
*Making informed choices about medical procedures, pain relief and alternatives during birth.
*Discussion of previous pregnancy experiences and/or emotional preparation for parenting.
*Information on postpartum, breastfeeding and newborn care.
*Writing a birthplan and choosing a birth team.
Class Outline
Birth Philosophies, Beliefs and Feelings, Nutrition and Exercise
Labor and Birth
Holistic Solutions to Labor Challenges
Role of Pain in Labor, Pain Medications
Comfort Measures, Positioning, Positive Ways to Affect Labor
Postpartum and Breastfeeding
Birth Philosophies, Beliefs and Feelings, Nutrition and Exercise
Explore the dynamics of the principles to positive birthing and how they interact with the physical aspects of birthing. Examine couples beliefs about birth and determine whether or not they will promote positive birthing. Discuss and examine women's nutritional habits. Discuss positive nutrition and the use of herbs in pregnancy and birthing. Discuss Activity vs. Passivity in pregnancy and birth. Give participants exercises to promote flexibility, strength and endurance during the childbearing year.
Labor and Birth
Examine the physical principals as well as the emotional aspects of labor and birth. Discuss the stages of labor, cardinal movements, progress in labor, the passage, when to go to the hospital. Discuss how emotions play into labor catecholamines, stress in labor, endorphins, creating a safe place. Use visualization to give couples a mental image of labor and birth, as well as creating a positive subconscious memory of healthy birth. Discuss ways to encourage labor to begin when necessary and when medical assistance is necessary.
Holistic Solutions to Labor Challenges
Discuss the difference between medical intervention and medical assistance. Inform couples about various medical procedures, what they are, the risks vs. benefits and alternatives to the procedure. Give couples a working dialogue to use with caregivers to determine the appropriateness of medical procedures. Discuss certain labor and birth complications to give couples the framework for when medical procedures are beneficial. Emphasis on the importance of trust in caregivers and having a positive relationship with support people.
The Role of Pain in Birth
Discuss the positive role of pain in labor. Fear-tension-pain cycle, gate control theory. Talk about alternatives to medical pain relief. Give couples information on anesthesia and anesthesia used during labor. Discuss overall risks to mother and fetus from drugs. In depth discussion of epidurals, risks vs. benefits, effects on labor and pushing, effects on the baby. Give couples the framework to decide when medical pain relief is an appropriate and safe decision. Discuss how couples can stay connected and birth with joy if medication is necessary.
Comfort Measures, Positioning and Positive Ways to Affect Labor
Discuss non-pharmacological methods of pain relief. Talk about the way body perceives pain, and how to counteract those pain messages. Discuss what creates pain in labor and how to counteract it. Discuss the five senses of labor. Show couples different positions to use in labor and while pushing. Employ birthing from within techniques for pain relief. Use mini-visualization for relation. Discuss with couples how they can positively affect their labor with attitude, birth bag techniques, herbs and nutritional supplements, and the birth ball.
Postpartum and Breastfeeding
Discuss with couples the physical aspects of the postpartum body. Talk about comfort measures and ways to encourage the body to heal and recover from labor and delivery. Discuss the newborn and issues parents will be facing in the first week with baby. Give couples a basic introduction to breastfeeding. How to get the first latch, positioning, care for nipples and breast tissue, surviving engorgement, bra fitting and pumping.
Private Classes
These classes are designed to meet the needs of each individual family. Private classes generally are offered over
two home visits, three hours long (though can vary according to need). Private lessons cost $60 an hour. Families can share private lessons with up to 2 other couples. Topics vary according to need.
To register email linfinitee@aol.com . Or call (720)291-9115
Refresher Courses
These classes are designed for parents who have had babies before but want to brush up on their knowledge.
Information includes comfort measures for labor, holistic solutions to labor barriers, positioning, visualization,
optimal fetal positioning, the role of pain in labor and postpartum issue for families with more than one child.
Class tuition is based on a customized curriculum designed to meet the family's needs. $60/hour. Private classes only.
To register email linfinitee@aol.com . Or call (720)291-9115
Express and Childbirth Preparation Series
Taught at HealthOne Facilities and Exempla St. Joseph Hospital.
Email Laurel for a list of times and dates. linfinitee@aol.com
Nutrition, Herbs & Exercise for Pregnancy
Come learn about the many ways you can influence your health, emotional preparation and physical well-being
during pregnancy and beyond by simply eating healthy food, moving your body and using medicinal herbs.
Lunchtime lecture, so bring a sack lunch. $20, or with a birthball $50 To register contact Laurel.
Aromatherapy For Pregnancy and Labor
Learn about the benefits of therapeutic essential oils for relief of pregnancy discomfort, aiding relaxation and
improving your health. Lunchtime lecture, so bring a sack lunch. $20. To register contact Laurel.
