Welcome to Lamaze Healthy Birth Class

When both you and your partner are new to this, it’s hard to know where to start and overwhelm can quickly turn to fear as you start to enter the unknown. My virtual birth class is no boring, run-of-the-mill class series. You will be engaged and inspired with the practical nature of subjects discussed and quickly be on your way to replacing that fear and overwhelm with knowledge and confidence

Now, no matter where you are located, I will be sharing the empowering knowledge of Lamaze to partners everywhere in the comfort of your own home. You and your partner will enjoy lively online sessions with me,  Brenda Kirkpatrick, your instructor, labor partner, and Lamaze certified childbirth educator. Below you can dig deeper into what each class offers and thoughtfully decide which classes and/or packages best suit you and your needs. 

I can’t wait to meet you, I know you’re going to LOVE it!

 
 
lamaze certified childbirth educator logo

Individual Classes

Take a deep dive into what each Individual Class offers.
Click on your class of interest below to learn more and register!

testimonial from busy couple who took online child birth classes

Pregnancy & Childbirth
Part 1:

 
lamaze class in session

A little chemistry, anatomy, physiology, pelvis curriculum to show you how things work and fit and then describe what early labor looks and feels (like how to ignore the unimportant stuff that just tires you out!), through active labor (Now you can pay attention!), transition and birth. 

What makes birth work – and what breaks it – You can do this! 
You just need a little GPS system – and we’ll show you how to read it! 
Pregnancy discomforts and some practical remedies. 

How to find reliable resources on the pregnancy/birth topics that mean the most to you with evidence based research.

This class introduction is full of great information, presented in a fun and relaxing way – that will inspire you and your labor support partner.

Pregnancy & Childbirth
Part 2:

 
birth and postpartum lamaze class women laying on yoga balls

P.A.I.N. is not a “four-letter word”; it’s a messenger and it can be used effectively for your baby to tell you what he or she needs you to do, to facilitate descent and exit!

Induction Seduction! We’ll talk about some hospital procedures in case you need medical help, with enough detail enabling you to communicate respectfully and knowledgeably with your birth team.

Signs & Stages of Labor are described, helping you know the difference between just warming up and The Real Deal! 

Birth Plan A, B and C

Prepare yourself and your partner for a more positive postpartum period

Learn ways to ensure that you can be as rested as possible, taking the necessary time and placing healthy parameters around your nest so that you are protected as a new mommy, the nurturer needs nurturing too – and how to teach your visitors to really help out and not hang out.

Natural Comfort Measures

certified doula practices comfort measures with couple in labor

A full 3-hour, hands on demonstration of ways to help you be an active participant in your birth. 

BREATHE and birth through pain. It takes practice! Learn all the techniques.

You will learn & practice positive internal practices to help you prepare mentally for birth, positions that help birth be more effective and less painful; your partner will learn massage techniques, pressure techniques, how and when to use cold, heat, water, FOOD and drink to keep your marathon of birth progressing normally. 

You’ll also receive an entire series of video shorts to help you understand how & why these techniques work. Follow the instructor and practice the poses!

These techniques are helpful whether or not you plan on using pain medications, or no matter if you’re at home or in the hospital.

Successful Breastfeeding

Postpartum doula helps dad with newborn

This is another 3-hour session to inspire you that you can FEED the baby you GREW ;-) It does take a village to help you out – making your nest calm and comfy – feeding and nursing YOU so that you can do the same for your tiny babe.

We teach your partner and anyone else who may be supporting you at home during the first few days/weeks how breastfeeding works – and what breaks it – so that you’re more likely to be flourishing as a new feeder!

We teach you ways to keep babies from needing to cry without cause, ways to get more sleep and make abundant milk and teach your partner about their important role – and it has little to do with offering a bottle – all parents are nurturers – they just have different tools, but it’s just as valuable if they know how to use them!

 

Newborn Care, Calming & Massage

 
postpartum doula smiles with newborn and happy mom and dad

postpartum doula smiles with newborn and happy mom and dad

They don't come with instruction manuals, but we'll help you navigate through those first few weeks with ease and understanding.

Newborn appearance, characteristics, what they can see and do from birth onward.

Learn to differentiate between hunger cries, discomfort cries, and those simply signaling a need for connection, equipping you to confidently respond to your baby's needs. Then you’ll learn about keeping babies happy during their Fourth Trimester, being able to activate their tiny calming reflexes so that there is less crying, more sleeping and more smiling!

Using doll models, learn the basics of baby care including bathing, diapering, umbilical cord and intact/circumcision care, colic holds and how to comfort a crying infant with swaddling and soothing techniques. We discuss common newborn health concerns, SIDS prevention, signs of illness, how to take a temperature, and when to call the pediatrician.


How will your baby adjust to life outside the womb?

How will you adjust to life with your baby?

We close with learning an 8-minute massage routine that makes a nice ‘end of day’ habit – easy enough to teach grandparents and care-givers. It increases baby’s ability to eat and digest food, gain weight and sleep sounder. It also calms the giver of the massage – so it’s a nice daddy duty. Bigger hands are sometimes a nice thing ;-)

This fun, confidence-boosting class is full of critical concepts and hands-on practice you’ll put into practice as you welcome your new baby home!

Everyone leaves this class excited to swaddle, soothe and care for their babies!

Newborn Sleep

Join us for a fascinating exploration of Newborn Sleep and its Evolution in the First 16 Weeks.

This class is your map to navigating the wondrous (and sometimes perplexing) world of your baby's slumber. Forget about counting sheep and lullaby playlists; we'll delve into the science and development of infant sleep, understanding its rhythms, patterns, and changes you can expect during those first crucial months.

  • Newborn Sleep Essentials: Demystifying sleep cycles, understanding feeding and sleep connections, and exploring soothing techniques.

  • From Burps to Bedtime: Tracking your baby's sleep patterns, establishing routines, and creating a calming bedtime environment.

  • The Nighttime Transformation: Witnessing the shift from day-night confusion to consolidated sleep periods, and learning gentle sleep training methods.

  • Common Challenges and Solutions: Addressing night wakings, feeding cues, developmental leaps, and soothing fussy evenings.

  • Your Well-being Matters: Prioritizing parental sleep hygiene, coping with exhaustion, and creating a support network for thriving through the early weeks.

This class is not just about getting your baby to sleep (although that's certainly a bonus!). It's about:

  • Understanding your baby's unique sleep needs.

  • Building a foundation for healthy sleep habits.

  • Empowering yourself with knowledge and confidence.

  • Finding joy and connection in the process, even on tired mornings.

Join us for a supportive and informative journey where you'll leave equipped with essential tools, insightful resources, and a newfound appreciation for the beauty and wonder of your little one's sleep journey.

This class is ideal for the first 4 months of baby’s night life!

 

What happens after registration?

Check your email (including promotions folder) for your registration confirmation.

Choose your selection of class(es) and accept the quote

An invoice is automatically generated.

If you are taking the pre-recorded classes, they will be sent to you one by one.
If you are taking the LIVE, instructor lead sessions, you will be able to schedule your sessions via a link in the registration form or join in our in person classroom in the Portland, Oregon vicinity.

 

You’ll get a calendar invite to your Virtual class.

You will receive a bit of pre-class prep work (videos, downloads, etc) and then delve into each subject, step-by-step.

Check your email daily. If you want the class materials and homework to go to your labor support partner, provide their email and I’ll add them into the loop!

Pricing & Packages


CLICK HERE to learn how registration works!

The Works:
(Save $50 with this package!)

Classes 1-6
#1 - Pregnancy & Labor
#2 - Birth & Postpartum
#3 - Comfort Measures
#4 - Breastfeeding
#5 - Newborn Care
#6 - Newborn Sleep (new!)

$530 Instructor-Lead/
$430 Pre-Recorded

newborn wrapped up with feet showing

Pregnancy Trio:
(Save $ with this package)

Classes 1-3
#1 - Pregnancy & Labor
#2 - Birth & Postpartum
#3 - Comfort Measures

$265 Instructor-Lead/
$225 Pre-Recorded

Individual Classes:

Try out one at a time or mix and match.

Each class session is designed to cover each topic thoroughly.

Instructor-lead Classes - $95
Pre-Recorded - $70