Complete Childbirth Preparation Course
- Complete childbirth preparation course including Breastfeeding Basics in One Intensive Weekend (Sat/Sun) or two consecitive Sundays
- Hospital-approved accreditation organization (International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA))
- Thorough education in an Independent format as recommended by leading childbirth advocates
- Designed for first-time parents and those dissatisfied with a previous childbirth education experience
- Course Outline
PHILOSOPHY:
"Freedom of choice based on knowledge of alternatives in family-centered maternity and newborn care." (ICEA) Which means: expect a very thorough, informative, evidence-based course AND to feel respected regarding your decisions, whether they involve pharmacological assistance or not. I want you to have the best birth you can have and that looks different for every woman.
The Better Birth Course is an Independent, out-of-hospital, course which are now routinely being recommended by childbirth authors and advocates such as Sheila Kitzinger and Penny Simpkin for their freedom to give unbiased, evidence-based education and information.
The Better Birth Course emphasizes:
- the many things within your control (used to be passed down woman to woman) you should be doing prenatally and during labor to increase the likelihood of a smooth birth
- the partner's role. The partner's challenges and responsibilities are clearly explained and helpful "cheat sheets" given to help during labor. Those planning a low-intervention birth in a hospital setting truly need an active, prepared partner. Partners love this course.
- instinctual birthing, the way women have birthed since the beginning of our species and the way most unmedicated women still give birth (as opposed to method birthing using patterned breathing or hypnotic scripts).
TESTIMONIALS:
"We ended up in Sheryl's class after searching the internet because the courses at our hospital were already full. We weren't sure just how "out there" this independent course would be, so we were happily surprised that Sheryl's course was actually very balanced. We both feel so much more confident and prepared for whichever way we decide to birth." - Nikki and Jeff, Durham
"Sheryl Mika's childbirth class is a rush of inspiration. As she carefully disassembles the wires and gadgetry of the conventional medical approach to labor and birth, students are left with a more intimate idea of their own capabilities. Fear transforms to joyful anticipation..." - Amy and Joaquin, Chapel Hill
"We entered the class feeling relatively uninformed and fearful. Although some of the information we gathered prior to class came from recommended readings, the bulk of our preconceptions were from the stories shared from others who had gone through the birthing process (often containing traumatic content). We left Sunday feeling relieved - we now have a more thorough knowledge-base as well as appreciation for the beauty of the birth process. We now find ourselves preparing for childbirth with excitement and anticipation! Thank you, Sheryl!" - Faye and David, Chapel Hill
"We found Sheryl's weekend birthing class to be thoroughly informative and interesting. We loved the small size and how interactive it was. Sheryl has a huge amount of knowledge about and passion for the birth process. We wanted a class that would encourage and assist us in our goal of having a natural childbirth for our daughter without being militant about it, and this class surpassed our expectations." - Emma and Christopher, Burlington