Currently, I'm offering exclusively private birth classes, not group classes. If you want group class pricing, I'll honor it and schedule a group class series if you can round up a total of 3 expectant mommas (their birth support people come along free) to pay the group class fee along with you. You'll have a fun class series with your friends!
I teach the full range of evidence based options for students, whether they are planning a hospital birth, birth center birth, or homebirth. I help students whether they are planning an unmedicated birth, whether they want an epidural, or whether a cesarean is needed. This class is ideal for moms who are 24 weeks along or further, and their birth partner(s).
4 classes, each 6:00-9:00 pm. Reserve your spot now by pre-paying, because there's a limit of 6 couples per class in order to have the best learning environment. Contact me to verify availability for your desired month of class. $100/pair if pre-paid by one week prior to the first class of the series by cash, check, or PayPal, or $115/pair at the door. $3 fee if you pay by PayPal. Your birth support person is welcome to attend with you, free of charge (doula, mom, sister, etc). I accept cash, check written to Sarah DeGroff (mailing address is on the printable registration form), PayPal to wellroundedbirthprep (at) gmail (dot) com.
My classes are interactive, fun, and based upon the World Health Organization recommendations for a safer birth. You also get the added benefit of meeting and building a relationship with other local couples whose due dates are near yours.
You will need a "birth ball" for class (especially weeks 1 and 2). This is the same thing as an exercise ball. The ones that are weighted with 2 lb of sand are safest, and cost under $20 at any box store (unless you have a latex allergy--you can order a latex-free ball online). You will learn how to use the birth ball during pregnancy for optimal fetal positioning, for comfort during pregnancy, uses for labor at each stage, and even how to use your birth ball to soothe your baby. Please dress comfortably for class so that we can try different exercises or labor positions.
Class 1: Birth essentials. Informed decision making and rights of the pregnant mother. How normal, physiologic birth works--so you have an understanding of how any intervention will affect birth, and understand why certain positions or actions will help labor progress, while others will hinder. How a doula can assist any birth (unmedicated, epidural, or cesarean), and how having a doula lowers risks for the birth. Stages of labor, including emotional sign posts, so parents can have an idea when to call their doula and when to go to the hospital or birth center or call the midwife in, as well as what to expect. Pushing. Staying low risk (things that help through the rest of pregnancy).
Class 2: Labor positions, pushing positions, full range of coping techniques and comfort methods. These techniques are necessary whether you are working toward a med-free birth or to help you cope until you get an epidural or if the epidural doesn't work. What to pack in hospital bag. Hands-on demonstration of positions, allowing mothers and partners to get ideas of how they can work together, and what a doula can do to help with positioning and comfort. How a birth ball can be used. This is a great class for your labor support people to attend with you.
Class 3: Interventions. What every pregnant woman needs to know about inductions, epidurals, narcotic options, IVs, amniotomy, episiotomy, and cesarean. When they're medically indicated, when they're helpful, when they're not. Benefits and risks. Bag 'O Interventions Show & Tell. Alternatives to each of the above. Ways to reduce risks to mother and baby if interventions are needed and/or wanted. Family-centered cesarean options. How a doula can help you have a better birth with an epidural or cesarean birth.
Class 4: What is Baby-Friendly care? Evidence based recommendations for newborn routines (and what isn't), skin-to-skin (Kangaroo care), the circumcision decision, getting started breastfeeding. Basics of pumping and back-to-work. Bottlefeeding the breastfed baby. Options if supplementing is needed or desired. Normal newborn behavior. Getting the most sleep for everyone. Postpartum recovery for mom. Where to seek more resources and help in our community.
You will be provided an information packet with brochures, birth literature, and resources.
Please click below for the PDF Childbirth Class Registration Sheet for you to fill out and mail to me with your check to pre-register for your group childbirth class. If you prefer, you can email it to me as an attachment (wellroundedbirthprep (at) gmail (dot) com. Please put "(Month) birth class registration" in the subject line so that I know it's not spam.
Click "Buy Now" to pre-pay for your class registration via PayPal.
Babywearing Workshops: Try on slings and baby carriers.
Interactive babywearing workshop for moms, dads, parents-to-be, grandparents, babysitters, nursery workers, or anyone interested in learning the art of babywearing. This is a great tool for getting stuff done while still meeting baby's needs for being held--with your hands free.
Carried babies... * cry less! 43% less overall and 54% less during the evening hours. * are healthier! They gain weight faster, have better motor skills, coordination, increased muscle tone, and sense of balance. * get a better view of the world! Babies pushed in strollers or lugged around in car seats only get to see the adult world at knee-level. * become independent faster! Making them confident and less clingy. * sleep better! They fall asleep quicker and sleep for longer periods of time. * learn more! Not over stimulated, but calm and alert, observing and taking in the world around them. * are happier! They feel loved and secure.
I will have about 15 different slings to demonstrate how to use safely and let you try any of them to see what styles are most suitable for your needs. I'll have slings/carriers that are appropriate from preterm infants, full term infants, toddlers through preschool (35-40 lb).
We will show which slings are safe and how to identify unsafe or recalled baby carriers, which slings and carriers are best for which age/stage/size of baby, and which carriers are suitable for different purposes.
Please feel free to bring your infant/child(ren) with you that you want to try in the slings. If you have a sling or baby carrier that you're not sure how to use, bring it with you and I'll do my best to help you get it adjusted. Try-before-you-buy! I do not sell any slings or baby carriers, nor do I receive commission for any slings or baby carriers.
I will also have a table for buy-sell-or-trade *safe* slings in good condition, if you have any you would like to bring. I don't charge any commission, just place them on the table with your name and your asking price on it.
Cloth Diaper 101 Class
Interested in cloth diapers, but not sure if it's right for you or where to start? Learn about the basics of modern cloth diapers and see examples of different styles and brands.
Here's a list of cloth diapers we'll have on hand for show-and-tell: FuzziBunz all-in-ones, BumGenius all-in-ones, Gerber prefolds, Gerber plastic pants, Tiny Tush contour diapers, Kissaluvs hybrid controur diapers, Flip diaper covers, Thirsties diaper covers (both velcro and snap closures), Happy Heinies one size all-in-one diapers, diaper pins, and Snappis. Please let me know if you have another brand or style of diaper that you can bring to show. I'll be adding to the list as more people tell me they can bring other styles.
I will have a buy-sell-trade table, cash-and-carry, if you would like to bring any new or gently pre-owned cloth diapers or accessories marked with your name and asking price. I don't ask commission on the sales.
Family Physician Essential Oils Class
Would you like the knowledge and tools to:
* treat coughs, colds, flus, earaches, headaches, stomach aches, and more * build your immune system * relieve stress and anxiety and lift your mood * assist in first aid and pain relief * clean the air in your environment?
Join us to learn how to take control of your health! This is the perfect intro class if you are interested in essential oils for family wellness but not sure where to start.
Mood Management with Essential Oils Class
How can doTERRA Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils be used to support the body and brain with anxiety, depression, stress, ADD/ADHD, focus problems, and/or stress management?
Learn how essential oils affect mood, emotions, reduce anxiety and interact with body chemistry and body systems. This class information to help increase understanding and the use of essential oils more effectively. These essential oils can be used on their own, or in conjunction with traditional therapies/treatments, without side effects, risks, or interactions with medications.
Regardless of your level of experience with and personal knowledge of essential oils, this class will benefit all who attend.
Well Rounded Birth Prep Alumni Discount
Have you already taken a Well Rounded Birth Prep group class series or private birth class during a previous pregnancy? Enjoy a discount rate of only $50 to enroll in a Well Rounded Birth Prep group class series.
Military Families, Teen Moms
I offer a payment plan, partial barter, or sliding scale discount for military families and teen moms. For group childbirth classes, pre-registration is still required, and please confirm with me that there is availability in the month in which you wish to register.
Private Classes
I offer private classes in 3-hour time blocks for $150 for the first 3 hour session. If you want to add on more private classes to cover more topics, it's $100 for each 3 hour class after the first. Select as many topics from the list as you would like to cover or ask me to incorporate any other pregnancy, birth or baby topics. This price is covered if you have your private class at Calvary Baptist Academy in Hurricane, WV or if your house is within a 20 minute drive of CBA (one way). If you live 30-60 minute drive for me (one way), I ask $25 travel fee. If you live farther than that and if you can't travel to me, I'm happy to assist you by phone or email consult. These are excellent options for couples who are too close to their due date to complete a group class series or too busy for 4 week series. $50 non-refundable deposit reserves your class time upon scheduling your private class, and the remainder is due by class.
In addition to the topics listed under Group Childbirth Class Series, I offer the following private classes:
newborn care, refresher for 2nd (or more) time mom, weighing VBAC vs. repeat cesarean, weighing vaginal breech birth vs. planned cesarean breech birth, classes for moms on bedrest, breastfeeding, babywearing, baby sign language, family-centered cesareans, adoption and feeding options, induced lactation, SNS, bottlefeeding on cue, natural family planning, placenta encapsulation, multiples (twins, triplets...), and more.
My specialties are normal, physiological birth; positions and coping techniques for unmedicated birth; homebirth; and waterbirth. My goal is not to try to talk you into any particular type of birth, but rather, to help you get all the info you need to be an informed participant in your birth process so you can make educated decisions as to what is best for your situation.
Staff training and guest speaker
Do you need a speaker for your class or group? I've done staff trainings for grant-funded organizations that do prenatal visits and education; I've been a guest speaker for middle school and high school students; I've spoken before large groups of state-level policy-makers and birth advocates. Please contact me for topics and availability. I can customize to your needs.