Lamaze with LindaFrequently Asked Questions
By the end of our time together, you should:
- ·Be able to effectively communicate your birth preferences to providers and hospital staff
- ·Understand the basic anatomy of birth
- ·Correctly identify the behavioral/emotional characteristics of each stage of labor
- ·Know how to time contractions accurately
- ·Be familiar with different labor interventions
- ·Know the benefits of moving around during labor
- ·Know how to use nonmedical coping methods
- ·Be able to practice helpful labor positions
- ·Feel prepared with a birth plan that you have created
Of course, your tuition pays for the Lamaze instruction. Also included in the class fee is the option to contact me to get my advice or opinion on birth-related issues, a complementary gift package at the completion of classes, and access to my list of resources. For group classes, we plan a “class reunion” to take place one month after the last baby is born!
I'm happy to customize the curriculum to suit each family's particular needs. For example, if you have an older child, you probably won't need a lot of information about newborn care.
Classes consist of four two-to-three-hour sessions that can be held once a week or twice a week as preferred. A weekend format is also available with classes on weekend afternoons. Private classes in the home can be scheduled at your convenience either as a one-and-done six-hour day or two-day split session.
Classes typically begin with a Q&A session, review of the previous class material, learning/practicing relaxation, massage, and comfort techniques for late pregnancy and labor. There's typically a break around midway. During each session, there may be role play or practice, and there will be homework!
Class size is restricted to no more than six couples, though usually it's fewer.
Most people join a class in the third trimester, around 30-32 weeks.
Class fees are paid upfront via PayPal, Zelle, or credit card. In case of an unexpected situation where the baby is born before classes are completed or a pregnancy loss, tuition is partly or completely refunded.
Some companies, including UPMC and AHN, will reimburse at least part of the cost of childbirth education. Check with your provider.
I offer a special 2-hour class via Zoom or in-person where we can focus on the specific information you need to be well-prepared and well-informed for surgical birth. For example, we can skip a lot of the labor coping information and instead focus on cesarean preparation and recovery.
- ·An overview of the process before, during, and after cesarean birth (both for you, and for your baby)
- ·Options for a family-centered cesarean that may be available at your hospital
- ·The role of your partner and/or support person during a c-section
- ·Effective communication and advocacy with your care providers
- ·Strategies for relaxation and calming anxiety that you can use before and during your birth
- ·Special considerations for breastfeeding after a cesarean birth
- ·Tips and tricks for making your home recovery-friendly in the days following birth
- ·Helpful postpartum healing tips for cesarean recovery
I encourage you to book a free 30-minute phone consultation before signing up for a class. That way we can get to know each other a bit and discuss options before you commit. Once we've had a chance to get acquainted, you can either book a private class over the phone with me or sign up for the group sessions of your choice.
Still have questions? Claim your free 30-minute consultation and I'll answer them personally.
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