Online Childbirth Classes

This is a great option if you cannot, for whatever reason, get into the full 10-week class. Some people live in a city where there is no Birth Boot Camp instructor. Some people don't find out about Birth Boot Camp until they are 35 weeks into the pregnancy. Your schedules may conflict, making a live class impossible.   If you can, take a live class. 

The online classes are really good, however.  They are professionally recorded and edited, peppered with lots of birth stories from couples who have taken my class.  You'll also hear from birth professionals on a variety of topics.  It's childbirth education -- documentary style!  The online classes are $295.

After you have registered and paid, you will have immediate access to the classes.  Within 1-2 business days, I will mail you your workbook and breastfeeding DVD via Priority Mail.  I am also available for questions at donna@birthbootcamp.com.

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What's in a Name?

It's a tough thing to name a baby.  Their identity is wrapped up in his/her name forever.  The responsibility is huge.  If you missed the post from last week, I've given birth!  Our baby's name is Birth Boot Camp!

A brief recap:  Birth Boot Camp is a 10-week online childbirth education course and we'll also be training instructors to teach live classes.  The curriculum is modern and relevant, no matter where you are planning to give birth.

There have been a lot of questions this week about where the name came from.

First, we wanted a name that let people know this is not a fluffed up class.  It will be hard work and you'll come out stronger on the other side of it. 

Second, we wanted dads to know this class is for them too. Our branding and color schemes were created with him in mind.  He plays a crucial role in the pregnancy, labor, and birth -- even if he doesn't know it yet!

And third, this course is about natural birth.  In fact, after many hours of debate, the Birth Boot Camp Board established the importance of an instructor having had a natural birth in order to teach others how to have a natural birth. 

Rest assured, there are no whistles or push-ups involved, although we did run with the military theme for the names of the classes:

Defining the Mission:  Why Natural Birth?

P.T. & Chow:  Physical Training and Nutrition

Setting Up Camp: Choosing Where to Birth

 Chain of Command:  Who is in Charge of Your Birth?

Countdown to "D" Day

Deployment:  Baby on the Move

Supporting Arms:  Mom's Most Important Ally

Cadence:  The Sights and Sounds of Natural Childbirth

The Fog of War:  Keeping a Clear Head in Labor

The Plan of Attack:  Establishing Your Priorities and Making a Plan

Mission Accomplished!   The Immediate Postpartum Period

Life With a New Recruit

Check out more about the classes here.  While we like to think the names are catchy, there is so much more behind them besides being wickedly clever.  

If you want a natural birth, we will help you get there.  We'll do our part and you do yours!  Welcome to BIRTH BOOT CAMP!

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Children at Birth Class

This is a class offered for children who will be attending a birth of a new brother or sister. Some birth places are happy to allow siblings to attend the birth. This may be something you've never even considered. If so, I encourage you to gather information on the subject.

There are many benefits to allowing, even encouraging, your other children to attend and be a part of the birth. When I was having my 4th baby at home, I wanted my other children to be a part of that experience. We prepared by talking about birth, what contractions are, some of the sounds I would make, and even the facial expressions I might have and why. We watched birth videos where other children were present. It was helpful for them to see how the other children behaved and reacted.

If you are interested in having your children attend your birth, I would recommend that they are at least 4 years old. You will need to have another adult, besides your husband, to be with and support that child.

You are encouraged to attend the class with your child(ren). It will be held in either your home or my home. I will prepare your children the same way I prepared my own. Birth is a wonderful experience for the entire family. It is healthy for our children to grow up believing in this natural process and not fearing it.

Contact me if you are interested and we'll put a class together. donna@birthbootcamp.com.   I charge $25 per family.

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Birth Boot Camp 1-Night Refresher Course

I only teach this class to couples who have given birth previously without medication and need a refresher course. 

This is a popular class. Students will learn several relaxation techniques, dealing with the three types of relaxation: mental, physical, and emotional. Bring 2 pillows per person. I charge $25 per couple to attend the class.  I also have a Birth Boot Camp mini-booklet (22 pages) available to purchase for $15.

I organize this class on an as-need basis. Email me if you are interested: donna@birthbootcamp.com.

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