Childbirth Classes
First-Time Parent Class | Refresher Class | How to Plan Your VBAC  | Special Workshops | Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our Childbirth Education page!

2009-2010 Childbirth Education Classes for First-Time Parents

Registration Fee: $25, Program Fee: $200 (Call for information on our Sliding Scale)  

The first 3 weeks of our series focuses on "normally-unfolding" or physiologic birth; the next two weeks cover complicated labors, including cesarean birth; the next two look at postpartum, the baby, and breastfeeding; and finally we have a class with "demo families", new parents who have taken our classes and come back with their babies to share their experiences.

Topics included are: Normal Labor and Birth Progress, Comfort Measures Overview, Breathing and Positions for Labor and Birth, Birth and Baby Plans, Your Labor and Birth Tool Kit, Your Labor and Birth Tool Kit, Complications with Baby, Cesarean Birth, Postpartum: The Fourth Trimester, Breastfeeding, Birth, Baby, and Postpartum Plan Review, "Demo" Parents and Babies.

Please call or send us an e-mail message for a registration packet.

Tuesdays, 6:45-9:15pm
July 13 - August 31
September 7 - October 26
November 2 - December 21

Wednesdays, 6:45-9:15
July 28 - September 15

Saturdays, 2:30-5:00 pm
October 2 - Nov 20, 2010

If you have questions or would like to register, please call the office at 812-337-8121. 

Refresher Class

Cost: $60; Private Class: $120. 
Upcoming 2010 Classes:
September 25 1-4pm

Not having your first, but still wanting some up-to-date information to help you prepare for birth and the aftermath? Consider taking this class. We offer it throughout the year, covering four basic topics: planning a birth when it’s not your first; comfort measures for labor & birth; how to prepare older child/children for the new baby; breastfeeding this time around. This class meets for a three-hour block once, usually on a weeknight evening or perhaps on a weekend afternoon.

Please call (812-337-8121) for a registration packet or e-mail us your mailng address at info@bloomingtonbirth.org. We are always willing to work with you and your particular needs, so if we are not scheduling a Refresher class at a convenient time for you, please let us know. Our educators offer private classes or you may choose to take selected classes in the 8-week Childbirth Education for First-Time Parents series instead. Contact us for more information about these options.

How to Plan for Your VBAC

Cost: $60, Private Class: $120

Upcoming 2010 Classes:
Wednesday, August 25, 6:30-8:30
Sunday, November 14, 2-4pm

In this class, we focus on how to wriate a birth plan for a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean, including what different caregivers require for VBAC, what to expect if you are planning a birth in a hospital, birth center, or home VBAC, and what VBAC labor can be like. We'll also cover, as time permits and participants are interested, comfort measures and other strategies, but that is not the main intention of the class. 

This class is open to any woman who has had a Cesarean section and wants more information - whether you are thinking about becoming pregnant again or when you are closer to your due date. Please note that this is NOT a substitute for the BABS Refresher Course (see description above). 

Please contact the office (812-337-8121) for a Refresher Packet.

Special Workshops


Comfort Measures Practice 
Saturday,  July 31: 2:30-4pm
This is a class that covers various techniques that will assist in providing comfort during labor and birth. Topics include positions, breathing, and visualization for relaxation. You will also learn and practice some massage. Free to those who have been in BABS CBE in the last year. Otherwise $5/one person or $8/two people.

"Relexation for Birth & Pregnancy"
Two Day Workshop
Led by Kathryn Beck, Chilbirth Educator, Relxation Specialist & Reiki Master Teacher
Cost: $50
Upcoming Class: TBA
Join relaxation specialist, childbirth educator and Reiki teacher Kathryn Beck for a two part workshops series, relaxation for pregnancy and birth. Each class lasts 2 hours and meets in the small group room at BABS. Class will run 2 consecutive evenings. This class is suitable for first time moms as well as second and beyond moms, partners welcome to attend.

Pre-Registration required: e-mail Amy@bloomingtonbirth.org for more information.