Childbirth Education
A message from Cari…
“Can’t I learn this stuff online?” … “I’ve hired a doula, is that enough?” … “I know birth is unpredictable, isn’t it better to just do what the hospital tells me?”
“Do I even need to take a childbirth class?”
Almost every family I work with asks these questions. Deciding whether or not to take a class is a personal decision, and while I can’t answer it for you, what I can tell you is that an evidence-based, comprehensive, childbirth class can:
Relieve anxiety and reduce fear
Provide you with mentorship, community, and guidance
Explore options for evidence-based care, comfort measures, and advocacy in your birth space
And so much more!
Which Class Is Right For You?
The Ice Journey
Small group, weekend workshop featuring a realistic labor simulation
Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Class
Small group, in-person and virtual, 4 - 6 week series
Private Classes
In-person or virtual, customized to your specific needs
The Ice Journey
The Ice Journey - Childbirth Education Weekend Workshop is a comprehensive, evidence-based, fully immersive workshop that is so much more than just a childbirth education class.
The workshop includes:
Overview of Labor & Birth Physiology and what to expect
Birth Planning
Comfort Measures and Pain Management Techniques
Positions and Stretches for before and during birth
Guided meditation & conscious relaxation
Strategies for pain management
Preparing for the unexpected - how to cope when plans change
Understanding Interventions including cesareans, assisted deliveries, medications, and more
Thoughtful discussion and reflection throughout the workshop
The highlight is a realistic labor simulation facilitated by Cari, using ice and guided prompts to walk you through the emotional and physical challenges presented by birth!
Originally developed by Patti Ramos over the course of several decades, I have updated and expanded the class to suit today’s expectant families.
Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class
The Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class is a live and/or virtual class series aimed at expectant families that are looking for a comprehensive group class that dives deep to prepare you for all the unknowns around birth.
The EBB Class Series Includes:
Mentorship from an experienced Evidence Based Birth® Instructor
Four or Six live classes (virtual and in-person options) with your EBB Instructor, Cari, and classmates to prepare for the labor process and practice your labor skills
Online videos for you and your partner(s) to watch together (with closed captions in English and Spanish!)
In-depth workbook in physical or digital format
Access to the extensive virtual library of information from EBB®
BONUS: Breastfeeding/chestfeeding and newborn care videos
BONUS: Earn points throughout the class to get prizes at the end!
Private Childbirth Classes
Custom tailored information to suit your needs and your schedule. Taught virtually or in-person in your home or our classroom
A private class is an ideal choice for families that don't have time for a more traditional class, as a refresher class for experienced parents, those who have specific concerns or questions that might not be covered in a traditional class, or those who prefer to avoid group settings. This is also a great option for including older siblings, especially if they will be present for the birth!
Our 3-hour private childbirth education class is tailored to your specific needs, questions, and concerns and is taught in your home, our classroom in University Place, WA or over Zoom.
This class covers all the essentials of how labor works along with common interventions (including cesareans) as well as positions, coping tools, and pain management techniques and provides plenty of opportunity to dive deep into any areas you are interested in.
FAQs
Can’t I just educate myself online using YouTube or TikTok?
Unfortunate much of the information you find online about pregnancy and birth is inaccurate! The benefit of our classes is that we curate all of the best, evidence-based information for you. What’s more, you can ask your instructor questions any time– meaning you’ll have someone to mentor you through the entire process!
I heard that taking a childbirth class is a waste of time.
Sadly, there are a lot of poor-quality classes out there, which have given childbirth education a bad reputation in recent years. Our classes are comprehensive, evidence-based, and engaging! The end result is a class that is motivating and fun to participate in. You will learn more than you could ever imagine!
What makes the EBB Childbirth Class so different?
For starters, we talk about the real issues affecting childbirth today. We do not shy away from addressing the issues caused by patriarchy, institutional racism, or lack of inclusivity in our systems today. We are not perfect, but we attempt to uncover the issues in a relaxing way and, when approached with an open mind, we find and discuss real life solutions to affect change for your birth
Shouldn’t I just let the doctors and nurses tell me what to do?
Routine practices in some hospitals are still about 15 to 20 years behind the current research, and there is a lot of pressure to conform to policies that might not be in your best interests. We will equip you with current, evidence-based info and also teach you and your partner(s) how to be your own advocate—how to respectfully speak up for yourself, your partner, and your child. This is a skill you can use for the rest of your life!
When should I take a childbirth class?
We recommend taking a class in the early part of your third trimester. The EBB class series is between 4 - 6 weeks long and ideally should be completed by the time you are 36 weeks. This gives you plenty of time to practice what you’ve learned and explore your options.
What makes the Ice Journey such a special experience?
The Ice Journey is a wholly unique experience. Both the birthing person and their partner will walk away with a fundamental understanding on the physical and mental challenges of birth and tons of coping techniques and strategies to get your through it. There is an emphasis on your relationship with your partner and how to bring the love that brought you onto this journey into the birth space.
What will I learn that could be of use to me?
Our students are most excited to learn about the entire toolkit of comfort measures for labor. We cover pain management techniques like massage, water immersion, upright birthing positions, acupressure, music therapy, and deep breathing, just to name a few. Then you get hands-on practice in our Comfort Measures Rehearsal. When labor starts, you and your support team will be ready!
How many spots are available for each class?
The Ice Journey Childbirth Workshop usually has between 2 - 4 couples participating in each class.
Each EBB cohort is limited to 6 birthing people and their support person.
Private classes are taught one-on-one.
The small class sizes allow for more connection and ensures every student receives the maximum benefit from the class.
Are there any scholarships or coupons?
We have a limited number of partial and full scholarships available for clients with financial hardships throughout the year. Please email Cari at hello@cariaida.com if you would like to inquire about a discount code.
Additionally, Cari and The Dedicated Doula Team’s doula clients always receive a discount!