Childbirth Education Classes
In-person in Tacoma, WA, or virtual from anywhere!
This small group weekend workshop dives deep into tools and strategies to confidently navigate childbirth and nourish your relationship in the process.
Topics include:
Overview of Labor & Birth Physiology
Birth Planning
Comfort Measures and Pain Management Techniques
Best positions for laboring & giving birth
Realistic Labor Simulation
Cesarean & VBAC
Strategies for if things don’t go as planned
Thoughtful discussion and reflection
And More!
The Ice Journey - Coming Soon
Small-Group, Weekend Childbirth Workshop
3-Hour Private Childbirth Class
A 3-hour private childbirth education class tailored to your specific needs, questions, and concerns taught in your home 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.
An ideal choice for families that don't have time for a more traditional class, as a refresher class for experienced parents, or those who prefer to avoid group settings.
“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 has these questions in their head. 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!
Cari is a licensed Evidence Based Birth Instructor and has been a doula and childbirth educator for over a decade.
A message from Cari
What’s included in an EBB Childbirth Class?
Mentorship from an experienced Evidence Based Birth® Instructor
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 + one optional “reunion” meeting after all the babies have arrived
Five weeks of 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!
Can’t I just educate myself online using Google and YouTube?
It’s unfortunate but much of the information you find online about pregnancy and birth is inaccurate! The benefit of the Evidence Based Birth® class is that we curate all of the best, evidence-based information for you. What’s more, you can ask your experienced Evidence Based Birth® Instructor questions any time– meaning you’ll have someone to mentor you through the process!
I heard that taking a childbirth class is a waste of time.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of poor-quality classes out there, which have given childbirth education a bad reputation. The founder of Evidence Based Birth®, Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN, is a former college prof who knows how to make classes exciting for teens and adults. The end result is a class that is motivating and SO much 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 research, and there is a lot of pressure to conform to traditions that might not be in your best interests. We will 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!
What will I learn in this class 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 does the EBB Instructor mentor us?
Cari is there to provide you with guidance after you watch the course videos each week. She will lead your class in discussion and answer all questions she can. If she doesn’t know the answer, since this is a series class, she will let you know and strive to find an answer by utilizing their resources and the connected EBB community. She is your touchstone throughout the class and beyond!
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have more questions?
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please feel free to reach out! We’re happy to help!
How many spots are available for each class?
Each cohort is limited to 6 birthing people and their support person. The small class size allows 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 discounted tickets 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’s doula clients always receive a discount!
When should I take a childbirth class?
We recommend taking a class in the early part of your third trimester. The class is 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.