CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASSES

+ At what point during my pregnancy should I take a childbirth class?

Here are several things to consider: Most people aim to take their classes to be completed no later than 36-37 weeks (or if you're having multiples, 32-33 weeks), often sometime in the 3rd trimester so the info is fresh for the big day. You're welcome to take classes as early or as late as you like (review the refund policy on the bottom of the following page: https://www.birthmattersnyc.com/schedule-registration if the latter). Two reasons you might want to take class earlier: 1) Many students say they wish they'd taken class earlier than the 3rd trimester. Reason? Class helps you develop birth plan/preferences, which is critical toward ensuring you're with the best care provider for you. The later you take class, the harder it is to switch care providers (most care providers won't take a transfer after 28 weeks), if needed. Being with the best care provider for you makes ALL the difference in how birth goes. 2) We provide a good deal of well-curated supplemental reference items/reading (all optional, but recommended), and if you'll want ample time to go over that during and after the series, you may want to take your series earlier. To have the best of both worlds, the most ideal option to consider is to take the live class earlier in pregnancy and to purchase the generously discounted add-on of the online, on-demand (recorded) course (as of early 2021, it’s about a 72% discount as an add-on!) so that you can go back and review selections later in pregnancy as a refresher. You'd have lifetime access with the online course, so it's also a great option for a refresher for any possible future pregnancies. That add-on would be offered in the checkout process for the group class. Also, if you do take class later in pregnancy, we highly recommend taking Lisa's Evidence Based Birth SAVVY BIRTH 101 1-hr virtual workshop. This will help you think through your choice of birth setting and care provider carefully -- decisions that need to be made earlier in pregnancy -- and will help you think strategically about how to receive customized, family-centered, respectful care. You can apply the cost of this workshop toward your birth class, so it ends up being free! The banner at the top of our homepage should have a link to the next workshop being offered.

+ Will my health insurance pay for classes, or can I use pre-tax FSA/HSA funds to cover it?

Some health insurance companies may reimburse for childbirth classes; inquire with your provider. Specifically, ask if they cover out-of-hospital (non-facility-based) classes as some only cover hospital-based classes. We're happy to provide you with a written receipt/superbill that can be submitted to your insurer upon request (this is how most, but not all, insurance providers handle it -- others have a form you need to send us to complete); please ask your insurer what details need to be provided (as policies vary) and then contact Lisa to request the necessary documentation at any time after you've registered for class. The ICD-10/diagnosis codes are usually Z32.2 / Z34.03, but verify this with your insurer. CPT codes that have worked with some insurance companies in the past that you may want to ask about are:

• S9442 - Birthing classes
• S9436 - Childbirth preparation/Lamaze classes
• S9437 - Childbirth refresher classes
• S9439 - VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) classes
• S9438 - Cesarean birth classes
• S9443 - Lactation classes
• S9444 - Parenting classes
• S9445 - Patient education, individual setting
• S9446 - Patient education, group setting
• S9447 - Infant safety (including CPR) classes

If you or your partner has a flexible/health spending account (FSA/HSA), the childbirth portion of class (which is 2/3 of class) should be an eligible expense. Check with your FSA/HSA provider to confirm this. Childbirth classes are not eligible for reimbursement with a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

+ Do birth classes cover infant CPR/safety?

Birth classes do not include infant CPR/safety; these are separate offerings. You can find a few recommendations for good, local options on our [resources][8] page. Some parents choose to take this class before birth, while others prefer to wait until after.

+ What philosophy / method of childbirth class do you teach?

Lisa Taylor is dual-certified as an educator with both the Childbirth Education Association of Metropolitan New York (CEA/MNY) and with Lamaze International. Neither organization teaches a "method" with the thinking that there's no one method that suit all. Instead, Birth Matters classes:

• uphold birth as a normal, healthy physiological process
• seek to provide evidence-based information toward informed, pragmatic, personalized choices in childbirth and early parenting
• help pregnant students recognize their intuitive, instinctive abilities to cope successfully with the challenges of labor in any setting
• incorporate the best aspects of popular methods (e.g. Bradley, Lamaze, Hypnobirthing)
• integrate insights from Lisa’s experience as a doula and from interviewing and/or reading thousands of birth stories
• prepare expectant parents to feel well-prepared for however labor might play out including unmedicated birth or birth with pain medications, but also for other birth scenarios/considerations including common interventions & protocols, complications, assisted/cesarean birth, etc.
• equip expectant parents to discern the difference between necessary and unnecessary medical interventions
• provide strategies to confidently advocate for themselves and make informed choices
• equip partners (if applicable) with practical, actionable strategies to confidently support the pregnant/laboring parent through labor and into parenthood
• aim to deepen and strengthen couples' relationship BEFORE baby comes (for pregnant parents who are in a committed relationship and whose partner will attend class).
• prep expectant parents for postpartum support & wellness, breastfeeding/bodyfeeding & newborn care – all incorporating holistic/natural tips.

+ Does everyone need to take a childbirth class?

A quality class prepares you for childbirth in several important ways that a book or video simply cannot match. Our culture often propagates the myth that childbirth is a medical emergency, rather than presenting positive views on this natural process. It is immensely helpful for expectant parents to seek out teaching that normalizes birth. By becoming well-informed and reframing existing personal perspectives on the birthing process, expectant parents can experience reduced fear and anxiety and will be more likely to have a positive birthing experience. Childbirth classes offer relevant information about local care providers and birth locations that books often miss entirely. In a class, expectant parents have the opportunity to process their feelings, express concerns, and ask questions. A classroom setting also provides an opportunity to develop community with other expectant parents – some of whom may become lifelong family friends.

+ Is childbirth class only for people planning a natural birth?

Childbirth class is for every pregnant parent & their labor support partner (where applicable). The objective is to help expectant parents establish appropriate expectations regarding the spectrum of possible scenarios in labor/birth and to equip them to make informed and intuitive choices along the way, whatever their goals.

+ Do partners come to all the classes?

Yes, labor support partners are encouraged to attend every class, if possible. Partners can provide essential support for labor, breastfeeding/bodyfeeding, and newborn care, and will therefore benefit from every class. In every section of class, Lisa spends time sharing practical tips for partners to be supportive and helpful. "Partner" can mean your significant other, a supportive family member or friend, or a doula.

+ What if one of us has to miss one or more classes?

If a partner has to miss one or more class, it's entirely possible to catch up, as students have online access to a PDF of the class slides. Sometimes one makeup class is also an option in another series (contingent upon capacity). If both of you must miss and no in-person makeup is possible, Lisa can grant limited-time access to her online course as a makeup option. If you need to miss more than one class, you would need to purchase the lifetime-access online course to fill in the missed content at a largely discounted package rate along with the in-person class (which is great for a refresher later in pregnancy or in a future one). Please contact Lisa to coordinate any anticipated absences, since partner presence is more important in certain classes in a series than others.

+ What if we want a group class, but only need the birth content or the post-birth content?

We are always happy to consider prorating a partial series, space permitting. Please contact Lisa with the specific series and classes you're interested in to inquire.

+ What is the difference between your class & the one at the hospital?

The quality of a childbirth class largely depends on two main things: the effectiveness of the instructor and the scope of information provided. Hospital classes are often taught by nurses who might not have extensive childbirth education training. In addition, many hospital-based classes are large, often brief sessions geared toward preparing clients for the routines and procedures at a particular institution, and all too often teach students how to be a "good patient" (with a few exceptions). Birth Matters NYC classes, by contrast, are taught from the consumer-based perspective, are small (up to 14 individuals), cover an extensive array of pain-coping techniques and hands-on practice, and provide information on a wide range of issues, preparing expectant parents to effectively self-advocate and to make informed and intuitive choices in their labors. This contributes to a significantly more fulfilling and empowering birth experience. Because Lisa is an independent childbirth educator, she can offer more personalized teaching, local resources, and guidance than is available in most hospital birth classes. Also, many hospital courses do not include breastfeeding, newborn care, and postpartum wellness in their childbirth education class but offer those subjects a la carte. So, hospital classes (and many independent ones, as well, that are structured like this) can end up costing you more money in the end. Finally, many Birth Matters NYC students have mentioned how thankful they were to take the class in the welcoming, warm environment of Lisa's living room classroom (with couches, candles, food and drink...like a party!) rather than in a clinical, less comfy space.

+ Do you offer private instruction?

Comprehensive (group or online) classes are most highly recommended. However, if you are unable to schedule a group class or prefer an in-person class, private sessions are available on a limited basis. Birth Matters NYC offers in-home classes in NYC's 5 boroughs (travel fee applies) as well as in Lisa's welcoming, comfortable living room classroom in Astoria. See this page for info. Another form of private instruction is our online, on-demand course.

+ What is the best way to contact you?

The best way to reach Lisa is through this contact form.

LABOR SUPPORT DOULA

+ What is a doula?

Short answer: A labor support (birth) doula accompanies individuals/couples in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. Longer answer: Birth doulas provide emotional, physical, strategic, spiritual & informational support (or any kind of support you need, really!). As needed, they will act as a kind of patient advocate, providing communication & advocacy with your clinical care team to make sure that you have the information needed to make informed decisions as they arise in labor for the safest, most respectful, satisfying and healthy birth possible. A doula offers a normalizing, calming presence for you and your partner (if applicable), similar to a field guide or day-of wedding coordinator, helping you feel as calm and confident as possible and not rush to your birth place (i.e. for those eventually planning to transfer to a hospital or birthing center). Doulas make strategic suggestions to help labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning as well as other techniques for your comfort. For couples who have decided it's a good fit for partner to provide support, a doula is there to support both of you (not to replace you, unless you want or need to be replaced!) -- to provide tips, to swap out with as needed, to explain things that might be happening, to help partner also remember to nap, eat, and drink, and more. An independent doula works for you (and your partner, if applicable), not for your caregiver or hospital.

+ What is the benefit of a doula?

Studies show a doula’s presence during labor and delivery produces better birth outcomes. A few of the specific benefits are:

• Reduced anxiety/depression
• Shorter labors
• Fewer pain medication requests
• Lower cesarean section rates
• Increased parenting confidence & birth satisfaction

*Source: Study by Klaus and Kennell, 2002.

+ What is Lisa's philosophy/approach as a doula about supporting expectant parents through labor? Will you speak up for me if needed?

The doula's role is to support the laboring individual or couple unconditionally throughout pregnancy, labor and birth. While a doula is there as your advocate, a doula does not make decisions for their client or expect the client to give birth in any particular way. A doula offers physical, emotional, informational, & patient advocacy support no matter what is happening during the birth and without judgment.

+ What does the fee for a birth doula include?

See details here.

+ Will my insurance or FSA/HSA cover doula services?

While it's uncommon for insurance to cover doula services at this time, we recommend you contact your insurance carrier to see if (or under what circumstances) they cover or reimburse for doula services. Sometimes if someone has a specific medical condition, a letter from your care provider can convince insurance to cover partially or fully if they otherwise don't. We are happy to fill out any paperwork needed by your carrier for coverage and will provide you with an official receipt to submit upon request; please provide us with your insurance's specifications (CPT code, ICD-10/diagnosis code, and any other details they require). IMPORTANT: Some insurance companies will provide a form and may require certain documentation from the doula such as proof of certification and/or proof of liability insurance. Lisa has this but not all doulas do, so as you're interviewing doulas it's a good idea to be sure whomever you want to hire can provide the documentation you need if reimbursement is a priority for you.

Doula services are eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA) with a letter of medical necessity. They are not eligible for reimbursement with dependent care flexible spending accounts and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA).

+ Is Lisa taking on doula clients for my due time?

See details here.