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, 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: > www.birthmattersnyc.com/group-classes> 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 fall 2019, 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.

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

Lisa Taylor is dual-certified as a teacher with both the > Childbirth Education Association of Metropolitan New York> (CEA/MNY) and with > Lamaze International> . Both are organizations that uphold birth as a normal process and seek to provide evidence-based information toward informed, pragmatic choices in childbirth and early parenting. Lisa’s classes are designed to help pregnant students recognize their innate abilities to cope successfully with the challenges of labor in any setting. Courses incorporate the best aspects of popular methods (e.g. Bradley, Lamaze, Hypnobirthing) and integrate insights from Lisa’s experience as a doula. Students explore a variety of pain-coping and labor-coping strategies in order to identify the ones most instinctive to each person. Classes prepare expectant parents for the variety of birth scenarios. Students will be prepared for a natural and unmedicated birth, but will also acquire knowledge on common interventions, pain medications, complications, and cesarean birth. Expectant parents learn how to know the difference between necessary and unnecessary medical interventions. Additionally, Birth Matters NYC classes include instruction on essential postpartum care, including breastfeeding and newborn care – all incorporating holistic/natural tips.

+ Does everyone need to take a childbirth class?

A good 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 and their labor support (limited to 2 individuals per family unless special permission is requested, and contingent upon capacity; an additional fee may apply). 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 are an essential support for labor, breastfeeding, and newborn care, and will therefore benefit from each class. Lisa spends time, in every section of class, on giving practical tips on how partners can 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 is the difference between your class & the one at the hospital?

The quality of a childbirth class 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 work 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 comfortable space.

+ Do you offer private instruction?

Comprehensive (group or online) classes are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to schedule a group class and prefer an in-person class, private coaching 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.

+ 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> page.

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

Some health insurance may reimburse for childbirth classes; inquire with your provider. Or, if you or your partner has a flexible/health spending account (FSA/HSA), childbirth class should be a reimbursable expense (check your current benefits to confirm this). We are happy to provide you with a written receipt that can be submitted to your insurer upon request; 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.

+ 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?

A labor support (birth) doula accompanies individuals/couples in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. Lisa Taylor is a DONA International-certified birth doula, in addition to being a Certified Cooperative Childbirth Educator (CCCE) with CEA/MNY (> Childbirth Education Association of Metropolitan New York> ) and a > Lamaze International> Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE). She draws on her professional training, knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort and, as needed, communication with medical staff to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise in labor. A doula can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques for comfort. Your doula works for you (and your partner, if applicable), not for your caregiver or hospital.

+ What is the benefit of a doula?

Statistical evidence shows that a doula’s presence during labor and delivery produces better birth outcomes:

• Reduced anxiety/depression

• Increased parenting confidence

• Reduced cesarean section rates

• Shorter labors

• Fewer pain medication requests
  *> Source: Study by Klaus and Kennell, 2002.

+ What is Lisa's philosophy/approach as a doula about supporting expectant parents through labor?

The doula's role is to support the laboring individual or couple unconditionally throughout pregnancy, labor and birth. A doula does not make decisions for her client or expect the client to give birth in any particular way. A doula should offer physical, emotional, and informational support no matter what is happening during the birth, without judgment.

+ What does the fee for a birth doula include?

See details > here> .

+ Will my insurance cover doula care?

You will need to contact your insurance carrier to see if they cover or reimburse for doula services. Lisa is happy to fill out any paperwork needed by your carrier for coverage and will provide you with an official receipt to submit upon request.

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

See details > here> .