Pittsburgh Doula Network offers private classes in the convenience of your own home.
Childbirth Education (Lamaze) is an effective way of increasing confidence by teaching you how to deal with the process of labor and birth. The goal is to provide education, which will help you achieve the safest, most rewarding and empowering birth experience possible. The class will include the following information but can be customized to include your preferences and questions. Classes can be tailored for first time parents or for those that have already given birth.
Early labor and when to go to the hospital- Stages of labor
- Labor pain and coping with pain
- Comfort measures
- Medication options
- Labor positions
- Communicating with your health professional
- Pushing: directed vs. gentle
- Creating a birth plan
- Breastfeeding basics
Infant Care Education can help prepare families to confidently take care of their new addition. Our class will cover normal newborn behavior and appearance and will allow you to practice diapering and swaddling. We will also discuss comforting your newborn, safe sleeping, bathing, and feeding options. We are happy to include other topics such as baby wearing, cloth diapering, breastfeeding/chestfeeding/pumping and explaining any baby items that you are curious about how to use upon request.
Breastfeeding Preparation Education will provide essential information on what to expect during the first few weeks and beyond. We will discuss how to get breastfeeding off to a good start immediately after birth, positioning and latch, common hurdles and solutions, and pumping and bottle feeding.
Sibling Preparation is a fun way to get your child ready for his/her new sibling! We will read a story about a new baby joining the family, practice assisting with diapering and feeding (with a life like baby doll) and talk about what behaviors are normal for an infant and also how to safely interact with a baby. Sometimes it is also fun for your child to show us the nursery and we can use this time to talk more about the baby becoming part of the family. We can end with making a birthday card for the new baby!
Please contact us for more information.