Classes
Natural Childbirth Education – This basic natural childbirth series covers the stages of labor, coping strategies, complications and interventions, getting started with breastfeeding, and alternatives in newborn care. We focus on working with the natural process. This class is taught by birth professionals including Licensed Midwives and Licensed Midwife Apprentices. There is no charge for this series, but donations are accepted. Call 803-802-9494 or email info@carolinabirth.org to register. You can also contact us for more information.
The following classes are hosted at the CCMC and taught by independent educators:
Bradley Classes - The Bradley Method teaches natural childbirth and views birth as a natural process. This method encourages mothers to trust their bodies using natural breathing, relaxation, nutrition, exercise, and education. Class attendants learn a simple method of increasing self-awareness, learning how to deal with the stress of labor by tuning in to her body. The Bradley Method is also known as “Husband-Coached Childbirth” and classes teach husbands how to be good coaches for their partners. Classes are usually 10-12 weeks in length and cover: nutrition, exercise, active participation by the husband as coach, stages of labor, relaxation, breastfeeding, unexpected situations, and preparing for your new family. Contact Jen Kitchton at 803-547-1878 or jenkitchton@comporium.net.
Hypnobabies® – Hypnobabies® is a complete childbirth education course that teaches real medical hypnosis techniques, creating an automatically peaceful, relaxing and more comfortable pregnancy, calm and confident birth partner, and an easier, empowering and often pain-free birthing for our Hypno-Mom. Using Master Hypnotist Gerald Kein’s famous Painless Childbirth techniques, expectant mothers and their partners come to Hypnobabies classes once a week for 6 weeks. They easily learn self-hypnosis, instant relaxation techniques, and the creation of hypno-anesthesia in a way that allows them to remain mobile and comfortable during labor. Course topics include: Comfort in Pregnancy, Labor Choices, Birth Plans, Nutrition and Exercise, Birth Balls, Fetal Positioning, Birth Partner Training, Postpartum Care and much more. Class size is limited to 5 couples. This class is taught by Carole Bombardier, Licensed Psychotherapist and Certified Hypnotherapist. For more information and to register for this class contact Carole at 704-796-8542 and visit www.mindmattersincorporated.com
Breastfeeding Class – Breastfeeding is a natural process, and it is as much art as it is science. This class helps the expectant mother and her partner prepare for breastfeeding. The class includes: the benefits of breastfeeding, how to get started and how to know your baby is getting enough to eat. The ideal time to take this class is during the last month of pregnancy. Partners or another family member is encouraged to attend with the mother. The class is taught by Jennifer Moss Corbin, a Board Certified Lactation Consultant and a local La Leche League Leader. The cost of the class is $35. To register contact Jennifer at 704-540-2322 or jmosscorbin@carolina.rr.com
The B.C.S.A.Y. Method™ - Learn how to empower your body, enlighten your mind, birth strong and be well with Birth Coaching Support And Yoga. This 3 hour monthly workshop developed by Belly Guru, LLC is taught by a licensed physical therapist certified in pregnancy yoga. This partner based class covers traditional birthing anatomy and physiology for both medical and natural management of labor. Instruction also expands to include using yoga for confidence building, pain management, physical support and post natal recovery. Education is also provided on physical and manual therapies and the development of a holistic birth plan, including birth partner roles, birth team communication and self care. Learn focus and how it feels to be confident in the process. Workshop fees include a take home workbook for partners to practice techniques. Register online at https://www.bellyguru.com/Packages.html or call Belly Guru at 704.780.4586
Post Natal Recovery Class: This class provides information on normal and abnormal healing patterns related to both vaginal and c-section delivery. Topics include: stress incontinence prevention, abdominal repairs, physical fitness, emotional health as well as self care for episiotomy and C-section scar management. Infants included in exercises and postural support to avoid common muscular strains associated with infant care and restoration of pelvic/abdominal strength. Class is taught by a licensed physical therapist specializing in women’s health. Call Lisa @ 704.780.4586 or register online at www.BellyGuru.com
Charlotte Prenatal Yoga – Our goal is to present a yoga practice to women from preconception through postpartum that is nurturing as well as empowering. Our offerings include breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation as well as yoga postures (asanas) to strengthen, stretch and restore overall harmony in the body. In addition to a deeper connection with baby, classes result in an awakening to self and community. Classes are led by certified pre/postnatal yoga instructor Joan McDonough Wolfe. To register visit charlotteprenatal.com.
Dancing For Birth™- Prenatal and postpartum dancing for birth and fitness! Class combines belly dancing, Latin and African dancing with interpretive movement for a feel-good workout that is challenging, yet leaves you feeling relaxed. Most of all, it’s fun! This 4-week class costs $60. Please bring a pillow and hip scarf (optional). Contact instructor Alex McGuire at 714-457-6310 or dancing@pbdoula.com, or visit www.apamperedbeginning.com/DancingForBirth.html
The following groups meet at CCMC regularly:
Charlotte Babywearers – Join us for this free group that is all about wearing your baby and toddler. Topics will include the many types and styles of baby carriers, the pros and cons of each, incorporating babywearing into your life, different ways to use each carrier and ways to make your own. Families with babies and toddlers of all ages are encouraged to attend, as is anyone looking to learn about babywearing (no baby necessary!) or to share their love of babywearing. If you have a baby carrier (or carriers) that you particularly love, please bring it along. Visit http://www.meetup.com/CharlotteNC-Babywearers/ for more information.
