Childbirth Prep Class

 

View our calendar of class dates.

The Becoming Parents Program offers a full Childbirth Prep Class to help to prepare you for the birth process. The class focuses on labor and delivery of the baby, providing an overview for both vaginal birth and cesarean birth. Emphasis is on the many variations of normal birth. Relaxation and breathing techniques for use during labor are taught as well as medication options. Our Childbirth Prep instructors are all certified childbirth educators. The class includes audio-visual information and provides a full text.

Please plan to attend the class in your 3rd trimester of pregnancy. It is generally recommended that you choose a class that finishes approximately 3 weeks before your due date, unless you are expecting twins or unless your physician has advised you otherwise.

Schedule: Our Childbirth Prep Class is 7-1/2 to 8 hours of instruction time depending on the option you choose. We offer the Childbirth Prep class in the following formats:

• Weekend One Day Class : A full class designed to cover all of the topics in one Saturday or one Sunday from 9am-5pm. There is a short lunch break of 30-45 minutes. We strongly encourage you to bring a lunch with you to class.
• Weekend Two Day Class : Divided into two 4-hour sessions, this class is held on two Saturdays or two Sundays one week apart and occasionally on Saturday & Sunday of the same weekend.
• Weekday Evening Class : This class consists of three weekday evening classes, each 2-1/2 hours in length spanning three consecutive weeks.

Please note that not every format is offered every month.
 
 

 
If you have questions about our classes or need assistance in choosing the right schedule for your expected due date, call us at 650-724-4601.
 
Waiting Lists: If a class is marked full on our website, you are welcome to call us to be placed on a waiting list. We will notify you of class openings if and when they become available.
 
Some comments from our class evaluations:
 
The class gives a "clear explanation of pros and cons of different interventions. Group size is good for "student" participation."
 
"Excellent class - I'm so glad we came here ...! It was also great to have a class specific to the hospital we're delivering at. I'm really happy with our experience."
 
"Best presentation of material from any class." The teacher's "enthusiasm really added to our enjoyment and absorption of the material."
 
"Instructor was very knowledgeable and explained the process very well."
 
"Helped" us to "get comfortable with the whole process."