Seeking Lamaze Classes in East Bay

Try searching here:

http://parents.berkeley.edu/

Also, contact the Nurture Center in Lafayette - they hold classes & have contact information for a lot of birth professionals.

http://www.nurturecenter.com/

Good luck,

K.

Check out birthways.org

Hi E.~
Congratulations on your pregnancy. I would suggest you find a wonderful Bradley Instructor named Ellen Klima.
Also if you are not practicing prenatal yoga, you might consider practicing. The breath work one learns in prenatal yoga very much can assist the mama as she moves through the birthing process.

I took Hypnobirthing classes from Deborah Saliby envisionings.com You can also find her prenatal yoga classes on her website, which is a great way to meet her, learn about her classes, and decide if she is right for you. I was also referred to birthways.org by many people in my community, but the class schedules didn't end up working out for me. Good luck!

I do not know of any in the east bay but I do know of one in San Francisco at the JCC. I took this class and Rachel who teaches it is amazing. Here is the info:

Childbirth Education Classes
Includes HypnoBirthing* & Partner Yoga

A 13-hour group class series for families intending a natural birth at any location.

This class will put you at ease, build your confidence and get you excited for the process of giving birth. Imagine a relaxed, safe, manageable birth filled with confidence, trust, and patience.

Class Content:
… Preparing your Mind and Body
… HypnoBirthing
… Relaxation and Breathing Techniques
… Overview of Labor & Birth
… Birth Preferences
… Special Circumstances
… Partner Yoga, Massage, and Birth Practice

*HypnoBirthing is a method of childbirth preparation that teaches pregnant couples techniques of hypnosis, guided imagery, visualization, and special breathing in order to have a safer, shorter, and more manageable birth. This preparation promotes a deeper connection between partners, joyful anticipation of the birth experience, and a dramatic increase in the belief that birth is normal, natural, and safe.

In addition to much more, you will learn and practice:
… relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques to strengthen your confidence, calm your body and mind, and increase your comfort during birth.
… the body's natural process during labor in order to work with your body instead of against it.
… how to reduce or eliminate the fear and pain that unnecessarily accompany birth.
… to use affirmations to promote a positive response in your body.

Includes:
4 Classes, 3 hours 15 minutes each
HypnoBirthing CD, HypnoBirthing Book, materials
Snacks and beverages

$385 per couple
Class size limited to 6 couples.
Taught at The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, 3200 California St. SF 94115, 2nd floor Lounge.
Class is most appropriate for families planning to hire a doula or homebirth midwife.
Please read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

April Series (4 classes)
Thursdays 4/3, 10, 24, May 1, 6pm - 9:15pm (no class 4/17)
Contact Rachel Yellin at ###-###-#### or ____@____.com

I took Bradley too, loved the classes. I don't know where you are but I took classes in Pleasant Hill, by a Kathleen Parsons (?). Anyway, you can find a teacher through this link.

http://www.bradleybirth.com/Info_Request.aspx?PK=ND

Hi E.,

I know of two Hypnobirthing instructors located locally. And you can find a Lamaze type childbirth class through John Muir Women's Health Center.

The Hypnobirthing instructors are:
Deanna Jesus www.birthingbabies.com
Nicole Valega www.lifewithharmony.com

Bradley is another good childbirth education method!

H. W.

Call your local hospital's Obstetrics department. They should be able to put you in touch with several different people. Also try your pediatrician. They hear all the scoop on who's good etc.

I attended Bradley Method birthing classes while I was pregnant with both my daughters. It focuses on learning relaxation methods that you can use during labor. Particularly on the teamwork between you and your partner or labor coach/doula. I felt very well prepared and enjoyed the time I spent with the class. I highly recommend Sabine Henry. She teaches in the east bay.

http://www.bradleybirth.com/WhyBradley.aspx