The Bradley Method

The Bradley Method® is a 12 week childbirth education course that emphasizes birth as a natural process. Birthing moms are taught how to tune-in to their bodies in order to relax and give birth naturally, thus avoiding unnecessary pain and making their labors as personally satisfying and as efficient as possible. The Bradley Method® guides husbands/partners to actively participate in the birth as labor coaches. They are taught simple but effective techniques to encourage and support the laboring woman. The experience of bringing a child into the world is a beautiful and profound event however it manifests itself. These classes prepare couples for a variety of birth scenarios, so that mother and partner can understand and be utterly present for their unique "rite of passage." The Bradley Method® course includes the following: Introduction to the Bradley Method®, student workbook; nutrition and exercise in pregnancy; the coach's role; introduction to the first stage of labor; introduction to the second stage of labor; planning your birth; variations and complications; postpartum preparation; advanced first stage techniques; advanced second stage techniques, and your new family.

The Bradley Method® is taught at Avalon's Caldwell office by Deb Cerruti. AAHCC. She can be reached at 973-748-8423 or debcerruti@aol.com. Other Bradley Method® instructors can be found at www.bradleybirth.com.

Holistic Beginnings

Holistic Beginnings is a complete childbirth education course, which emphasizes birth as a natural process and teaches women and their coaches how to birth naturally. This course is designed to teach you how to prepare your body, mind and soul for your birth. The series consists of nine two-hour classes which cover a specific topic. In addition, different relaxation techniques are demonstrated and practiced weekly. Strategies are offered to help minimize pain in labor, to learn to listen to the wisdom of your body, and how to conserve energy in labor so your body will work more efficiently. Class size is limited to provide individual attention and personalized instruction to all couples. A class reunion is typically held after the last baby is born, so everyone can share their birth stories. Accelerated classes and private sessions are also available. Laura DePasquale, LCCE, CD has been teaching childbirth education since 1990, and also provides labor and postpartum doula services. She can be reached at www.holisticbeginnings.net or 973-635-6292.

Holistic Lamaze Childbirth Classes

Inspired by "Birthing from Within" and based on "The Six Care Practices to Promote Normal Birth", Kelli DeFlora, RYT, CD (DONA) offers a five week childbirth series in Montclair. Classes cover positions for labor and birth; pain coping practices in every class; solution-focused, not outcome-focused philosophy for birth and parenting; birth art expression; spiritual Caesarean birth; breath and relaxation practice, and a holistic mind-body-spirit approach to birth. Kelli also offers private classes, half-day workshops, and is a certified doula and yoga instructor. She can be reached at www.motherbirthyoga.com, kelliyoga@gmail.com, or 973-655-9655.

Montclair Maternity

Experience childbirth classes taught with meaningful authentic exercises to awaken your intuition as expectant parents and empower your instincts.  Classes cover a comprehensive and compassionate passage to parenthood with tools for pregnancy, labor and postpartum care.  Jill Wodnick’s classes are engaging and interactive.  More fun than traditional hospital-based classes, each workshop is taught with joy and connects you to your growing baby.  Choose either a half-day workshop or private session based on you family’s schedule.  Take a childbirth class that instills your own confidence in your partnership, passage and path into parenting.  Jill is a certified birth doula, and prenatal yoga instructor as well.  Jill Wodnick, MA, CD (DONA) can be reached at www.montclairmaternity.com.

Hypnobirthing

HypnoBirthing® is as much a philosophy of birth as it is a technique for achieving a satisfying, relaxing and stress-free birth.  This program teaches you, along with your birthing companion, the art and joy of experiencing birth in a more comfortable manner. You will learn how to access your body’s own natural relaxant and thus lessen, or even eliminate discomfort and the need for medication.  Through self-hypnosis, special breathing and visualization, HypnoBirthing® teaches you and your birth companion the art of using your own natural birthing instincts.  With HypnoBirthing® you will be aware and fully in control, but profoundly relaxed.  Louise Umberto, RNC is a registered nurse, certified in psychiatry, holistic nursing, hypnosis and healing touch. Louise may be reached at 973-652-5345 or at louisernc@optonline.net.  Her website www.empoweredtoheal.net provides additional information about Louise’s practice.