Childbearing » f.a.q.

Q. Where do you hold your classes?

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:52:49 +0000

A. In Vancouver, our classes are held at two different locations in central/east Vancouver. Workshops and refreshers take place near Victoria Dr. and 16th and our evening series at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House. Please see class descriptions for more information.

Q. What makes your classes unique?

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:51:09 +0000

A. Our classes stand out for several reasons:

Our package includes instruction and support from the earliest point in pregnancy right through labour and birth and continues into parenthood – all for a surprisingly low price
Our classes are rich in quality and combine hands-on techniques with evidence-based information
We augment our class discussions with many different media and activities to help engage every style of learner
Class materials include our own 70-page handbook, audio CD, and various publications useful to expectant and new parents
Our grads tend to form lasting friendships and keep in touch with one another for many years
Our classes are filled with support and good humour — our clients look forward to attending each session

Q. Can I come to your classes alone?

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:49:28 +0000

A. Certainly! If you are single, or if your partner is unavailable to come to the classes, you are welcome to come by yourself or to bring a friend or relative.

Q. What are your teachers’ qualifications?

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:48:44 +0000

A. All of our prenatal instructors:

Hold Childbirth Education Certificates from recognized and respectable institutions
Have completed a demanding practicum and certify annually with The Childbearing Society
Are required to regularly update credentials by attending conferences and workshops, and by reading relevant publications, books and journals
Are required to attend births on an ongoing basis
Are mothers themselves
Share a passion for pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies!

Q. What makes your organization unique?

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:48:01 +0000

A. We stand out for several reasons:

Our teachers are all Certified Childbirth Educators and are continuously upgrading their credentials
We have been operating since 1974, making us the longest-established provider of prenatal classes in the Lower Mainland
We are the only registered non-profit childbirth education society in the Lower Mainland, and as such, we are able to provide high quality classes for a very affordable price
We receive referrals and high praise from midwives, family doctors and obstetricians alike.
We support you for the entire childbearing year, from early in pregnancy, through labour and birth, and onwards into the first several months of parenthood through our three distinct sets of classes: Healthy Pregnancy, Prenatal, and Postpartum.
Our instructors also make themselves available by phone and email before and after your classes and your birth, for any questions you may have.

Q. I already have a doula; do I need prenatal classes too?

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:47:23 +0000

A. Yes. Prenatal classes would certainly be beneficial. Through prenatal classes you will network with and learn from other people at the same stage of pregnancy as yourself, you will benefit from group activities and multi-media teaching aids, you will enjoy approximately 18 hours of instruction, and you will learn the four essentials that foster a confident and rewarding labour and birth: knowledge, relaxation/breathing techniques, comfort measures, and decision-making. It is an excellent idea to engage a doula to provide labour support. While a doula can certainly enhance your prenatal class experience, a doula does not replace it.

Q. I have already read lots of books about birth; do I need prenatal classes too?

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:46:44 +0000

A. Yes. It is wonderful that you are reading books and informing yourself about your pregnancy and birth. We believe that knowledge empowers. However, there is no replacement for the special kind of learning that happens through group discussion and hands-on activities. With the help of our multi-media teaching aids, skilled instructors and lively discussions, you will have the opportunity to benefit from other people’s questions and insights, and to discover much about your own expectations and inner-resources that cannot be found in books.

Q. What should I wear to class?

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:45:58 +0000

A. Wear comfortable clothes that you can move around in freely. It is best to avoid tight skirts or any clothing that might limit your movement.

Q. How can I place an ad in your newsletter?

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:44:25 +0000

A. Contact us at 604 878-1031 or stephanie@childbearing.org. As a non-profit society, we keep the price of advertising in our newsletter very affordable.

Q. I want to take the Weekend Workshop. When should I take the Breastfeeding Night?

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:43:17 +0000

A. Most people take Breastfeeding Night the Monday after the workshop. If you are unable to attend that night, you are welcome to register for the Breastfeeding Night in a different month than your workshop.