Class size is limited to 4 couples (after that things start getting a little too cozy) so sign up now!

Classes are held on Sundays from 5-7:15 p.m.  Click on the Inquire button above to ask about upcoming classes.

Most teachers in the Seattle area charge $250-$275, including the workbook and handouts. I am charging $275 depending on ability to pay.  I ask for a nonrefundable $25 registration fee, deducted from your overall fee (so, if you are only able to pay $50 for the class, you will owe the balance by the end of the class). I am happy to offer a sliding scale based on ability to pay -- it is more important to me that families learn natural childbirth, than it is that I get my full fee.  I'm also happy if couples want to pay on an installment basis, sometimes that's easier on the checkbook.  In the past couples have also bartered their skills in exchange for the fee. For example, photography, sewing, childcare... make me an offer. I am now able to accept PayPal.

Military families click here for rate information.

Couples from my class who have experienced medical births, including induction, augmentation, and C-section, still assure me that the class gave them the knowledge and comfort level they needed to cope with the medical system.  My class emphasizes "Healthy mother, healthy baby," and I want every couple to feel that their birth is a success regardless of whether medication or intervention is part of their birth. 

Couples should bring at least two pillows to every class. At very least, it will give you a nice place to sit on the floor. Most evenings, we'll use them for exercises and relaxation practice.  I also encourage couples to bring water, snacks, or dinner if it will help them get to class on time.  Just don't bring anything too stinky, we've got a lot of pregnant women in the class.

On that note, please do not wear strong scents to class, whether perfume, deodorant, body wash ... some  moms have chemical sensitivity during pregnancy. I mean, do wear deodorant, but not a really fragrant kind...

When we have time, I show birth videos.  This is not The Baby Channel.  These are actual, live natural births.  I can promise there is absolutely no screaming and very little medical intervention.  There is, however, discomfort, some whining, lots of goop, noise, slime, and total, full frontal nudity (we'll see if that sentence gets me censored).  After all, babies come out of vaginas.  But during childbirth, they are not cute.  The external genitalia during birth, I mean.  Just so you're prepared.  Newborn babies aren't too cute either, so it's really excellent preparation. I find that even the most squeamish of couples can cope with most of my movies.

I'm also a La Leche League Leader.  We talk about breasts and breastfeeding a lot.

My husband makes every effort to get the children out of the house for as much of the class as possible; however, childbirth teachers are by definition mothers themselves.  So don't be expecting some sort of totally professional, organized, elegant class. We are just folks. The house is cluttered  and there may be some breastfeeding demonstration going on.  As my son says, "Becca's a great breastfeeding teaching aid!"

On that note, we also have a loud, bouncy puppy. I try to make her go with my family during class.  If you  have a dog fur allergy or a dog phobia alert me ahead of time. 

Class can be a nice place to network, make play dates, learn about bargain shopping, and relax.  It's more than a childbirth preparation class, it's a way of life. 

From my work as a doula attending home and hospital births, I've learned a lot about the reality of childbirth in Seattle. I bring that personal perspective to the class as well.

I strongly recommend the following books, which you can find in the library, used, in bookstores, or online:  "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth," and "Natural Childbirth The Bradley Way." Buy a breastfeeding book -- there are many good ones on the market, but my favorite is "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding," which, not coincidentally, I sell during class, so please wait to buy it from me if you wish.  Other books I really dig are: "Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering," "Gentle Birth Choices," "A Good Birth, A Safe Birth," and Dr. Sears "The Birth Book." The latter is a nice, balanced approach with lots of emphasis on natural childbirth and breastfeeding. Some readers may find that the other books listed do not take a balanced approach. 

For parenting books, I definitely recommend: "The Baby Book" by Dr. Sears, "The No Cry Sleep Solution," which everyone should read before the baby is actually born, and Mothering magazine. 

Thank you to Adam Crockett, a former student, for the design of the lovely 'logo' you see above!