Center For the Child Bearing Year

I was referred to this Center by my midwife and taking classes at this place undeniably turned my pregnancy and birthing experience into something incredibly enjoyable. I took their Holistic childbirth preparation class, their breastfeeding class, and a newborn class.
They gave lots of valuable information that provided alternatives to the dated «What to Expect When You’re Expecting». I learned information that challenges the medical system, but also respects its benefits at the same time. I think most people do not realize the politics and money behind hospital births, attending these classes really helps you not only with your options (water birth, homebirth, hospital birth, etc), but also helps you prepare to negotiate with hospital staff so you can have the birthing experience you want. You also get to meet other parents who are on your wavelength.
The Center is very welcoming, and has a lending library consisting of videos and birhting and parenting books. They just started a Breastfeeding room where breastfeeding moms can go to find support. I also learned about cloth diapering in the class and how much easier it is than people think.
I regret not taking their mothering arts group, which is for mom and baby up to 6 months old.
One of the very valuable things I learned here was vocalization, an alternative to «Lamaze». Vocalization is what helped me get through my contractions. It’s using deep guttoral animalistic sounds rather than «hee hee hee» breathing.