Childbirth Classes
I am a huge believer in the transformative potential of birth. How you experience giving birth matters. It sets the stage for your postpartum recovery (physical and mental), your ability to bond with your baby, your breastfeeding relationship, and your confidence as a parent and as a person.
The US spends more money on birth than any other country in the world and yet ranks the worst of all developed nations for maternal health and infant mortality. How could this be true?
Birth works, most of the time. If it didn't, we wouldn't be here! There are physiological processes in place to facilitate labor and birth, and if we don't interfere with those processes, birth unfolds naturally, just as it should, most of the time. If we do interfere, the physiological process is interrupted, and labor can become more complicated and more difficult.
Childbirth education is about giving you the information you need so that you can make the decisions that will lead you towards a safe and empowering birth experience. What type of provider is right for you? Where should you give birth? How safe is birth, really? What can you do to support your changing body and growing baby? And once baby is here, what about breastfeeding? Postpartum recovery and support? Caring for a fussy baby?
The US spends more money on birth than any other country in the world and yet ranks the worst of all developed nations for maternal health and infant mortality. How could this be true?
Birth works, most of the time. If it didn't, we wouldn't be here! There are physiological processes in place to facilitate labor and birth, and if we don't interfere with those processes, birth unfolds naturally, just as it should, most of the time. If we do interfere, the physiological process is interrupted, and labor can become more complicated and more difficult.
Childbirth education is about giving you the information you need so that you can make the decisions that will lead you towards a safe and empowering birth experience. What type of provider is right for you? Where should you give birth? How safe is birth, really? What can you do to support your changing body and growing baby? And once baby is here, what about breastfeeding? Postpartum recovery and support? Caring for a fussy baby?
Natural Childbirth Preparation Weekend Intensive
This comprehensive two part series is designed for folks planning a low-intervention, natural childbirth in a hospital, birth center, or home setting. Taught by a midwife, this fun class covers:
Upcoming classes
Please note that I plan a backup class date in case of sickness or getting called to a birth
November 12th and 13th 2022, 10am-3pm (backup class November 19th)
January 7th and 8th 2023, 10am-3pm (backup class January 14th)
March 11th and 12th 2023, 10am-3pm (backup class March 18th)
May 13th and 14th 2023, 10am-3pm (backup class May 20th)
1130 Liberty St SE Ste 250 Salem
$250 per couple
Discounts for folks with OHP, Fig Midwifery clients, or financial hardship - just ask
Preregistration is required - email jenhollandwellness@gmail.com
This comprehensive two part series is designed for folks planning a low-intervention, natural childbirth in a hospital, birth center, or home setting. Taught by a midwife, this fun class covers:
- The physiology of pregnancy and birth
- Labor support tools and techniques
- Choices and procedures in birth
- Setting yourself up for a healthy postpartum period
- Breastfeeding
- Newborn care and things to consider
Upcoming classes
Please note that I plan a backup class date in case of sickness or getting called to a birth
November 12th and 13th 2022, 10am-3pm (backup class November 19th)
January 7th and 8th 2023, 10am-3pm (backup class January 14th)
March 11th and 12th 2023, 10am-3pm (backup class March 18th)
May 13th and 14th 2023, 10am-3pm (backup class May 20th)
1130 Liberty St SE Ste 250 Salem
$250 per couple
Discounts for folks with OHP, Fig Midwifery clients, or financial hardship - just ask
Preregistration is required - email jenhollandwellness@gmail.com
Preparing for Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond
This rotating class series takes place on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, from 6-7:30pm in person in Salem, OR. Each class is a different topic. Please note the topics on the calendar below, and register for each topic you're interested in.
The cost of each class is $25 (per couple when partners are welcome), with discounts for Fig Midwifery clients (25%) and folks covered by OHP (50%). Sliding scale available for financial need, just ask.
9/13/22 Planning for Postpartum – Heather Way
Having a baby is hard work, but it's not over when the baby is born - the fourth trimester is just beginning! Come learn from an experienced postpartum doula and mom about how you can best plan for this time. Class will include education about physical changes, breastfeeding, postpartum depression, local resources, and more.
Partners are encouraged to attend this class!
9/27/22 Breastfeeding Basics - Margy Porter CPM, LDM, IBCLC
Taught by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and homebirth midwife, this breastfeeding primer will cover the basics: skin-to-skin contact, baby-led breastfeeding, latch, frequency and duration, positions, trouble-shooting, bodywork/infant massage, resources, and more.
10/11/22 Labor Support - Jen Holland CPM, LDM
Build your labor support tool kit in this class. We will practice hands-on support techniques, relaxation and labor positions, techniques for getting through the hard parts, and more.
Partners are encouraged to attend this class!
10/25/22 Physiology of Labor and Birth - Jen Holland CPM, LDM
Learn about the physiological process of birth. What is actually happening in the body during labor? How are hormones guiding the process, and how can you support that? This class will help you visualize the labor and birth process so that you can work with your baby as they are working to be born. This class is a MUST for folks who are hoping for an empowering, low-intervention birth.
Partners are encouraged to attend this class!
11/8/22 Advice for Partners - Michael Zinkowski MAT, MFA
Every mother-to-be will experience pregnancy differently, and so will every partner. You play a pivotal role and should be just as informed and equipped to do so. In this class, we will focus our attention particularly on how partners can be knowledgeable, supportive, and present throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. If you are looking to discuss and brainstorm real ways you can support your person, this is the class for you.
This class is for partners only!
11/22/22 Newborn Care – Jen Holland CPM, LDM
They don't come with a manual, but the needs of a human baby are simple, and you can learn their language. Can your baby manipulate you? Do you need to worry about spoiling them? There is so much information out there - how do I know what I'm supposed to do? We'll talk about this and more.
Partners are encouraged to attend this class!
12/13/22 - Babywearing 101 - Lennon Clark CPM, LDM
Learn how to use a wrap carrier to carry your baby from birth through toddlerhood. Taught by a mama with 18 years of babywearing experience! Bring your sweet baby for hands on help, or come while you're still pregnant to get some tips.
Partners are encouraged to attend this class!
12/27/22 – Holiday break
1/10/23 - Pelvic Floor Wellness - Dr Molly Weinbender DPT, WCS and Jen Holland CPM, LDM
You've heard you should be doing "your Kegels", but can there really be a one size fits all exercise for pelvic floor health? Whether you have never had a baby, you are currently pregnant, or you are 3 weeks or 3 (or 30!) years postpartum, this class is for you! Learn about pelvic anatomy, core stability/diaphragm, and some things you can do at home to optimize your pelvic floor and core health.
1/24/23 – Cloth Diapering Made Easy - Heather Way
A class designed for those who wish to be empowered in their cloth diapering journey. The class covers styles, wash routines, and common fears - making cloth work for any budget. Bring your questions and any cloth diapers you want help with.
Partners are encouraged to attend this class!
2/14/23 - 10/11/22 Labor Support - Jen Holland CPM, LDM
Build your labor support tool kit in this class. We will practice hands-on support techniques, relaxation and labor positions, techniques for getting through the hard parts, and more.
Partners are encouraged to attend this class!
2/28/23 - Physiology of Labor and Birth - Jen Holland CPM, LDM
Learn about the physiological process of birth. What is actually happening in the body during labor? How are hormones guiding the process, and how can you support that? This class will help you visualize the labor and birth process so that you can work with your baby as they are working to be born. This class is a MUST for folks who are hoping for an empowering, low-intervention birth.
Partners are encouraged to attend this class!
3/14/23 - Planning for Postpartum – Heather Way
Having a baby is hard work, but it's not over when the baby is born - the fourth trimester is just beginning! Come learn from an experienced postpartum doula and mom about how you can best plan for this time. Class will include education about physical changes, breastfeeding, postpartum depression, local resources, and more.
Partners are encouraged to attend this class!
Choices in Childbirth
Your birth experience matters! Maybe you have had a baby before and you're looking for a different experience, or maybe you are newly pregnant and have no idea where to begin. In this free class, we will discuss the many pregnancy and birth options available to expectant parents in the Salem area. What kind of provider should you hire? What types of things should you read about and learn about to prepare for birth and parenting? Where is the safest place for you to have your baby? What is a doula, and do you need one? The more you know, the better choices you will be able to make for you and your family.
Upcoming classes
October 3, 2022
November 7, 2022
December 5, 2022
1130 Liberty St SE Ste 250 Salem, OR
This class is FREE, and preregistration is required. Bring your partner.
Your birth experience matters! Maybe you have had a baby before and you're looking for a different experience, or maybe you are newly pregnant and have no idea where to begin. In this free class, we will discuss the many pregnancy and birth options available to expectant parents in the Salem area. What kind of provider should you hire? What types of things should you read about and learn about to prepare for birth and parenting? Where is the safest place for you to have your baby? What is a doula, and do you need one? The more you know, the better choices you will be able to make for you and your family.
Upcoming classes
October 3, 2022
November 7, 2022
December 5, 2022
1130 Liberty St SE Ste 250 Salem, OR
This class is FREE, and preregistration is required. Bring your partner.