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Category Archives: Pregnancy

New Classes and Doula Availability

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Have you liked me on Facebook yet??  What are you waiting for?  Click here and then click “like” to  follow my business there.  My work is entirely dependent on social media and word of mouth.  Help a doula out.

I have another parents-to-be series for Natural Baby coming up in June.  Click here to sign up or to share with some expectant couples you know.  Six Monday nights to explore parenting and learning to listen to your instincts.  Class 1:  Learning to understand and soothe your baby.  Class 2:  Breastfeeding.  Class 3:  The first six weeks postpartum.  Class 4:  How babies (and parents) sleep.  Class 5:  Saving money and creating a mindful gift registry.  Class 6:  The first year of parenting.  If you can’t take an entire series, pick and choose the classes you want for 25.00/couple/class.

Registration is open for July/August Hypnobabies classes meeting Tuesdays beginning July 23rd in Greenville.  Email me for information (j_byers @ bellsouth.net).

I only have a few more doula spaces left this year.  I have space for 1 client in late June or July, 1 client in October, and 2 clients in November.

Thank you for helping me serve families!

Private Childbirth Classes in Greenville

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Did you know I can come to your home for classes?

Reasons why a private childbirth class might be for you:

You won’t have to pay a babysitter.  Many of my private students schedule their classes during bedtime.  Or, her partner watches the kids while mom attends class in another room.  One couple I teach has the dad do the bedtime routine for the first hour of class and then join the mom for the second hour.

A group class is too far to drive.  Some of my private students hire me because they live in Saluda or Liberty or Pickens.  I understand.  I live far from classes, too!  Add up the cost of gas and a babysitter.  Maybe it equals the difference in cost between a group and private class.

You’re on bedrest or your immune system is compromised.

You or your partner are not comfortable in a group class.  While I pinky-swear that I make my group classes relaxed and non-threatening, I understand that some folks would rather talk about birth in private.

Your schedule is crazy or unpredictable.  I can be as flexible as you need with a private class.  Want to meet once every two weeks for a six session class?  No problem.  Need to reschedule at the last minute?  That’s fine.

Or it’s simply convenient.   Or you want to wear your jammies.  Or you want to learn by candlelight in the backyard.  

For whatever reason, know that this option is available!

February, be gentle

Such a busy month!  It isn’t all work-related.  I’m also busy socializing my homeschooler.  Heh heh.

I have an invitation for YOU to fill up your calendar space with a few choice selections:

“Now What”:  a class about the first six weeks postpartum.  20.00/couple/student.  Feb. 5.

Greenville Babywearing Meeting:  noon.  Bring your lunch if you’re on a work break.  Feb. 6.

Clemson Babywearing Meeting:  new time this month!  Free gathering to play and discuss babywearing (or anything else that you fancy).  Feb. 7

Spartanburg Babywearing Meeting:  Feb. 11 at 11.

“Sleeping Like a Baby“:  a class about *yawn* newborn sleep.  20.00/couple/student.  Feb. 12

Greenville Cloth Diaper Group:  a group for families who plan to or are cloth diapering.  Topic and discussion.  Free!  Taylors Library at 10am.  Feb. 13.

Cloth Diaper 101:  a free introduction to cloth diapering led by the savvy Jessica.  Dads are encouraged to attend.  Feb. 16.

Blessingway:  I’m so excited about this month’s gathering!  Please come to hear Norie’s birth story.  This first time mama had a peaceful hospital birth.  And the Puppy Nanny will be there to talk about pets and babies.  Free!  Babies and kids are welcome.  Feb. 23

“Having a Baby without Breaking the Bank”:  a class about creating a smart and green registry, DIY items, and saving $$.  20.00/couple/student.  Feb. 19.

New Member Picnic:  I’m hosting this one!  A picnic and playtime at Lake Conestee for new members of the Greenville Attachment Parent Meetup Group.  Join the AP group to find out more.  Expectant moms are welcome.  Feb. 19

Organic Nutrition for Pregnancy and Lactation:  taught by midwife, Grace Hannon.  FREE!  Feb. 21

Anderson Babywearing Group:  Feb. 25 at 6:30pm.

“Parenting the First Year”:  a class about introducing solids, child development, age appropriateness, and more.  20.00/couple/student.  Feb. 26

Water Birth and Other Comfort Measures for Labor and Birth:  another free workshop taught by midwife, Grace Hannon. Feb. 28.

*Also check the schedules for your closest La Leche League!

Coming UP:  

Registration is open for my March/April Hypnobabies Class.  This series will meet from 6pm-9pm on Tuesdays beginning March 12.  Contact me ASAP for information!  j_byers@bellsouth.net

Oh!  And due to a client birthing early, I have a doula space which has opened up for late February or March.  I also have space available in May and June.  Let me know if you’d like to sit down for a free consult.

The March space is taken!  🙂

January/February parents-to-be class

I’m beginning another series of classes for new and expectant parents for Natural Baby.  I love teaching these six classes.  We focus on the physiology of infants and mothers; learning the biology of postpartum and development rather than a checklist of tasks.  Click the link to rsvp on facebook or you can email me (j_byers@bellsouth.net).

Classes are 20.00/student or you may register for the entire series for 80.00/student.  If attending with your partner, you will still only pay for one space.  Babies are welcome in class.

Class 1 (Jan. 22, 6pm-7:30pm):  Try to See It My Way:  “Why is my baby crying? Is this normal? I don’t understand what she is trying to say!”  Come learn about infant communication and cues. We’ll also discuss birth bonding, attachment theory, soothing skills, and finding balance. Plus lots of tricks for calm parenting. Babywearing and swaddling lessons included!  This class is most appropriate for expectant families and new parents with babies less than 6 months old.

Class 2 (Jan. 29, 6pm-7:30pm):  Breastfeeding:  In our breastfeeding class, we’ll learn about the biology of breastfeeding. We’ll discuss common issues, finding help through community resources, and returning to work.  This class is most appropriate for expectant families and new parents with babies less than 3 months old.

Class 3 (Feb. 5, 6pm-7:30pm):  Now What?  Parenting the First Six Weeks:  The first six weeks can feel like a whirlwind of emotions and the learning curve may seem steep. Learn what to expect during the postpartum. For mom, we’ll discuss physical changes, healing from birth, and creating a postpartum plan. For baby, we’ll look at common issues such as jaundice and gastric changes. And we’ll learn about baby care basics, newborn procedures at the hospital, and vaccine choices.  This class is most appropriate for expectant families and new parents with babies less than six weeks old.

Class 4 (Feb. 12, 6pm-7:30pm):  Sleeping Like A Baby:  *Yawn* Who came up with the phrase “sleeping like a baby” anyway? Learn about the physiology of infant sleep. We’ll talk about naps and nighttime parenting. And, of course, tips and tricks for getting restful nights for the whole family.  This class is most appropriate for expectant families and parents of babies less than 9 months old.

Class 5 (Feb. 19, 6pm-7:30pm):  Having A Baby Without Breaking the Bank:  Having a baby does not have to put a giant hole in your wallet! Learn practical tips for DIY, saving money, and what is safe to buy used. In fact, saving money can also be a sustainable and non-toxic choice. We’ll talk about creating a lean and green baby registry.   What do you really need to raise a baby?  This class is most appropriate for expectant families and parents of babies less than six months old.

Class 6 (Feb. 26, 6pm-7:30pm):  Parenting the First Year:  Parents have many decisions to make the first year. This class will discuss solid-feeding, safety, teething, discipline, learning through play, and infant development.  This class is most appropriate for expectant families and parents of babies less than 1 year old.

Last Minute Class for Last Minute Folks

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I have some folks who need a last minute childbirth class in Greenville.  I’m offering a two hour “crash course” class.  Usually I teach this class privately and I have to charge more.  But if I can pull a group together, I can offer it for 35.00 per person/couple.

April 28 6-8pm.  The class will cover stages/signs of labor, comfort techniques, hospital protocols/choices, informed consent, and the immediate postpartum.

Redux: Birthy Posts from the Past

So You Want to be a Doula (2008)

Preparing for a Smooth Hospital Birth (2009)

Doulas and Cesarean Birth (2011)

Dads and Doulas (2010)

Sacred Moments (2011)

I Heart My Perineum (2010)

A Word or Two about Homebirth (2009)

Accepting Your Birth Environment (2009)

Why I Wish Doulas Didn’t Exist (2008)

 

Reminder: New Classes

These classes for new and expectant parents begin next week.  Links are now up for registration.  Please pass along to anyone who might be interested in attending. 

Natural Baby Parenting Series:  I’m excited to teach this series for Natural Baby.  Beginning Nov. 15, six Tuesdays of classes for new or expectant parents.  Couples/Individuals may register for individual classes or the entire series.  20.00/couple/class or 80.00 for the entire series (must be paid in advance).  6pm-7:30pm.  Here is the schedule:

Nov. 15: “Try to See It My Way: How Babies Communicate” (newborn behavior, birth bonding, attachment theory, soothing skills, and finding balance)

Nov. 22: “Breastfeeding” (initiation, physiology, common issues, finding help, returning to work)

Nov. 29: “Now What? The First Six Weeks” (care for mom and baby, baby basics, postpartum concerns, creating a lying-in, jaundice, circumcision, and vaccine choices)

Dec. 6: “Sleeping Like a Baby” (the normal course of infant sleep, nighttime parenting, circadian rhythm, and naps)

Dec. 13: “Having a Baby without Breaking the Bank” (creating a smart baby registry, DIY tips, cloth diapers, going green can be budget friendly, what is safe to buy second-hand, top toxic products you don’t need)

Dec. 20: “Parenting the First Year” (solid-feeding, safety, teething, discipline, learning through play, development)

Register by emailing j_byers@bellsouth.net or rsvp’ing on Natural Baby’s facebook page as events post.

New Classes

Childbirth Crash Course:  Around the holidays, it can be a challenge to fit in a class or even find a series offered. This class will cover the basics–stages of labor, comfort tips, and as much as I can cram in 2.5 hours.  Great refresher course or last minute childbirth class.  December 3 at 9:30am.  50.00/couple. 

Natural Baby Parenting Series:  I’m excited to teach this series for Natural Baby.  Beginning Nov. 15, six Tuesdays of classes for new or expectant parents.  Couples/Individuals may register for individual classes or the entire series.  20.00/couple/class or 80.00 for the entire series (must be paid in advance).  6pm-7:30pm.  Here is the schedule:

Nov. 15: “Try to See It My Way: How Babies Communicate” (newborn behavior, birth bonding, attachment theory, soothing skills, and finding balance)

Nov. 22: “Breastfeeding” (initiation, physiology, common issues, finding help, returning to work)

Nov. 29: “Now What? The First Six Weeks” (care for mom and baby, baby basics, postpartum concerns, creating a lying-in, jaundice, circumcision, and vaccine choices)

Dec. 6: “Sleeping Like a Baby” (the normal course of infant sleep, nighttime parenting, circadian rhythm, and naps)

Dec. 13: “Having a Baby without Breaking the Bank” (creating a smart baby registry, DIY tips, cloth diapers, going green can be budget friendly, what is safe to buy second-hand, top toxic products you don’t need)

Dec. 20: “Parenting the First Year” (solid-feeding, safety, teething, discipline, learning through play, development)

Positive Discipline and Toddlers:  Dec. 10 from 10am-noon at Natural Baby.  20.00/couple. 

Register by emailing j_byers@bellsouth.net or rsvp’ing on Natural Baby’s facebook page as events post.

Choosing for YOU

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My amazing Hypnobabies students, Jenni and Brandon, were featured on the official Hypnobabies blog yesterday.  I love this story so much. 

I talk to so many women who choose to birth in a way counter to their intuition because of someone else’s desires.  They say things like “Well, my husband doesn’t want…” or “My insurance doesn’t cover…” or “Since this is my first baby…maybe the next one…”

Jenni is the only mom I’ve ever encountered who had the birth SHE wanted even after making a plan for the birth OTHERS wanted. 

Moms, please listen to your inner mama voice.  If this is your first pregnancy, you may not have heard this voice before.  Recognize it.  Your intuition is powerful in pregnancy.  You are wise.  Listen carefully.  Explore every inclination.  And in the end…birth where/how/with whom you feel safest and most loved.

Drop the excuses that are stopping you from having the birth of your dreams.

By the way, THIS is what Jenni looked like after her dream birth.  A blissed out mama!

More from birth in the 50’s

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Remember this post about my grandmother’s pregnancy book?  How modern medicine has taken away that old “bugbear” childbirth pain?  I’ll be posting a few tidbits as I re-read Expectant Motherhood.

“There is no reason for believing that a woman who smokes moderately, let us say ten cigarettes a day, need change her custom.  If you have been used to smoking considerably more than this for several years, by no means try to give them up in pregnancy.  There is no surer way of upsetting the nerves at a period when you should be calm and happy, or of converting a placid, sweet-tempered girl into an intolerable shew.”

“Sexual Intercourse:  Under no circumstances is sexual intercourse permissible during the last month of pregnancy.  This is one rule which is extremely important and absolute.  Prior to the last month of pregnancy, intercourse is harmless in moderation.”

There were only two pregnancy tests available.  The first, “a sound and trustworthy test” involved injecting the woman’s morning urine into a mouse or rabbit.  Within 48 hours, if the woman is pregnant, the ovaries of the animal change.  But it is expensive.  The second, “the frog test” involved injecting a South African toad with the woman’s urine.  Within 18 hours, if the woman is pregnant, the toad lays eggs. 

Or, they could perform an x-ray around the fifth month. 

The physician will check for syphilis.  “Ten years ago this disease was among the ‘unmentionables’ and even to hint that a patient might have it constituted a grave offense.  We realize today that a certain number of cases are traceable to other means of exposure such as kissing and the use of public drinking cups–the so-called ‘syphilis of the innocent.'”

More to come.