I am thrilled to announce that I am branching out on my own in my childbirth education and will no longer be affiliated with BirthWorks. This exciting change will give me the freedom to teach the aspects of birth preparation that I feel are most relevant and current, without feeling tied to a particular organization. I will bring my experiences from nearly 800 births attended over the past 17 years to give the best preparation all types of births in our local birthing community. For while birth is timeless, the circumstances in which we live and give birth are not. And differences in birth options and hospital policies by city and even hospital can be vast. You want to know what to expect where you plan to give birth.

For those who have taken my childbirth classes, rest assured I will still teach the same foundational tenets to prepare for an informed birth experience, no matter the birth you are envisioning. This new curriculum is more current, professional, evidence-based with countless sources cited for further research. It also emphasizes the same information I have always found important, but in a more eye-catching and interesting way. And because I know they are everybody’s favorite part :) , I will continue to add my own stories, handouts, and flair of uniqueness that will make is solely my own curriculum. It really should be called Amara’s Birth Essentials, come to think of it. :) I think this will breathe new life into what I teach and I’m really excited to share in this new way!

For those who are curious, here is a general list of what my classes will cover:

• Making thoughtful decisions about your provider, birthplace, and support people so your birth options mesh well with your beliefs about birth

• Physical, hormonal and emotional aspects of pregnancy, labor and birth, and postpartum

• Nutrition and exercise, and other modalities key for a healthy and comfortable pregnancy, your baby’s well-being, and increasing your chances for a shorter birth and recovery time

• Optimal fetal positioning and incorporating the use of upright and gravity enhancing postures in pregnancy and in labor

• The connection between fear and stress and possible implications on your birth, and making changes in your lifestyle when necessary

• The stages of labor and birth and knowing how to navigate and cope with each one, including a repertoire of non pharmacological comfort measures you can even do at home

• Assessing the risks, benefits and alternatives to medical procedures for both you and your baby so you can make the best decisions for your family

• Strategies for optimizing your postpartum recovery, bonding with baby, and breastfeeding relationship

All Birth Essentials group classes will held at Kimberlin Gray Photography Studio, centrally located in the East Beach area of Norfolk, 4500 Pretty Lake Ave, Suite #102. With vaulted ceilings and an open floor plan, we can safely socially distance while maintaining enough proximity to interact as we learn together. Plus this location is easily accessible from much of Hampton Roads.

If you are ready to register, you can do so here. I would be so honored to have you join us.

Want to hear from people who have taken my classes? Then read and view their testimonials here.