Northwest Indiana's Premier
Pregnancy & Birthing Classes

Serving Indiana & Illinois:
Lake County, Porter County & South Chicago Suburbs

Give your baby an optimal start to life! Inspired Birth & Baby's educational programming provides the principles, tools and techniques you need to create an experience that goes beyond natural to one that is truly inspired...

Who should take Inspired Birth & Baby classes?

Anyone who wants an optimal start for their baby and desires to give birth in the safest and most enjoyable way possible! Classes are designed for couples seeking a natural birth in a hospital, birth center or at home.

Where are classes held?

Classes are conveniently located in Merrillville, Indiana at New Life Family Chiropractic, 3610 W 80th Lane

What will you learn and do?

• You’ll get clear about your personal preferences, priorities and plans for birth.
  
• You will discover a whole new positive and confident way to approach birth that transcends the prevalent "birth is scary, excruciating and dangerous" mindset.
  
• You will grow closer to your partner as you practice techniques together and work toward the common goal of giving your baby the best possible start.
  
• You will become an expert on your body and the normal birth process, equipped and qualified to collaborate with your providers on all decisions.
  
• You’ll understand how to strike the perfect balance of dealing with the unpredictability of birth, yet feeling empowered by how much control you actually have over your birth experience.
  
• You’ll set yourself up with the best odds of avoiding situations and complications that lead to fetal distress, c-section and other sub-optimal outcomes.
  
• You will create optimal physical, mental and emotional readiness for birth and parenthood.
  
• You'll become confident in your decision to go natural even when confronted by doubting friends and family.
  
• You will craft a birth plan that helps you to clarify your wishes and communicate them to caregivers.
  
• You’ll master relaxation, breathing and other natural pain relief techniques to cope with your labor and allow your body to work optimally.
• Best of all, you'll get a positive and proactive set of tools, techniques and principles for creating a birth experience that reflects your deepest values and potential!

How else will you and your baby benefit by planning for a natural childbirth?

According to pediatrician, Dr. Lawrence D. Rosen:

“There are great implications for how a child comes into this world for the child’s health and well-being, during infancy and for a long time afterwards.”

Natural childbirth has many benefits for mothers and babies:

• Significantly fewer complications
• Much less likely to require traumatic delivery procedures such as forceps, vacuum extraction, episiotomy and C-section.
  
• Because of the above, your baby will be less likely to need time in NICU or special care nursery.
• Avoids unnecessary medications and medical interventions with all their risks and side effects
• Avoids separation of mom and baby for optimal bonding and breastfeeding initiation
  
• Avoids the "cascade of intervention" (This term describes the domino effect of one medical intervention usually leading to no fewer than five additional ones.)
• Feelings of empowerment, accomplishment and satisfaction before, during and after the birth for both parents
• Often shorter and easier labor, birth and recovery
  
• May be less likely to experience postpartum depression
• More choices and freedom during birth process and the opportunity to fully feel and experience all that birth has to offer (Yes, this is a good thing!)
  
• Utilizes natural, safe and effective pain relief methods that don't come with a long list of risks and side-effects
• Easier start to breastfeeding
  

As you can clearly see, there is much to gain and nothing to lose by making this fundamental investment in your birth and baby!

What topics will be covered?

• Holistic pregnancy wellness including nutrition, fitness and prenatal care
• How to be a smart maternity and health care consumer
  
• Understanding the stages of the labor and birth process
• Understanding the causes of labor pain and how to manage or avoid them altogether
  
• Evaluating the progress of labor and knowing when to head to the hospital
  
• Labor positions and comfort techniques, including what to do about back labor
  
• Relaxation, breathing and visualization techniques
• The partner's role (a.k.a. how to support a woman in labor)
• Dealing with fears and increasing consciousness during birth
• Writing an effective birth plan
  
• How to prevent tearing and episiotomy
• Understanding the potential of the labor experience, including painless and ecstatic childbirth
• Understanding childbirth routines, complications and interventions, including Cesarean section
• Understanding newborn routines and interventions and how to choose what's best for your baby
  
• Breastfeeding basics and natural baby care
• How to take care of yourself postpartum
• ...and much more!

How is the material presented?
We'll use a variety of modalities: lecture, group discussion & activities, video and guest speakers. You'll also get plenty of hands-on practice, which is essential for coping with labor in the most effective way and avoiding the need for medical interventions. Finally, you'll use the extensive online materials independently to further deepen your skills and knowledge in preparation for giving birth.

What else do you get?

• Custom class materials, including student binder and exclusive access to online student database
• Natural pregnancy and baby care gift basket containing samples, coupons, resource guide and more!

• Special coupons and promotions from local natural pregnancy and parenting resources exclusive to Inspired Birth & Baby clients
• Lending library privileges with access to books, DVDs, magazines and more
• Healthy, organic snacks
  

Who will be your guide and facilitator?

Kristi Moke is a Bradley Method-trained Childbirth Educator, DONA-trained Doula & Certified Yoga Instructor who is also the mother of three naturally born children.

~Class Options~

Optimal Start Series (10-Week Course)      This comprehensive class includes everything first time moms- and dads-to-be will need to feel prepared and confident through pregnancy, birth and beyond!      Weekly class meetings provide thorough coverage of natural pregnancy wellness, childbirth and baby care.  Each week builds on the next as you further deepen your skills and knowledge in preparation for giving birth. Online materials will provide additional support and information. Tuition: $299 Upcoming Sessions: April 9th - June 11th, 2013 (Tuesdays, 6:00-8:30 pm) Register Now Reserve with deposit $50.00 USD Pay tuition in full $299.00 USD

Natural Childbirth Essentials (Weekend Intensive)      This intensive seminar is for couples whose schedule or due date won't allow for the more comprehensive series and/or are comfortable doing more independent study.        In-class time will focus on core natural childbirth principles and hands-on practice, leaving you with a firm foundation of skills and knowledge to birth your baby naturally. You will be further guided through online preparation in order to build on your foundation and provide more in-depth coverage of non-core topics. Tuition: $199 Upcoming Sessions: March 22-23-24, 2013 (Friday, March 22, 6-9 pm, Saturday, March 23, 9 am- 5 pm Sunday, March 24, 11 am -5 pm) Register Now Reserve with deposit $50.00 USD Pay tuition in full $199.00 USD

***Refund and Cancellation Policy***

Satisfaction is guaranteed or your money back. Full or partial refunds for special circumstances are determined on a case-by-case basis. In the event a class series is canceled for any reason, full refunds will be issued.

Also, please contact me about alternative payment schedules and arrangements due to hardship or other circumstances.