5 Places to Take Childbirth Preparation Classes Near Philly

1/17/17 - By Cait Sumner

If you're a first-time mom, childbirth can be scary. Heck, let's face it, if you've already done it before, it's still a little scary. Childbirth classes are essential for any pregnant woman and her partner. Seriously, I cannot stress just how important these classes are for anyone who is expecting. If it's been a while since you've had your first baby (or babies), you may even want to refresh. Maybe you're trying something new this time around- whether it's a VBAC or unmedicated birth, or you just want to make sure you know what you're doing, a birthing class can help with that. The most important things that birth classes will help you with are pain management, knowing the signs of labor, understanding the labor process, and knowing your rights so you can be in control of your birth. We've rounded up a few great places (other than hospitals) that offer birthing classes in the area. Also included in this list are breastfeeding classes, as those are essential for any new mom who plans to breastfeed.

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Blossoming Bellies Wholistic Birth Services- Philadelphia
Brittany McCollum is a wonderful, certified doula in Philadelphia. She assists with birth, postpartum, and breastfeeding. She is also a certified birth educator and teaches a variety of birth classes as well as breastfeeding classes. I took both with her, and she taught me so much. I would not have been able to successfully breastfeed for a year if it hadn't been for her class. I can't recommend her highly enough. In her childbirth classes you'll learn about pain management, the stages of labor, induction and medications, infant care basics, and so much more. Her classes are offered at various locations in Philadelphia including Cloth, Nesting House, Lilypad, and more.

Mindful Birth and Parenting Philadelphia- Philadelphia
This class is perfect for parents looking to find the zen in childbirth. Offered at Lifecycle WomanCare in Bryn Mawr, this 10-week series will teach you meditation techniques for pregnancy and labor, as well as parenting. This is, most definitely, not a traditional childbirth class. So, if you're looking for something different, this is it!

The Birth Center- Wilmington, DE
The Birth Center offers a variety of classes from infant care basics, to breastfeeding, childbirth education for a planned hospital birth, refresher courses, and healthy eating classes- they really have it all. This is where I had my first baby and plan to have my second, and the nurses and midwives here are so incredible and caring. Even if you plan on going to a hospital for your birth, the staff here are so qualified and so kind, you're sure to learn a ton. 

Maternal Wellness Group- Wyndmoor
The Maternal Wellness Group offers classes for any kind of schedule. From one-day labor intensives to 4-week childbirth series, you and your partner will be able to learn everything you need to know in whatever time works for you. This is perfect for busier families who don't have the time to dedicate to longer classes.

Back to Basics- Philadelphia
Theresa Kaskey is a local doula offering childbirth and breastfeeding classes in the area. Her childbirth classes are 4-weeks long and she also offers a 2-hour one-time breastfeeding class. Doula clients receive a 15% discount on classes. She'll teach you all about the signs of labor, medical interventions, and those first few days home with baby.

Photo courtesy of Tammy Bradshaw Photography via Blossoming Bellies Birth Services.