Birthways
We took our birth class at Birthways in Berkeley and are still friends with all the other couples 2 full years later (just went through the string of 2-year-old birthday parties :)). We found the class to be very personal and in-depth while providing a decent balance of outlining both "traditional" modern birth and "natural" birth options. We watched videos of a C-section, epidural birth, water birth, home birth, etc. While the information the instructor provided was *slightly* biased toward assumptions of parents wanting a less-interventionist birth (making sure we knew we could decline eyedrops & Vitamin K shot, discussing risks of epidural, etc.), we never felt like she was trying to push us one way or the other in our birth experience.
We found our doulas at a Birthways "Meet the Doula" event, which I would highly recommend (it's basically doula speed-dating :)) We ended up working with Shoshana Friedman-Hawk and Lori Jaffe for our birth; they are a team who both attend prenatal and postpartum visits and then trade off on "on-call" weeks for births (all doulas have backups b/c it is impossible for 1 person to be on-call constantly -- their arrangement means that you will never have a stranger show up at your birth). Lori was the one who attended our daughter's very LONG birth (induction resulting in multiple days of labor) and she was great; coaching my husband about when he needed to take a break/nap, rubbing my back during back labor, and even taking some really beautiful pictures immediately after the birth.
I know Lori also does postpartum work, including overnight work, though we didn't take advantage of that particular service. But I cannot recommend her highly enough as a birth doula, so I'm sure she is wonderful with postpartum as well!
Happy to provide more info if needed -- feel free to PM me.
We went to Birthways in Berkeley, Tabitha was our teacher and she was fantastic. It is a much longer class, something like once a week for 10 weeks? We learned a ton about the birth process, comfort measures, newborn care, etc in a very organized and thorough way. Best of all is that because it was a longer class we got to know the other couples well and they really became our support network and friends. We still meet up with the babes 18 months later.
Good luck!
Hi Andrea!
Congratulations on your pregnancy!
My husband and I went to Birthways (located in Berkeley in the Gourmet Ghetto - or at least it was 5 years ago when we attended classes there). It was both affordable and great. We met several other couples and the teacher was wonderful, interesting and kind.
LK
We took our childbirth class and newborn care class at Birthways in north Berkeley, and I also went to the mommy-and-baby support group after our daughter was born. I have nothing but praise for the teachers and community. The default starting point for conversations around birth is definitely a "natural" perspective (i.e., assumes that parents are anticipating/desiring a vaginal birth with minimal medical interventions), but my husband and I felt that our teacher, Yve Saville, also gave a good overview of what would be entailed in some of the more common medical interventions. And our birth class did SO much more than teach us how to breathe :) we talked about emotional baggage around birth, strategized coaching language for partners, watched many birth videos, and really bonded with the other couples -- we still get together w/our babies literally every month and the kids are now almost a year old. The newborn care class could probably have been a little more comprehensive but was a good overview on diapering, feeding, etc., plus a general look at some of the things that are likely to freak you out when you bring your newborn home. And the mom-and-baby group was a lifesaver in the early weeks/months. I would recommend the whole organization. We found our doula through them too. Good luck!
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Recent reviews of Birthways childbirth prep class?
Oct 2013
I'm wondering if anyone has recently taken the Birthways childbirth prep class and can provide feedback on the class? The most recent review on the BPN site is from 2009. I'm due with my first in February and my husband and I won't be able to fit the Bradley Method 12-week class into our schedules so we're considering Birthways. I'm planning on a hospital birth and while I'd like to limit interventions, I'm seeking a class that takes an open view of the use of medical interventions when necessary. There is a yelp review of the Birthways class that gave me pause specifically with respect to the anti-intervention approach, but I don't want to make a decision based on one review. Any feedback much appreciated! Excited To Be Expecting
I took the 3 week intensive birthways childbirth prep class in August of 2012. After the class ended, I felt super empowered and completely prepared for childbirth. But I never went into labor, and at 42 weeks I went in to be induced. I was terrified, I think largely because of the intensity of the anti-intervention rhetoric at the childbirth class. But it was fine, I got the epidural, and labor was fairly easy. It's a reasonable class, but I'd choose something else if I were doing it again. anon
I also wanted to do Bradley but it didn't fit in my schedule. My midwife recommended Loving Arms instead of Birthways, and people I know who've done both have preferred Loving Arms. I'm currently taking a Loving Arms class and it's fantastic. It incorporates the Bradley Method and other methods and is very comprehensive in only 8 weeks: http://www.lovingarmschildbirthservices.com/ Expecting & Informed
My husband and I took a childbirth prep class last year with Jo Schopflin at Birthways, and I would highly recommend her as an instructor. She was completely open, supportive, and encouraging of all types of births. She also urged people to be open minded, and be aware that the type of birth you are planning is not always the one you end up having. My desire going into the class was not to have an epidural, but I did end up having one after almost 20 hours of labor, and it was the best decision I made. The knowledge I gained in Jo's class meant I was able to make a truly informed decision. My greatest criticism of the class was actually of our classmates. Many of them were planning home births, and were critical of those opting for hospital births/open to interventions. But it is Berkeley, so I get that. We were just hoping to meet some really great people, and it was sort of a strange group. But hopefully you will have a different experience! Hospital Birth Mama
My partner and I went to Birthways 2 years ago, and we both liked the classes. Most of the families had hospital births with minimal interventions. I felt prepared, but my daughter showed up VERY quickly, so much of the planning was not super-useful for us. Happy to answer questions. Rita
Not super recent, but we had a great experience with a Birthways childbirth prep class in 2011, with Molly Brannigan. I think it was one evening a week for six weeks? I don't know how a different instructor would be, but Molly was extremely knowledgeable, compassionate, and very open-minded about any and all birth approaches and interventions. She provided information and answered questions non- judgmentally, and I never felt she advocated any particular philosophy over another. I'd highly recommend her course. Despite wanting a natural childbirth, I had a difficult labor and ended up with every intervention in the book short of a C-section. Thanks to Molly's class we were prepared! I also did the breastfeeding workshop at Birthways (different instructor) and found it very much worth the time. happy mama
Classes at Birthways
Dec 2010
Hi All:) I wanted to ask about birth prep classes and new baby classes. I've been looking at the Birthways website and they have a lot of offerings. Aside from the birth prep class, which newborn classes did people find useful? Anything seem redundant? Anything you really wish you had done in hindsight? I'm also open to places other than Birthways, I would just prefer to stay in Berkeley, North Oakland, and Albany if possible! Thanks in advance! expecting my first
We attended a Saturday afternoon workshop in 2008 at Birthways (don't remember exactly how it was called, Caring for a new born, maybe?)and it was a waste of money. The group consisted of 8 couples and spent almost 2 full hours - half of the 4 hour session - introducing ourselves. In the end, we received very little information. We watched a video how to sooth an infant, practiced how to swaddle and how to tuck a blanket around yourself and a baby. Seriously. The doula was nice enough and chatty, but it felt all geared towards hiring her, if not as your doula then, at least as a care giver to your infant. I knew that I would need a c-section due to medical reasons, and this was met with an awkward silence from the other couples and the doula. Many planned a home birth or hospital birth with no intervention, and our birth plan didn't sit well with this crowd. If you are loaded and want to spend an afternoon chatting with a jolly doula go for the Birthways. The Alta Bates offers very good classes too. Anon
I can't comment on Birthways, but I highly recommend taking a Bradley Method childbirth class if you can, and specifically with instructor Sabine Henrie. The class is very comprehensive and taught us everything we needed to know to have a healthy pregnancy and a positive birthing experience. We ended up having a natural birth using techniques we learned in the class, but the class will prepare you even if you have a different birth (e.g. cesearan, epidural). It is 10-weeks, so it is a bit of a commitment, but it was completely worth it. My husband really enjoyed the class and was a great labor coach. Sabine is a wonderful teacher. http://www.bradleybirth.com/ndweb.asp?ID=H488 happy bradley student
My wife and I did the Bradley classes with Sabine Henrie (http://www.bradleybirth.com/ndweb.asp?ID=H488) before our first child was born and a couple-hour refresher before our second. She is awesome. We felt well prepared not only for the births but for beginning the adventure of parenting. Peter
My husband and I attended the childbirth prep classes at Kaiser and we both feel they were a complete waste of time. When labor started I was able to use a couple of the breathing exercises, but the exercises would just as easily been found online. I'm as crunchy as they come, but even I still laugh at the teacher's recommendation to bring along some organic lavender massage lotion to help me ''relax.'' Relax? When it feels like the Amtrak Capitol Corridor is driving through your pelvis? I really wish I had taken infant care classes instead. Lisa in Oakiland
Birthways vs. Alta Bates for childbirth prep class
Oct 2009
Hi. My husband and I preparing for the birth of our first child in January! We have decided to definitely work with a doula, and we have many friends who have shared their birth stories with us, so we feel somewhat comfortable with what we might expect. Also, we feel glad to have a doula, a non-hospital advocate who will support us through the process...However, in terms of taking a prep class, we are debating between the Alta Bates one-day intensive which would certainly present the hospital-slant, but sounds very thorough nonetheless - OR - a six-week Birthways childbirth prep course. The one-day seems great because it's efficient; however, the Birthways courses seem wonderful, and we like that they prepare you for how to navigate the hospital procedures, etc. Any advice on what route to take? Thank you! Emily
we were torn between a class at Birthways, hypnobirthing and Bradley. In the end we chose Bradley with Sabine in Berkeley. Couldn't have been happier with our choice. She is a wonderful teacher who makes it interesting and useful. We also had a wonderful doula who was a valuable asset in the hospital for my husband. However I think the time we dedicated to preparing for the birth was the most useful thing we did. We had a natural (non-medicated) birth and it didn't happen by accident. Showing up every week really makes you think about the process. anon
If you want to be able to successfully navigate the hospital and its protocols during labor, I highly recommend the Bradley method. It's 12 weeks and oh so worth it. Sabine Henrie (510-843-2091) is an excellent teacher in the East Bay area.
I am a doula and I usually recommend to all my couples that they participate in a longer-series childbirth class. There's a lot of information to cover, and it's better to have extra time to let it sink in and consider the information. Sometimes classes give homework, such as mindful awareness practice, or breathing exercises, that are better to practice over a longer span of time. More preparation the better!
In addition, these classes are the first great resource for meeting new families with babies the same age as your own. Forming a positive parenting community is very important, especially for first time parents. Even if you connect with only one couple in your class, that's great! Maybe from that one couple you will meet another like-minded family, and so on and so on until you have a nice little new mom/dad group going!
I don't know if you've already chosen a doula yet, but if you have, you may want to ask her what her recommendations are. Good luck! laurel
If you really want to learn about childbirth and really be ready invest the time. My girlfriend did a one day prep course with her husband and during labor he gave her the deer caught in headlights look. Believe me, that's not what you want. In my opining the best prep for what to expect is a Bradley course. They will take you through EVERYTHING, the stages of labor, hospital practices, drugs, c-sections, exercises, labor positions, etc. They really teach you how to be your own advocate and make it the birth you want. I think another huge benefit was seeing birth after birth after birth in class. It really takes the mystery out of birthing and makes the process seem very natural no matter how you do it. I puked with both my kids but it's totally normal. That little gem would have worried me had I not been ready for it. Sorry if you feel that is TMI but it's birth, you should get over it now. And if you have never seen a live birth you should before you go in. A story is one thing, watching the thing actually unfold is a totally different experience. I wouldn't say Bradley is strong in teaching relaxation technique but that is part of your homework, so you really get what you put in. If you want the natural drug free birth you need to invest the time to mentally prepare yourself and your partner. Your doula can only take you so far if you, yourself are not prepared for what your body is going to go through. Ellen Klima was our teacher and is a doula. She was wonderful. My advice is invest the time in this once in a lifetime experience. Bradley Advocate
I highly recommend the 6 week childbirth class at Birthways, we took the class with Nickie Tilsner. We wanted a natural drug free childbirth and used a doula. Birthways is definitely slanted in that direction and our instructor was a very knowledgeable doula. I met a great group of moms in that class formed a mom's group. anon
Birthways vs. Kaiser for childbirth prep class
May 2009
Can anyone recommend good childbirth preparation classes? We are considering those offered at Kaiser Oakland and Birthways and open to other suggestions. It's our first child and we're interested in natural techniques, but an open-minded approach. We're also interested in meeting other new-parent couples. We thought we might meet more like-minded people (and more local) at Birthways than at Kaiser but we're not sure it's worth the extra expense. Thanks!
I took the Birthways 3-weekend class ('Childbirth Preparation Intensive') last fall with Constance. A midwife at Kaiser actually recommended that I NOT take the Kaiser class! She thought I would get a better perspective on natural childbirth in the Birthways class. I had a drug-free delivery after laboring in the water tub, so I can't argue with the results. The extra expense is not that immense, since Kaiser's childbirth classes aren't free. I can't say that we learned anything earth-shattering in the class, it was just a supportive environment where we covered the basics. The Birthways class also convinced me to hire a doula, which ended up being a blessing. Mary
Hi there- You didn't mention it, but have you considered Bradley Method ? I took the course and I feel like it prepared me incredibly well for labor. If anything, I felt like I really knew what to expect with this huge ''unknown'' event that was about to take place. Bradley Method focuses on knowing what to expect and how to cope, so that the ultimate goal is to go drug-free. For some reason or another, it is not always possible to do so, and this method does not ''berate'' you for that. More than anything it prepares you for the journey so that you are able to do your best!
We met some great couples in the class and we still get together all of the time - even now that our little ones are 7-8 months old, and I see our kids growing up together.
The class takes a lot of dedication - about 8 weeks, and focuses on ''Husband Coached Childbirth'' - so both partners should be present for each class. It really is a great way to get actively involved in what is about to be one of the biggest events of your life! Drop me an email if you would like more info! Caroline
My husband and I are Kaiser members, and we took both the Kaiser classes (free) and a 10 week Bradley Method class with Sabine Henrie in Berkeley (http://www.teachstreet.com/teacher/sabine-henrie). The two experiences were like night and day. The Kaiser class skims the surface. I still think you should take those classes, because if you are going to give birth at Kaiser, that will give you some insight into the ''Kaiser'' approach to birth, but the Bradley Method classes we took were amazing and full of so much rich information, not only on preparation for birth, pain management, possible drugs, possible positions, but also all the emotional issues that come up between you and your partner, nursing issues, caring for your newborn, resources, etc. etc. It was really amazing and so was our teacher. It is not just for people who want a ''drug-free'' birth, because all the preparation you do will help you if you are in a situation where it is too early for medication. With the classes we both felt more more emotionally prepared and educated to make decisions for ourselves. I was going to go drug-free, but with unforeseen complications, I was able to navigate my way through a myriad of issues without freaking out or giving in to the pressures of more stronger medication/cesarean. Contact me if you want to talk more. Elisabeth
I'm a Kaiser member who decided to do the childbirth class at Birthways and I was very happy with my choice. When I started my prenatal care at Kaiser Oakland I was told that I HAD to enroll in the first pregnancy class (I forget the exact name, it was about the first trimester.) It was a waste of my time and I was angry that I'd been made to go. The later classes might be of higher quality but I had such a negative impression that I didn't want to enroll in them. I feel that Kaiser, coming from a public health perspective, 1) targets a very wide audience and therefore assumes you know nothing and spends large amounts of time imparting very basic information; 2) has large classes; and 3) assumes that common medical practice is the only way to do things.
I liked that Birthways had smaller classes and wasn't associated with a hospital. Because the teachers are doulas, they have experience with local hospitals and can tell you what are common practices but also what your options are. I also felt that I was treated as an individual with my own hopes/fears for my birth experience, which I didn't feel at Kaiser. There was a lot of information on the physical aspects of birth, medical practices and questions to ask at the hospital, and a range of coping strategies. I felt like the class emphasized supporting drug-and intervention-free births, which is something I wanted. The class at Birhways definitely eased my fears about birth and gave me overall positive feelings about the entire process. And I absolutely used some of the techniques I learned during my labor. Laura
I highly recommend taking the Kaiser childbirth prep class at the hospital you plan to give birth at. We took it in summer 08 prior to our baby's birth in Sept. 08. Both my husband and I thought it was useful, he maybe more so. It covers both medicated and non-medicated pain control options and does not give undue weight to either. (We were and are fans of natural childbirth, and that's what our son's birth was.) It is very helpful to know what Kaiser wants you to know going into your birth, whether it works out that way or not! Also it is fun to then run into the other couples on the maternity ward (two others were there at the same time, one in the same room as us!) and in the Kaiser moms group. Regardless of taking the Birthways class or getting a doula or whatever, take every class Kaiser offers! Kaiser Mom
I got sooo much out of Betsy Appell's Zen Hypno-Birthing Class (www.berkeleydoula.com/zenclass.html). She increased my confidence, was savvy to hospital and home births, and it was such a calming, relaxing environment to come to each week. We Learned breathing skills, positions, partner exercises, and more! She's a fabulous teacher and as my midwife did a beautiful job catching my baby! Courtney
Try looking at Loving Arms childbirth prep classes . The class is 8 weeks long and includes breastfeeding and newborn care/postpartum. Me and my husband took this series in Spring/Summer 2006 and they were very thorough, interesting and useful. They provide a mix of ideas that they have put together after YEARS in the birth business which gives these classes lots of credibility (in my opinion). These classes definitely lean towards natural childbirth, so if you are interested in learning how to get an epidural as quickly as possible, or scheduling a c-section this series is probably not for you.
Everyone I know who has taken these classes would provide rave reviews.
Contact Janaki Costello for enrollment at (510) 525-1155
By the way, in case you didn't know, she is THE lactation consultant around these parts and teaches a fabulous session on breastfeeding. susie
I didn't see the original post, but wanted to share my experience. I took the Kaiser class (in Oakland) in late 2006 and was very pleased w/ it. The class of 8 couples (not too big in my opinion) was taught by a doula who regularly works at Kaiser - so got a good perspective on what to expect at Kaiser, but also perspectives from a doula on what they do and strategies for a drug-free birth.
I agree that the class doesn't go into a lot of detail on pain management, if you want a drug-free birth it's worth investing in a class that focuses on that or in a doula. I'm surprised by the number of negative responses to the class - I have to think that the quality must vary by the teacher/facility - so may be hard to predict in advance what you'll get? I never felt pressured to take the Kaiser class - but due to poor planning on my part didn't have any (affordable) alternatives.
One option would be to do a non-Kaiser birth class and take the labor and delivery tour at the facility in which you're delivering. The L tour is free and covers the logistics of how the hospital works and things like when you should call/come in (ended up working well for me as a refresher for #2), which are important details to be comfortable with before you go into labor. Kaiser's not so bad
Hi there- You didn't mention it, but have you considered Bradley Method? I took the course and I feel like it prepared me incredibly well for labor. If anything, I felt like I really knew what to expect with this huge ''unknown'' event that was about to take place. Bradley Method focuses on knowing what to expect and how to cope, so that the ultimate goal is to go drug-free. For some reason or another, it is not always possible to do so, and this method does not ''berate'' you for that. More than anything it prepares you for the journey so that you are able to do your best!
We met some great couples in the class and we still get together all of the time - even now that our little ones are 7-8 months old, and I see our kids growing up together.
The class takes a lot of dedication - about 8 weeks, and focuses on ''Husband Coached Childbirth'' - so both partners should be present for each class. It really is a great way to get actively involved in what is about to be one of the biggest events of your life! Drop me an email if you would like more info! Caroline
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