education

  Comprehensive Childbirth and Newborn Care Classes

      If you are looking for a holistic childbirth class in Wilmington, NC you have found the right place!

      The class series begins by exploring the influences in history and society that shape our cultural views on childbirth. It moves on to the topics of parent responsibility and making informed choices. Nutrition and exercise are highlighted, as well as breathing and meditation practice.

      Mothers and their partners join in to tell the story of their recent birth. This experience is enlightening in many ways.

      Classes that examine how the baby is born and how the mother and her birth team can work with the process for an easier labor and birth follow. The goal is to give mom the information she needs to be comfortable birthing from within, and her partner the skills and knowledge to comfort and support her.

      The series helps parents learn what they can do to have the birth they desire. Standard hospital routines are looked at including the “Domino Theory of Interventions”. The topic of “The Unpredictable Nature of Birth” is explored to prepare for unexpected events. Creating your birth plan and communicating your desires with your care provider and the hospital staff is highlighted.

      Birth bonding, breastfeeding, baby-wearing and other fundamentals of newborn care are discussed and practiced. Furthermore, the postpartum period is focused on in hopes of encouraging a peaceful transition into parenthood. Local contact information for moms groups, La Leche League leaders, newborn care providers, and others who give support and guidance on a variety of newborn care issues is provided.

      The series also includes two special events: a hospital tour of New Hanover Regional Medical Center's Family Birthplace, and a class on the art of Baby Massage taught by Amy Pierce.

      The goal of the classes is to empower families in this important stage of their lives, so they have the tools and the confidence to actively give birth and enjoy the transformation into parenthood.

      Childbirth classes in Wilmington, NC are taught by Carmen Cosby, owner of You Are My Sunshine. She is trained through ALACE as a childbirth educator and doula. Carmen is the proud mother of two girls. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Education and 8 years experience teaching middle and high school students, as well as 2 years of teaching childbirth classes and attending births. Carmen is a member of Cape Fear Area Doulas. Traveling and backcountry hiking are her favorite ways to vacation.

      “I hope you will find these classes fulfilling and your birth empowering!" - Carmen

4 Classes/ $250 (Sundays 4:30-7pm)

Series Outline:
Attitude and Responsibility
Birth Stories
The Process of Birth
Labor Support
The Unpredictable Nature of Birth
Breastfeeding Essentials
Postpartum and Newborn Care
Tour of NHRMC Birthplace
Baby Massage

Upcoming Class Series

*Fall Session 3 - November 9, 16, 23, 30 (Sun. 4:30-7pm)

{Click here to Register for a Class}

The Curriculum …

is based on the teachings of ALACE (The Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators). The classes focus on a holistic view of childbirth and newborn care. Ideas from Lamaze and The Bradley Method of Childbirth are highlighted, as well as other tools for working with the intensity of labor. These classes stress the knowledge and confidence necessary to help achieve relaxation and to help with decisions which labor and birth often involve. Recognizing that relaxation is the key to an easier childbirth, the slow, deep breathing of relaxation is emphasized. Communication skills are also highlighted, because only the laboring woman can know what she is feeling or what she needs.

The ALACE training program combines the important psychological perspectives on birth with sociological and anthropological influences that shape women’s experiences of birth in our culture. It encourages the woman's partner to be part of the birth experience, teaching labor support techniques and educating on common medical procedures.

ALACE (The Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators) classes provide a nurturing community in which parents can explore their values, fears, and hopes in the company of other expectant parents. The classes are geared to meet the specific needs of those attending, including home or hospital birth, partners or single parents, VBAC, etc.

Common Questions

What is ALACE?
The Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators is a non-profit, international organization dedicated to supporting woman-centered childbirth. ALACE provides training, certification, and support for Childbirth Educators and Labor Assistants/ Doulas who offer prenatal education and physical and emotional support for pregnant women and their families. More information can be found at www.ALACE.org

How are ALACE independent childbirth classes different from hospital classes?
Many parents find that independent classes stress parental choice instead of presenting hospital policy. Independent teachers are usually better able to give an objective view of the complex issues and choices to make during birth.

Whether you attend classes in a hospital or with an independent teacher, the important thing is that you understand that you have choices throughout labor and birth, and that you feel empowered to make the choices that are best for you and your family.

Who should take an ALACE class and When?
ALACE classes can be taken at any time during pregnancy or by those interested in learning more for professional reasons. Pregnant women are encouraged to bring members of their birth team to class, so they can learn how to support her during labor and birth.

"The deep breathing exercises were VERY helpful. Also, all of the knowledge of what was happening made the whole process easier." Emily R.

"I think the classes were excellent." Rebecca S.

"I feel much more confident about giving birth. I am more excited now rather than being scared or worried." Amy L.

"I learned so much from your classes ... I look at childbirth so differently now, in a positive way. I cannot wait until our baby is born and I thank you for that!" Brittany S.