Birth Ways
1600 Shattuck Ave.
Suite 122
Berkeley, CA 94709
510.869.2797
Registration is a TWO STEP process. Your registration is not complete until you have done both steps.
Class space is limited - submit your registration early.
Complete the online registration form and submit your registration.
You may use the form to register for multiple classes.
If you are unable to register online please click on this link to download and print our registration form to submit with your payment: Click here to download our registration form.
Pay for your class in one of two ways:
- Pay on this web site through PayPal. Find your class below on this page. Easy!
- Send a check with the name of the class and date of the class written on the check to BirthWays, 1600 Shattuck Ave., Suite 122 Berkeley, CA 94709.
If you cancel your registration at least 14 days in advance, 75% of your fee will be refunded or 100% credit towards a future class. If you cancel less than 14 days in advance or if you do not show for a class and fail to notify us by e-mail, your class fee will be forfeited. For questions or to cancel a class email
Class space is limited - submit your registration early.
Once registration and payment have been received you will receive confirmation of your registration by e-mail.
Each class has a registration deadline of 2 weeks prior to the class.The class listing will be noted if it is full and registration is closed.
If a deadline has passed and it is not marked full, please email contact@birthways.org or call 510.869.2797
for
late registration.
Want to know more about our instructors?
Click here!
Thank you for supporting BirthWays!
If you have a specific question for an instructor or would like additional information about a class, please feel free to e-mail the instructor directly. Instructor's e-mails can be found by their bio. If you need more information about who is teaching a particular class, please contact the class coordinator, Kim Lyons, at or call 869-2797.
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Classes & Packages
To register for a class you MUST fill out an online registration form AND pay for the class. Birth and Parenting Premium Package Childbirth Preparation (6 week series) Childbirth Preparation Intensive(3-part series) Childbirth Preparation Weekend Intensive How to Cope with Pregnancy/Parenthood in a Challenging Economy - NEW Hypno Inspired Childbirth Workshop, Relaxation and Visualization for Birth - NEW Comfort Measures and labor Support Techniques Postpartum Preparation - NEW Breastfeeding Newborn Care Non-Violent Communication - NEW Intro to Diaper Free Babies - NEW Babywearing Baby Sign- A Parent's Workshop Helping Babies/Toddlers Sleep - NEW Infant Massage Hypnobirthing CPR for Infants & Children First Aid for Infants & Small Children Pre & Post Natal Belly Dance Doula Information Night - FREE Doula Training Information Night - FREE Homebirth Information Night - FREE HypnoBirthing Information Night - FREE
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Birth and Parenting Package
Our new birth and parenting package is an all-inclusive program for
families expecting their first baby. This class provides the basic
classes you will need to be prepared for your upcoming journey into
parenthood. It includes a Childbirth Class (6 week series or intensive),
Newborn Care and Infant CPR for two people with Breastfeeding included for free.
Add First Aid for Infants and Children for $30/person.
See individual class descriptions for days and times. $300.00/couple with the 6 week series childbirth preparation ($380 value- SAVE $80)$280.00/couple with the childbirth preparation intensive ($355 value- SAVE $75) Back to Top |
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Birth and Parenting Premium Package
The premium package includes everything in the basic Birth and Parenting Package
(Childbirth Class (6 week series or intensive),
Newborn Care, Infant CPR for two people and Breastfeeding) plus
Postpartum Preparation, Babywearing (one person), and Infant Massage.
This package will give you the basics while also providing you with additional information
and tools for easing the transition into parenthood, supporting your co-parenting partnership
and strengthening your bond with your baby. Add First Aid for Infants and Children for $30/person.
See individual class descriptions for days and times. $420.00/couple with the 6 week series childbirth preparation ($525 value- SAVE $105)$400.00/couple with the childbirth preparation intensive ($505 value- SAVE $105) Back to Top |
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Childbirth Preparation
This 6 week series + breastfeeding class prepares you for your baby's birth. Including:
*Be sure to list your Breastfeeding date on your registration form. You do not need to add it to your cart. June 29 - August 3 August 4 - September 8 September 13 - October 18 October 6 - November 10 October 21 - December 2 (no class November 25) November 24 - December 29 Back to Top |
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Childbirth Preparation Weekend Intensive
This is a multi-sensory childbirth class, focusing on birth as a journey and profound rite of passage.
This class combines information about anatomy of birth, stages of labor, comfort measures,
interventions, pain medications and newborn procedures with art projects, breathing techniques and emotional
exploration activities. A balance of practical information, self-discovery
techniques and pain-coping practices prepare couples to birth in awareness. This class incorporates
techniques from the Birthing From Within approach. Taught by Shiela VanDerveer, Midwife.
August 1 - 2, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm Back to Top |
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Childbirth Preparation Intensive
This class has evolved to serve expectant couples who want to efficiently
gather the skills and information to birth confidently and calmly with a
minimum of medical interventions. Focus in this class is to equip couples
to engage in the labor process with a knowledge of all of the latest
breathing techniques, mental calming methods, and relaxation tools at
their command to eliminate fear and experience an empowering birth
whatever their choices or circumstances. Baby bonding and postpartum
recovery are also covered but the Newborn Care class is recommended to
complete the skills and information needed to be fully prepared.
Breastfeeding is covered by another teacher in a separate 2.5 hour class
which is included in this intensive. *Be sure to list your Breastfeeding date on your registration form. You do not need to add it to your cart. Instructor: Constance Williams, Childbirth Educator and doula. The full range of birth topics are covered including the following:
July 11, 18, 25 - choose Breastfeeding date August 29 , September 5, 12 - choose Breastfeeding date October 3, 10, 17 - choose Breastfeeding date November 7, 14, 21 - choose Breastfeeding date Back to Top |
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Hypnobirthing® Series
HypnoBirthing® is a natural childbirth technique
that uses self-hypnosis to assist with decreasing, even eliminating
pain and fear in labor and birth. In this four part series, students
will learn the concepts and tools of HypnoBirthing® philosophy, principles
of self-hypnosis for birthing, the origin of pain, how fear affects
labor and birth, deep relaxation techniques, visualizations for labor,
preparing the body for birth, and the importance of bonding. Students
will also watch films of HypnoBirthing® births. Learn what to expect
at the hospital, comfort measures, and the stages of labor and birth. For a one day class covering some hypnobirthing techniques, see Relaxation & Visualization for Birth. Taught by Carrie Flemming, MA, Certified HypnoBirthing® Childbirth Educator, and Kathy Woo, MS, Hypnotherapist, HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator and Birth & Postpartum Doula (www.kathywoo.com) NOTE: The class will be either four or five classes depending on the number of participants and the needs of the class. July 10 - 31 September 2 - 23 October 23 - November 13 Back to Top |
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Comfort Measures and Labor Support Techniques
This 3 hour class is designed to review and also cover additional techniques
to help you in labor and delivery. It will cover relaxation, comfort measures,
massage, using birth balls, breathing and other coping techniques. Learn first
hand tips from a doula, childbirth educator and mom about what works to help
you in the birth of your baby. Instructor: Stacia Biltekoff, CMT and doula July 12 SPECIAL RATE of $65/couple if you are already taking a childbirth class with us. Please do not click the below "Add to Cart' button if you are not already (or going to) sign up for a childbirth class. $65 - couple Back to Top |
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Breastfeeding
This 2.5 hour class covers getting off to a good start, building
a robust milk supply, recognizing newborn feeding and satiety
cues, how to know your baby is getting enough milk, important
ways for partners to support breastfeeding, and ways to avoid
and address common difficulties. Partners strongly encouraged
to attend!Taught by Molly Brannigan, Dana McMahan, or Paula Santi. July 15 Back to Top |
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CPR for Infants and Children
This course is designed to empower parents and caretakers to prevent, assess and respond to cardiac
and breathing emergencies for children up to 12 years old. Participants will receive individualized
instruction and will practice skills with infant and child mannequins. Participants are encouraged
to dress comfortably, as exercises are performed on the floor. Skills are modified to accommodate
pregnant women, as well as anyone who may have disabilities. Please inform us during registration
if you require any specific accommodations due to disabilities. Taught by Media Aranda and Anna Griffin.
IMPORTANT: The length and cost of this class may change depending on national requirements. Please call for updates. July 25 ***SPECIAL SAVINGS ON REGISTRATION WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR BOTH CPR & FIRST AID - it is not necessary to take both classes on the same date*** $75.00/person Back to Top |
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How to Cope with Pregnancy/Parenthood in a Challenging Economy- NEW!
This class is for anyone who is coping with the stress and anxiety
related to the current economic downturn, with a particular focus on
how one's pregnancy, feelings, and parenting are impacted. Focus will
be on self-care techniques; managing interpersonal stress with partners,
friends, and/or children; beliefs about prosperity; and the challenge of
living with less. Participant will not only walk away with a better
understanding of themselves, but also with practical tools to help them
through this hard time.Instructors: Laura Gardner, MA and Stacy Stoddard, MA, Marriage and Family Therapy interns
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Hypno Inspired Childbirth Workshop, Relaxation and Visualization for Birth - NEW!
Hypno Inspired Childbirth Workshop, Relaxation and Visualization for Birth provides a solid introduction to these
powerful concepts within a nurturing and relaxed atmosphere. In this one
day workshop you will learn many techniques similar to HypnoBirthing® and
also information on how the uterus functions as a muscle, how tension and
fear affect the mind and body, and why relaxation deeply supports the
labor process while gaining an understanding of relaxation and
visualization techniques through practice and discussion. This class will
also cover the role of birth companions in supporting mom's relaxation,
tips for creating a relaxed birthing atmosphere, and resources for a
sustained relaxation practice in preparation for birthing.
October 18 Back to Top |
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First Aid for Infants and Small Children
This non-certification course is designed to empower parents and caretakers
to prevent, assess and respond to sudden illness and injuries in infants and
children. This class strives to teach you how to identify and overcome
fears or discomfort in providing emergency care, identify risk factors for
parents' or caregivers' children, learn how to develop and implement an
injury/illness prevention plan, understand the basics of life-threatening /
urgent conditions and how to provide appropriate care and be able to
stabilize and minimize further injury/illness to the infant or child
until EMS or more trained personnel arrive. It covers the treatment for
bruises, burns, external and internal bleeding, dislocations, fractures,
sprains, muscle strains, allergic reactions, poisonous plants, bites/stings,
fevers, common childhood illnesses, disease transmission and more. Instructor: Jason Nery July 19
$45.00/person
Sunday, 11:00am - 2:30pm August 23 Sunday, 11:00am - 2:30pm October 4 Sunday, 11:00am - 2:30pm November 22 Sunday, 11:00am - 2:30pm ***SPECIAL SAVINGS ON REGISTRATION WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR BOTH CPR & FIRST AID - it is not necessary to take both classes on the same date*** $75.00/person Back to Top |
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Non-Violent Communication - NEW!
Parenting from the HeartDo you long to parent with deep compassion, care and empowerment for yourself and for your children? Do you wish to avoid "power struggles", and instead increase your awareness and choice about your reactions to your children? This lively workshop will explore the basic principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), a language and consciousness of compassion that can dramatically improve all of our relationships. Instructor: Willow Lune August 12 Back to Top |
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Pre & Post Natal Belly Dance
Come learn this ancient dance form to ease the pains of childbirth. Belly Dancing
helps tone and relax major muscles used in childbirth and postpartum recovery. You
will learn specific moves to ease lower back pain and common discomforts. This class
is recommended for pregnant women past their first trimester, postpartum mothers and any
woman preparing for pregnancy. Instructor: Jennifer Kantor Beginning in September IMPORTANT: Please contact the instructor, preferably a week prior to the class, to confirm that you will be attending, or (510) 318-4596 See our Prepared Parenting Package for savings or let us organize a class for your mom's or dad's group. Back to Top |
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Doula Information Night - FREE!
Attend this free workshop early in your pregnancy to learn how Birth and Postpartum
Doulas can enhance your childbirth experience. We will discuss the role
of a Doula and specific ways she can help you and your family. An Experienced
East-Bay Doula will answer your questions and show videos of Doulas
at work. Tips on interviewing and brochures of Doulas will also be available. Facilitated by Birth Choice Doula Collective.It is important that you register for this offering even though it is free. If nobody registers, we do not hold the session. Click here to register! July 16
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Thursday, 6:30 - 8:00 pm East Bay Doula Collective September 17 Thursday, 6:30 - 8:00 pm Birth Choice Doula Collective November 19 Thursday, 6:30 - 8:00 pm East Bay Doula Collective |
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Doula Training Information Night - FREE!
Blending the old traditions and wisdom of childbirth with the most up to date and progressive information
about the physiology and psychology of childbirth for mom, partner and baby; Cornerstone Doula Trainings
will prepare you for the very significant commitment that all doulas make in helping families start their
lives together in the most gentle and loving way! Please join us for a free information evening that
will cover what it means to be certified through our program and what life as a doula is all about!
Facilitated by Nickie Tilsner and Cornerstone Doula Trainings. Please RSVP to Nickie Tilsner at: (510) 501-7501
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
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September 24 November 16 |
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Homebirth Information Night - FREE!
Have you ever wondered about the possibility of giving birth at home? Here is
a chance to meet with other families planning to have, or who already
have had a home birth. In this lively evening you will be able to explore options
about where to have your baby and who to choose as your care provider.
While you cannot plan the perfect birth, as it is full of surprises
and mystery, making choices which reflect your values and who you are
will increase the likelihood that you will have a safe, satisfying and
joyous birth. Facilitated by midwives from the Bay Area Homebirth Collective.
It is important that you register for this offering even though it is free. If nobody registers, we do not hold the session. Click here to register! Second Thursday of every other month
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HypnoBirthing Information Night - FREE!
Attend this free talk to learn more about the HypnoBirthing philosophy and technique.
HypnoBirthing views childbirth as a celebration of life and a natural, normal and
healthy function for women. Discover the many ways your body is working with you
to birth your baby. Techniques like self-hypnosis, visualizations, massage, breathing
and positions all help to create a more comfortable, easeful and shorter labor. These
practices help you to drop into your body and embrace your natural birthing instincts.
HypnoBirthing emphasizes the role of the birth companion/partner and teaches specific
ways to assist and provide support. Taught by Carrie Flemming, M.A. and Kathy Woo, MS, Hypnotherapist,
HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator and Birth & Postpartum Doula,
(www.kathywoo.com).
*It is important that you register for this offering even though it is free. If nobody registers, we do not hold the session. Click here to register! August 24 |
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Newborn Care
This class helps new parents and caregivers understand the remarkable
abilities and characteristics of your newborn and to empower you with
techniques and information so that you may greet your new baby and begin
your new roles of discovery and care with competence and confidence.
August 8 Back to Top |
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Postpartum Preparation - NEW!
Postpartum Preparation provides expecting parents with information and tools
to help you through the often forgotten, but critically important fourth
trimester. This class helps you understand the physical, emotional and social
changes that happen after the baby is born and how to navigate them as
co-partners in the parenting journey. It will cover topics including, rest
and recovery, nutrition for lactation, relationship issues, postpartum depression
and shifts in identity. With up to 20% of women experiencing postpartum
depression, it is important to prepare yourself for the fourth trimester
and ease the transition into parenthood.Instructors: Gina Hassan and Shiela VanDerveer July 19 Back to Top |
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Infant Massage
Come learn how to encourage your child's healthy growth and development through
massage. This class will demonstrate basic massage strokes and discuss
the benefits of massage for you and your baby. For more information see
www.movingfromwithin.com.
Instructor: Kim Lyons, CMT and Certified Infant Massage Instructor
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Baby Sign- A Parent's Workshop
Talk with your baby before your baby can talk! Come learn about the many benefits of
using sign language with your baby. The Baby Signs© Program has been proven to
reduce frustration, strengthen the parent/infant bond, help babies learn to
talk, and promote positive emotional and intellectual development.
This introductory workshop is designed for parents of hearing children from birth
to 2 years. For more information see www.bayareababysigns.com.
July 19 Back to Top |
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Babywearing
This is a class for expecting parents, new parents and parents who would like
to know about different types of carriers. Parents with toddlers are welcome!
If your back is hurting because you carry your child in your arms or are using a
baby carrier, you are suffering unnecessarily. If your carrier is hurting your
back, you are probably wearing it incorrectly. In this class, parents/caregivers
will be introduced to the 5 basic types of baby carriers which are slings,
pouches, asian-style baby carriers (aka Mei Tais, MTs), wraps and structured
carriers (such as the Ergo). This class will discuss proper carrying technique
and basic carries. More advanced carries will be mentioned but will not be
taught unless there is enough interest. There will also be a session at the
end to try on different carriers and troubleshoot. Please bring any carriers
you already own that you would like help with.Instructor: Dawn Holtan July 11 $35.00 / couple Back to Top |
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Helping Babies/Toddlers Sleep- NEW!
Are you exhausted because your baby or toddler is up all night? Are you co-sleeping with
your baby and aren't sure how to transition your baby to crib sleeping? Do
you have a newborn and want to start you and your baby off with good sleep habits/practice?
Please join us for a lecture to learn some great techniques to help your little one (and you!) sleep.We will discuss baby/toddler (0-24mos) sleep needs, and how best to help young ones learn good sleep habits. Parents will learn about the importance of a baby/toddler schedule, and age appropriate limit setting. Relevant research will be discussed, as well as challenges to baby/toddler sleep habits, such as developmental milestones, and maternal depression. New SIDS research and guidelines will be explained, as well as concerns parents may have about popular sleep training methods such as Ferber, and CIO (Cry It Out), as well as no-cry methods, and family bed. Please bring questions related to crib/nursery sleeping, room sharing sleep, and co-sleeping/family bed, as well as questions about weaning, and how to find a balance between meeting baby/toddler's sleep needs, and parent sleep needs. Instructor: Angelique Millette, Parent coach, birth and postpartum doula (DONA), infant/child development specialist and child and family therapist intern. www.angeliquemillette.com August 15 Back to Top |
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Intro to Diaper Free Babies- NEW!
Also called "elimination communication" or "natural infant hygiene," infant potty training
is the practice of introducing your baby to the potty at a very young age - usually between
birth and 6 months. Learn how this approach, even practiced just part-time, can increase
the parent-child bond, make your child more comfortable, and save the environment all at
the same time. August 17 Back to Top |
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