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 Package Birth and Parenting Premium Package Childbirth Preparation (6 week series) Childbirth Preparation Intensive(3-part series) Childbirth Preparation Weekend Intensive Comfort Measures and Labor Support Techniques Vaginal Birth After Cesarean! (VBAC) - NEW! Mamacare - How to prepare for the 4th Trimester - NEW Breastfeeding Newborn Care New Mom's Group - NEW Introduction to Cloth Diapering - NEW Tantrum training: Helping young kids deal with big emotions - NEW Breastfeeding & Returning to Work or School - NEW Non-Violent Communication - NEW Intro to Diaper Free Babies - NEW Baby Sign Language Parent Workshop Helping Babies/Toddlers Sleep - NEW Infant Massage Hypnobirthing CPR for Infants & Children First Aid for Infants & Small Children Pre & Post Natal Belly Dance Meet the Doula 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, 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. January 4 - Febraury 15 (skips 1/18) - CLASS FULL February 16 - March 23 - CLASS FULL April 5 - May 10 - CLASS FULL May 16 - June 27 (skips 6/20) June 7 - July 12 July 6 - August 10 - CLASS FULL July 28 - September 1 - CLASS FULL August 31- October 12 (skips Sept 7th) September 20 - October 25 October 19 - November 23 November 15 - December 20 January 4, 2011 - February 8, 2011 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.
April 3 & 4, 2010 August 28 & 29, 2010 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 or Anna Hurty, Childbirth Educators and doulas. The full range of birth topics are covered including the following:
February 6, 13, 27 (skips 2/20) - choose Breastfeeding date March 6, 13, 20 - choose Breastfeeding date April 10, 17, 24 - choose Breastfeeding date May 8, 15, 22 - choose Breastfeeding date June 5, 12, 19 - choose Breastfeeding date July 10, 17, 24 - choose Breastfeeding date September 11, 18, 25 - choose Breastfeeding date October 9, 16, 23 - choose Breastfeeding date November 6, 13, 20 - choose Breastfeeding date December 4, 11, 18 - taught by Anna - choose Breastfeeding date January 8, 15, 22 (2011) - 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. March 3 - 24 May 4 - 25 July 19, 26 - August 2, 9 - CLASS FULL October 6, 13, 20, 27 November 30, December 7, 14, 21 Back to Top |
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New Mom's Group
Take some time to give back to yourself and share the intensity and joys of new motherhood with other moms. This 8 week facilitated series will cover such topics as: sharing birth stories, finding time to heal your body and mind, feeding your baby, adjusting to your new identity as a parent, trusting yourself enough to know when not to listen to another piece of "good" advice, navigating changing relationships with partners and friends, going out with your baby, preparing to go back to work or stay home with baby, sleep... what sleep? And most importantly, realizing that you are not alone in this journey. Hosted by Stacia Biltekoff & Anna Bahnson. Wednesdays, May 12 - June 30 12:30m - 2:30pm Wednesdays, November 10 - December 29 12:30m - 2:30pm Back to Top |
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Introduction to Cloth Diapering
Are you interested in cloth diapering but don't know where to start? Are you interested in seeing what different kinds of cloth diapers look like and learning how to use them? Wondering if you should get a diaper service or buy and wash your own? Join me for an Introduction to Cloth Diapering. This class is for parents interested in cloth diapering and for parents who have some (or many!) doubts. We will go over the basics of cloth diapering and will give you some hands-on time to see different types of cloth diapers and see what it is like to use them. Come see if cloth diapering is right for your family. Instructor: Erin Stege, RN, MSN, CPNP June 19, Saturday August 28,Saturday November 13, Saturday 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 March 7 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. January 28 - CLASS FULL Back to Top |
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Breastfeeding Cafe and Clinic
When breastfeeding your baby isn't going as easy as you may have hoped, it's nice to know that there is support to help you and your baby through.
BirthWays and Then Comes Baby (www.Then-Comes-Baby.com) are pleased to offer the Breasfeedding Clinic for new moms and babies.
This Clinic provides a low-cost way to get the breastfeeding support- and the "sisterhood" support - you need as you and your baby grow
The latch clinic is intended to help new moms get the helpt they need for some of the most common early breastfeeding challenges:
Every Tuesday $15 / person - Special Discount Price! For Healthy Families and WIC eligible moms ONLY. 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. April 10 - CLASS FULL ***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 January 24 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 February 28 ***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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Tantrum training: Helping young kids deal with big emotions - NEW!
Tantrum TrainingThis interactive three week class has won high praise from both parents and caregivers of young children. We will look at the causes of children's tantrums, and you will have the opportunity to use four "Listening Tools" that will assist you in setting necessary limits with the warmth and authority your child needs. Participants are given reading materials, a Parent Handbook, and do "homework" after the first and second classes. Make connections with other parents, and learn skills that will help you throughout your parenting career. This class is geared toward parents/caregivers of children 0-6. Up to 12 participants. You must follow this link to register, pay as normal with the add to cart button below: http://www.handinhandparenting.org/csArticles/articles/000009/000993.htm Three Sunday afternoons from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm $220 per couple Back to Top |
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Breastfeeding & Returning to Work or School - NEW!
Breastfeeding & Returning to Work or School - NEW!Thinking it's too hard to go back to work if you are breastfeeding? Worried that maintaining your milk supply will feel too much like an extra "job" during your workday? This workshop is designed to provide you with practical tips and advice to make a breastfeeding plan that works for you... and your workday. Topics include: exploring flexible work options, creating a positive dialogue with your employer to get the "buy-in" and support you need, practical milk collection and storage tips, common emotional up's and down's when managing the transition back to work, and promoting bonding while preserving a new breastfeeding relationship. Instructor: Sabrina Easterling, MPH, IBCLC, ICCE Dates TBD 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 April 14 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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Meet the Doula Night - FREE!
Meet local Birth and Postpartum Doulas face to face and ask those
questions you've been wondering about. Take home brochures and
business cards for review and later follow up and watch a movie
about the benefits of having a doula. Find out just how both types
of doulas can support you and your partner during pregnancy, labor,
birth and the immediate postpartum period. We look forward to a
wonderful evening of information sharing and community gathering.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!
February 18 - CLASS FULL
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Thursday, 6:30 - 8:00 pm March 18 Thursday, 6:30 - 8:00 pm April 15 Thursday, 6:30 - 8:00 pm May 20 - CLASS FULL Thursday, 6:30 - 8:00 pm July 18 - CLASS FULL Sunday, 6:30 - 8:00 pm August 15 Sunday, 6:30 - 8:00 pm September 19 Sunday, 6:30 - 8:00 pm October 17 Sunday, 6:30 - 8:00 pm November 21 Sunday, 6:30 - 8:00 pm December 19 Sunday, 6:30 - 8:00 pm January 16, 2011 Sunday, 6:30 - 8:00 pm |
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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 various East Bay Midwives.
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! Fourth Sunday 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! February 2 |
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Vaginal Birth After Cesarean!
New Class Series: Vaginal Birth After Cesarean! This class series is designed for
moms and their partners who have given birth by cesarean one or more times and are
interested in having a vaginal birth. The class will cover topics such as: TOLAC-
Trial of Labor After Cesarean, risks and benefits of VBAC, risks and benefits of a
repeat cesarean, choosing the right healthcare provider, increasing your chances
of a successful VBAC, understanding local hospital VBAC policies, developing strategies
for self-advocacy, reviewing stages of labor and comfort activities.Taught by Liz Creditor February 22 Back to Top |
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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.
February 27 - CLASS FULL Back to Top |
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Mamacare - How to prepare for the 4th Trimester - 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.For more information see www.ginahassan.com. Instructors: Gina Hassan and Shiela VanDerveer May 16 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.tumetime.com.Instructor: Kim Lyons, CMT and Certified Infant Massage Instructor July 28, 2010 Back to Top |
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Baby Sign Language Parent Workshop
Learn about the many benefits of using simple sign language (ASL) with your hearing baby: 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 children from birth to 2 years and covers all you need to learn how to "talk with your baby before your baby can talk"! For more information see www.bayareababysigns.com. March 14 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 February 6 - CLASS FULL 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. March 11 Back to Top |
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