birth classes black women

Birth Classes

 

Demystify labor, birth and postpartum with inviting, empowering classes. Dive deep with introspective 5-part sessions. Not your first birth? Brush up on pain coping with an afternoon refresher course.

Go deeper than the physiological ins and outs of childbirth. Strengthen your ability to step into new parenthood with self-assurance. Here’s what you can expect to learn in my classes:

 
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The Childbirth Process

From that first contraction to the first time you hold your baby, ease the haziness of the unknown by walking through the way your body (and baby) will move through labor.

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The Unpacking of Fears

I’ve been there. My classes center rich Birthing from Within® processes that walk you closer to confidence as you acknowledge your worries.

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The Pain Coping Mindset

We’ll explore why birth hurts and what you can do to cope. From laboring positions to relaxation techniques, you’ll build a solid coping mindset.

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The Postpartum Healing Phase

Learn what to expect in the postpartum phase, physically and emotionally. Learn how to support your healing, resting and bonding as a new family.

 
Testimonials
We absolutely loved Lou’s birth class!

“She’s so knowledgeable and made us feel really heard when we had any questions or concerns. She also would always follow up the next day with cheat sheets after the classes for us to have on hand in case we couldn’t remember something. She not only gave me a better understanding of what to expect, but made my fiancé feel so at ease with the birthing process and how he could be my best support person.”

– Saudiee & Sean

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent learning from Lou!

“She takes a holistic approach to birth focusing on the physical, mental, and emotional aspects. We learned coping mechanisms and breathing techniques which I took into birth and were invaluable during each contraction. We also went through what postpartum looks like. As first-time parents, this lesson helped paint a realistic picture of what to expect in the weeks after birth.”

– Ali & Peter

Lou-Ann has a very loving energy, lots of knowledge and experience.

“She was flexible when booking our dates, communication went smooth and we just enjoyed so much meeting her at our home for four Sundays to learn what to expect and lots of practical tools to end the class feeling more prepared for the birth of our first baby. We absolutely loved Lou-Ann and recommend her birthing class!!!”

– Mariana & Filipe

The class gives you information, pain coping strategies and mindset exercises, but the real gift is Lou-Ann herself.

“My husband and I took Lou-Ann's 4-week class, —Overflow—in a 1-on-1 virtual setting. We really enjoyed the classes and feel much more prepared for birth and early postpartum. The class gives you information, pain coping strategies and mindset exercises, but the real gift is Lou-Ann herself. She is motherly, informed and kind. We felt so cared for both practically and emotionally.”

– Megan & Simon

I can’t imagine going into labor without taking this class!

“My husband and I opted for the in-home one-on-one course. Which was an excellent option for the end of my pregnancy to not have to go somewhere. After having our baby girl, I felt that my experience was shaped by the information that we received. We had an unplanned issue arise and we understood what it all meant, was equipped to knowledgeably talk to the staff, select our course of action and most importantly, not panic or become afraid. Not only was birth easier, I feel more prepared to advocate for my family and I with healthcare practitioners in general.”

— Jamie & Sebéstian

We were so blessed by you, your passion, and your knowledge surrounding natural childbirth.

“Being empowered, feeling much more prepared & settled in God's plan for us were all results of the time and conversations we have had over the last four weeks. We were so blessed by you, your passion, and your knowledge surrounding natural childbirth. Without you, I don’t think we would have felt this prepared and ready for what's to come. I hate that our four weeks ended so quickly, but we were so grateful for the time spent. Thank you for all the time & resources that you provided to us. We will definitely be utilizing them.”

— Chelsey & Jon

I personally wanted to take this time to thank you, for mentally preparing me to accept the birth that I had.

“I already miss being pregnant and feeling the little kicks and rolls, and all I tend to think about is how I would do it all over again, and what I would do differently, but I also find it hilarious that I could do so many things right and do so many things over again, and still have an unexpected birth each time and that's honestly the beauty that you helped me realize.”

— Melissa

I don’t have all the right words of gratitude worked out yet for all you taught us. We needed it all, and on top of that received a lot of grace.

“Labor was so much harder than I could have imagined, but in the hardest times I heard your voice encouraging me to press on, reminding that at the end of this, I would get to meet my baby. You were right—holding her for the first time was even more amazing than I could have ever dreamed. Thank you for the gift you offer to the world as an educator and a light."

— Jenni & Joe

 
 
 

Ready to take a birth class?

Let’s start by aligning. Are you:

✓ 1st time parents or...

✓ 2nd timers looking for a refresher?

✓ Scared or anxious about birth?

✓ Desiring a low intervention, VBAC, birth center or home birth?

✓ Seeking an overall transformative, meaningful birth experience?

 

If you said YES at least once and you're between 27-32 weeks pregnant, you're likely a great fit!

If you are:

✗ Looking for a class that teaches a very specific birth method
✗ Unwilling to dedicate time outside of sessions to practice pain coping & self-reflection
✗ Not interested in the transformative aspects of the birthing year

…then these classes may not be the right fit.

1 | Start by exploring my classes.

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Overflow:

Introspective Preparation for Birth

Starting at $295.00

5 Class Sessions • 2 Hours Each • Virtual or in-Home

✓ A beautiful balance of introspection & information.
✓ Meaningful validation as you gently explore fears.
✓ Weekly cheat sheets for easy review.

Pour from a cup of overflow, not overwhelm. These month-long sessions speak to the physical, emotional and often times soulful experience of birthing a baby. Overflow is a 5-part childbirth preparation series that covers practical, physiological knowledge and much more.

 
 

What you can expect:

• A walk through the stages of labor

• How to cultivate a low stress birth environment

• Birthing from Within® practices

• Exploration of unmedicated pain coping strategies

• How to communicate effectively with your provider

• Courageously discussing unwished for outcomes

• How to honor the postpartum healing period

• The basics of baby care & breastfeeding

 

Choose a class format:

 

online

Private

$295 per couple
1-on-1 via Zoom

local

In Home

$395 per couple
Comfort of your home*

 
 

*Local clients within 15-miles of Springfield, Virginia.

 
 
 
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A Labor of Love:

Comfort & Pain Coping for Birth

Starting at $175.00

one 4 hour session • Virtual or in-Home

✓ Convenient for busy parents.
✓ Downloadable cheat sheets for easy review.
✓ Great refresher course for second-time parents!

Pour into your birth journey with a weekend afternoon of gentle guidance and loving vibes. We’ll walk through the stages of labor and birth, strategies for pain coping and learn how to build a solid birthing mindset. A Labor of Love is a four hour afternoon course:

 
 

What you can expect:

• A walk through the stages of labor

• How to cultivate a low stress birth environment

• Exploration of unmedicated pain coping strategies

 

Choose a class format:

 

online

Private

$175 per couple
1-on-1 via Zoom

local

In Home

$225 per couple
Comfort of your home*

 
 

2 | Next, schedule your free call.

Take 30 minutes to explore the desires for your birth, class details and more on an alignment call. This call also ensures that we’re a good match. There is absolutely no obligation to register after this call.

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3 | Register for your class.

After completing the registration form and submitting payment, you’re officially registered! Before your class date, I’ll be communication with you via email with class information. Feel free to communicate with me before class starts if you have any questions or concerns.

 

Common Questions:

I’m really interested in your classes but I have questions before I register.
Let’s set up a free consultation where I'll answer your questions about my classes, services and figure out how I can guide you in the best direction along your birth journey. I don’t pressure you to join my classes, especially if it isn’t the right fit for you. Even after you’ve booked your class, I make these consults available to all my clients.

The class fees are a barrier for me. Can I still take a class?
Yes! I believe that every family should have the resources to not just survive birth but to experience the rich, transformative act of birth, and thrive as a result of it, regardless of their ability to pay. Please reach out directly if my class fees are a barrier to you.

Can more than 2 people attend class?
No. The registration fees cover class attendance for 1 birth parent and 1 support partner only.

What forms of payment do you accept?
CashApp, PayPal, Venmo and Zelle (preferred).

What if I need to cancel? Do you offer refunds?
Like life, I understand that the birth journey comes with unexpected twists and turns. If you need to cancel for any reason before your classes begin, I offer a 100% refund of the registration fees. Once classes begin, I will not be able to provide partial refunds. If you need to adjust class dates due to unforeseen circumstances, I am very flexible and am happy to reschedule at a time that works for us both.