621 E Campbell Ave
Suite 14
Campbell, CA 95008
408-370-3702

Home

Classes & Services:

   Prenatal
   
   Families & Kids
   
   Yoga, Pilates,
   & Dance
   
   Massage, Therapy,
   & Wellness
Harmony Childbirth Express
2 or 3 Part Class

This is our "basic" childbirth preparation class.
How does this compare to the classes offered through my hospital? (click here)
What will I miss if I don't take a class at my hospital? (click here)


Parts 1 & 2:
Through discussion, videos, practice, sample scenarios, and incorporating a variety of techniques, this course gives a personalized overview of both "normal" labor patterns and also variations to help you prepare to move through your unique labor.

What will contractions be like; what is happening in the body and how can you help it; how to time contractions; when to call your doctor/midwife and when to go to the hospital; an introduction to breathing and "coping"; what about monitors, IV's and other medical procedures; what kinds of pain medications are available and when; what to do in the "pushing stage"; what happens after the baby is born; ...and much more.
"It was very worthwhile - I feel a lot more prepared..." 11/09
Read what other participants have had to say about this class.

Get an unaffiliated look at your own role in the process, ways to communicate positively and effectively with your caregivers, whether to create a birth plan, and what to expect from your careprovider and birthplace, including familiarizing with policies, standards (and where there is flexibility), and some of the common medical practices and medications. Most importantly, know your options so you know you are making good informed decisions about your baby's and your care!


Part 3:
Comfort Measures for Labor: Learn and practice personal coping mindsets and techniques for any type of labor, as well as crucial partner support tools. This includes breathing techniques, relaxation, massage, positioning, and how your partner can help!

Since there is time in every labor during which you'll need to "get through" contractions, whether you use pain medications or not (these are not available until the later stages), we recommend taking all 3 parts.

For parents hoping to delay or avoid the use of pain medications and who are choosing our weekend express class (or taking one at their hospital), we highly recommend taking the Part 3, Comfort Measures for Labor Workshop, to provide enough coping, comfort, and support ideas and practice to support your goals for your labor.
For a weekend class, we recommend that you plan to complete your childbirth classes around 28-32 weeks, as the information you gain from class often impacts other major decisions you'll need to make and may help you and your caregiver communicate about goals and expectations.

Classes have a maximum of 7 couples to allow for optimal interaction with the material and other participants. Advance registration is required.
Parts 1 & 2:
 $195 per mom or couple    - 10% discount with Prenatal Basics Package
Part 3:
 $61 when registered with Harmony CBP (1 & 2) - See Details & Register

1 SPOT = 1 Mom or Couple
Parts 1 & 2 Dates Time Instructor
Sat & Sun December 3 & 4 - FULL 1 - 5 pm Allana Moore
Sat & Sun January 14 & 15, 2012 1 - 5 pm Deidre Lorenzo
Sat & Sun February 25 & 26 - 1 Spot 1 - 5 pm Vanessa Pisias
Sat & Sun April 14 & 15 1 - 5 pm Deidre Lorenzo
Sat & Sun June 9 & 10 1 - 5 pm Allana Moore
Further dates to be posted soon. Contact Us with your interest & availability to be notified when dates and registration become available.
Part 3 - Comfort Measures for Labor
Saturday December 10 - FULL 1 - 5 pm Vanessa Pisias Details & Register
Sunday January 22, 2012 1 - 5 pm Deidre Lorenzo Details & Register
Sunday March 4 - 1 Spot 1 - 5 pm Vanessa Pisias Details & Register
Sunday April 22 1 - 5 pm Deidre Lorenzo Details & Register
Sunday June 24 1 - 5 pm Vanessa Pisias Details & Register
Further dates to be posted soon. Contact Us with your interest & availability to be notified when dates and registration become available.


You may register securely online with VISA or MC using the link next to your chosen date. If you prefer to pay with cash or check, click here for instructions.

Cancelation Policy


How does this compare to the classes offered at my hospital?
  • Harmony guarantees small group classes (7 couples or less), to allow you to ask questions, connect with one another, and get more individualized preparation. Some classes at larger facilities can be up to 20 couples or more in an auditorium.
  • More depth and not all lecture. Small classes also mean we can include a variety of learning-style activities, discussion within the class group, depth of understanding, and more actual practice with breathing, pain-coping, positions, comfort measures, and partner support.
  • We have no interest (financial, procedural, or otherwise) in getting you to make a certain set of decisions about your labor and birth, or follow one particular routine. Our goal is to provide an instructor and class which is non-judgmental and supportive of each family's unique goals and preferences.

    Our only desired outcome is that you have as healthy and safe a pregnancy and birth as possible and feel supported in your personal goals, informed, and respected, both by us and by your health care providers.
  • Our instructors are NOT restricted in what they may include, or limited by any one facility's policies or providers' preferences. We are free to share any ideas we think might help you.
  • Our instructors attend births regularly at many locations around the Bay Area, so they are able to speak knowledgably about the policies and options at various hospitals and with many providers, so you won't "miss out" on knowing your facility's standards, nor will you "miss out" on additional helpful options!

    We will refer you to your doctor or midwife for routines specific to them, or questions that are best discussed with your individual provider.
  • Many hospital "Express" classes are one, long day. Many families have shared with us that they were simply not able to focus their attention for a long one-day course, and left early, or stayed but were exhausted and absorbed less than half of the information presented at the one-day version offered elsewhere.

    Harmony's Childbirth Prep Express is offered over 2 days (or 3, with Comfort Measures add-on) to allow you time to absorb concepts and come back refreshed and ready for the next steps.

Back to Description, Dates, & Registration

What will I miss if I don't take a class at my hospital?

That's the beauty... nothing!
Expectant parents can still sign up through their hospital to take a tour of their birthing facility (which we strongly recommend), which will allow you to:

  • make sure you know exactly where you are going,
  • see some actual rooms, which will help to build familiarity and reduce the "unknown" factor a little, which may allow you to transition from home to hospital more smoothly in labor,
  • hear about standard policies and procedures for labor and postpartum care at your facility,
  • ask questions and "kick the tires."

So, perhaps the only thing you will miss is an impersonal cookie cutter class which leaves many parents more anxious than before!


Back to Description, Dates, & Registration