Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up for the upcoming childbirth education course?
Click here to sign up for the course.
Why should I invest time and money in childbirth education?
Many people spend significant amounts of time and money on weddings, cars, and baby cribs - but compared to your future birth, these things are short-lived. Your birth experience will stick with you for the rest of your life. It will impact your postpartum experience, your long-term health, and your baby's short and long-term health. High quality childbirth education is essential for you to thoughtfully plan your birth (and postpartum) and to make informed decisions.
What makes BirthWorks International's childbirth education unique?
BirthWorks International's (BWI) childbirth education course will help you have more trust and faith in your body's ability to give birth. The course is holistic, science and evidence-based, and innovative. True birth prep is so much more than just learning about interventions and the stages of labor. The depth of this course is essential if you want to develop more trust in your body and if you want to create a birth experience for yourself that truly meets your needs.
Additionally, BWI's childbirth education and philosophies are supported and informed by their top notch board of advisors, which includes obstetricians and midwives who have had excellent birth outcomes. "Excellent" birth outcomes means: Women having high satisfaction towards their birth experience, a low need for interventions for women of all risk labels, and low c-section rates. Currently, the c-section rate in the United States is over 30%. BWI advisor Nancy Wainer's first client to need a c-section birth was her 155th client. That's less than a 1% c-section rate! These experts KNOW birth and how to facilitate optimal outcomes for all mothers and babies. These are the people you want informing your education about birth.
What will the class environment be like?
This is a small-group class, so you will be able to get to know your peers. It is my goal to foster an environment where you feel safe to express your honest beliefs and fears about birth, and that you are comfortable to ask questions about anything on your mind. I am also going to be honest and straight-forward in the information I share. I believe you deserve the opportunity to make truly informed decisions during your pregnancy and birth - and this is only possible if you have clear information.
Do I have to be planning a certain type of birth to join the course (such as a "natural" birth, a hospital birth, a home birth, etc.)?
No. We will discuss how your body is designed to give birth. From there, we will discuss the potential benefits, risks, and side effects when we intervene with your body's birthing process, such as when we do inductions, epidurals, cesareans, etc. These discussions will help you make confident and informed decisions about what will work best for you and your baby.
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone who is planning a future pregnancy or is currently in any stage of pregnancy (the earlier the better!). It could be your first or fifth birth. You could previously have had a cesarean or vaginal birth, be planning for a vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC), planning for a hospital or home birth, etc.
What should I expect to learn?
You will learn about a variety of topics, including: how your body is designed to give birth, what may support and hinder your body's ability to give birth, birth hormones and body mechanics, medical interventions and potential benefits/risks/side effects, informed decision-making, how to position your body and pelvis for an easier birth, pelvic/body/mind relaxation exercises, comfort measures during labor, lifestyle elements (such as nutrition and exercise) that increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy/birth, how beliefs and philosophies impact birth, options for your birth and how to create a birth experience that aligns with your goals, and more.
How much is the course?
The cost is $350/couple (which includes a $50 non-refundable deposit). You will receive 16 hours of class, a childbirth education workbook, access to the educator's book lending library during the course, and information about resources that can support you during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
How do I pay for the course?
Currently, I am using a Venmo Business account to receive payments. You will be prompted to submit payment when you register for the course. Please reach out to emma@blbirth.com if you need a different payment method.
When is this course offered?
Eight Mondays from Monday, January 11, 2027 - Monday, March 1, 2027. Time: 6:45pm - 9:00pm.
Where are classes held?
Empower Women's Health and Fitness (13615 Genito Road, Midlothian, VA 23112).
What if I have to miss a class?
I can help direct you to relevant parts of the workbook for that class and update you on the materials we covered.
Can I bring my child to class?
Unfortunately, no. There is no child care, and class will require everyone's full attention.