As a CAPPA Certified Childbirth Educator, Joanne believes that the more informed a woman and her partner/support person are about their medical choices, the better advocates they can be during labor and birth. Regardless of whether you are birthing at home, a birthing center, or a hospital, it is beneficial to understand all of the options that are available and how to create the ideal birthing experience.

Group Childbirth Classes

Illuminated Birth
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and  Postpartum Preparation

Illuminated Birth classes are an integrative approach to creating the birth you desire at home or in a hospital.  We draw upon ancient wisdom and modern science to prepare mind, body and spirit for the significant transitions of pregnancy, childbirth and new parenthood.  This class is uniquely designed to include the most effective techniques from various childbirth philosophies (Bradley, Hypnobirthing, Birthing from Within), medical research and our own professional experience as Doulas.  Instruction also includes open dialogue, journaling, and  interactive exercises that foster a community of support through your birth and beyond.

Topics Include:

• Trusting the Natural Birthing Process
• Identifying and Working with Fears
• Prenatal Nutrition and Exercise
• Nurturing your Relationship
• Cultivating Strengths in Mom and Partner
• Stages of Labor
• Natural Pain Relief Options
• Navigating and Understanding Medical Interventions
• Support Measures for Partners
• Breastfeeding
• Postpartum and Newborn Care

Class materials include a comprehensive manual for further reading and resources. We also invite other birth professionals from the community to present in their area of expertise including pediatricians, lactation consultants, family therapists and chiropractors.

If you are interested in registering, please email or call to sign up

Please click here for Schedule.

Private Childbirth Classes

Childbirth Education is also available in the privacy of your home.  This is for expectant couples who have busy schedules and/or who prefer to have classes customized to fit their birthing and postpartum needs.  This is broken up into two 3 1/2 hour classes with a comprehensive educational manual provided.

Birth Consulting and Counseling

Pregnancy, labor, and caring for a new baby are powerful social and emotional experiences for a woman.  It is a time of much anticipation, expectation, and happiness as well as a time filled with anxiety, insecurities, and possibly fears.  There are so many amazing options for expectant couples and at the same time, all of the time spent researching can be quite overwhelming.  

Joanne will help you clarify your birthing vision (whether this is your first or third baby), including birthplace, philosophy, stance on medication, and amount of support needed for pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.  Questions to ask your provider, emotional counseling, and researched medical information can all be provided.   With years of experience in the birth field, and working directly and intimately with doctors, midwives, doulas, and other pregnancy practitioners, Joanne can help you to choose the best providers.

Amount of time for a consultation depends on your individual needs.