Do I Need a Prenatal Class?

Often couples question whether or not they actually “need” a prenatal class.  It is not uncommon for them to be told by well intentioned friends, co-workers, or family that they do not need prenatal education, and that they are “not that helpful anyways”.   They are however missing some important facts….

NOT ALL CLASSES ARE CREATED EQUAL

Our Philosophy

We are very passionate about the work we do because we deeply believe that birth matters. With over 30 years combined experience working in childbirth education (preceded and inspired by the births of our own children), we …

How to have a Natural Birth In Hospital

Published in Birthing Magazine, July 15, 2011

As a childbirth educator in Calgary, I’ve shared many conversations with expectant mothers who wanted a midwife but didn’t make it further than the waiting list…

Why Choose Us

30+ YEARS EXPERIENCE

After teaching thousands of couples, our curriculum has been carefully adapted to meet the needs of our couples. We are proud to be an intricate part of the Calgary birth community. We have attended numerous births of our students over the past two decades and these invaluable experiences add depth and knowledge to the education we deliver. This history allows us to pull from a breadth of knowledge and speak first hand, from a variety of student stories.

BALANCED APPROACH

Not every birth can or will go as planned. We pride ourselves in helping couples to be prepared for ANY situation during birth. Flexibility is key! Our goal is to help couples optimize their birth experience, be informed, involved and feel empowered, regardless of the outcome.

PARTNER FOCUSED

We have high expectations for partners to be involved and assume the role of “key supporter”.  We believe in empowering partners to be equally knowledgeable and passionate about the task at hand. This shared vision, combined with dedication, trust and love, increases the likelihood of a more positive birth.  Labours with adequate support are shorter, less painful, and require less intervention.  When a loved one takes on this awesome responsibility, birth becomes an intimate bonding experience unlike any other.

HOLISTIC APPROACH

Since childbirth is both a physical and psychological event, women require a holistic approach that takes into consideration, not only their physical needs but their mental and emotional ones as well.  We appreciate that each women is unique and arrives at class with different needs and desires.  We respect this individuality.

DOCTOR OR MIDWIFE ~ HOSPITAL OR HOME

Our courses are appropriate for couples who are under the care of GPs, Midwives and OGYN’s, and where you are planning to deliver, we support you!  Beautiful births take place at home, in the hospital and in birth centres.  The key to a positive birth isn’t about where you birth, but it is the knowledge, skills and support you bring with you to your birth location.

SAFE, EFFECTIVE METHODOLOGY

Our classes are designed to prepare the 95% of expectant couples who fall under the “normal and low risk” category.  Classes are well received by people from varying backgrounds, philosophies and learning styles.  Our curriculum is based on safe, effective methodology supported by evidence based research, consistent with the recommendations of The Public Health Agency of Canada,  SOGC, and The Canadian Association of Midwives.

With intervention rates in North America being considerably high, it has become our priority to work with families, reminding them that birth is a normal and healthy physiological event.  When we arm couples with the know-how to be proactive participants in birth, their chance of a more positive experience improves significantly. Note: We focus on normality and do not provide medical advice.

UNBIAS PERSPECTIVE

Not every birth can or will go exactly as planned.  It can be quite unpredictable! We pride ourselves in helping couples to be prepared for any situation that may arise, both in pregnancy and during birth.

Our sole goal and intention is to support the expectant couple as they journey through birth, postpartum and parenthood.  We have no bias and are not affiliated with any health regions, hospitals or clinics. Our goal is for our students to be fully informed of 100% of their options without bias.  We encourage healthy boundaries and informed decision making.

Birth Stories

Visit Birth Stories

Welcome Taryn – Cesarean Birth

Oct 3, 2009 Briar Hill Midwives Hi Sue, We had a 9 lbs 13 oz baby girl, she’s 21.5 inches long. Although the delivery was not what we planned it was still good that we knew what to expect with possible interventions. My water broke @ 5:30 pm on Friday Oct 2nd and labour started […]

Welcome Rosalie – Home birth with Midwives

Rosalie’s home birth on January 18, 2016   The days before I went into labour I spent sewing baby items and reading Ina May Gaskin’s guide to childbirth, a book I highly recommend! On the day I went into labour I had a feeling of constant cramping that felt like a mild period, I finished […]