Childbirth Education: Private and Group Options
My classes blend evidence-based information with practical guidance, helping you prepare while also holding space for the unpredictability of birth—so you can approach your experience with knowledge, confidence, and connection.
Not sure how a Childbirth Education class benefits you? Click here to learn!
Note: You can use your HSA to cover childbirth classes. Some health plans offer reimbursement for childbirth classes. I’m happy to provide receipts — just ask!
Evidence-Based Birth Childbirth Education
6-week series - Hybrid Group Classes
If you’re local (Vermont/New Hampshire), you can access FREE Hybrid Group Classes via Gifford Medical Center while spots last! (Six duos/couples max per class)
I teach the Wednesday night series; Mary Etna Haac, another wonderful EBB Instructor, teaches the Saturday series.
Your 6-week EBB Childbirth Class includes:
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Mentorship from Laura, experienced EBB Instructor, childbirth educator, doula, and couples support specialist.
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Weeks 1 and 6 are in-person at Gifford Conference Center, including a comfort measures rehearsal (final class); weeks 2-5 are live Zoom meetings with Laura and your peers.
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Weekly online videos for you and your partner to watch together.
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Key info about evidence-based: birth options, comfort measures, partner support, advocacy, and so much more.
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BONUS - Breastfeeding and newborn care videos.
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BONUS - Acupressure instruction videos taught by a licensed acupuncturist.
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BONUS - Prizes for your amazing presence!
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Open to the community (not just Gifford clients)
Here are our 2025 EBB class options @ Gifford:
Dates Teacher Times
January 11 to February 15 Mary Etna Saturdays at 10:00 AM FULL
February 26 to April 2 Laura Wednesdays at 6:00 PM FULL
April 12 to May 17 Mary Etna Saturdays at 10:00 AM OPEN
May 21 to June 25 Laura Wednesdays at 6:00 PM OPEN
July 12 to August 16 Mary Etna Saturdays at 10:00 AM OPEN
August 20 to September 24 Laura Wednesdays at 6:00 PM OPEN
October 4 to November 8 Mary Etna Saturdays at 10:00 AM OPEN
November 5 to December 10 Laura Wednesdays at 6:00 PM OPEN
Use this form to register for Gifford classes. If full, reach out to me about private class options!
Feel Empowered with Evidence-Based Birth® Childbirth Education!
The Evidence Based Birth 6-week class is a good fit for you if:
You live in the Vermont/New Hampshire area and plan to give birth at Gifford, DHMC, or other nearby hospital/birth center/or at your home.
You’re a first time parent and you want a comprehensive, evidence-based understanding of labor and birth over six weeks.
You want to meet and connect with other couples in the area.
You’re able to attend two in-person classes at Gifford Medical Center (the first and last classes).
You prefer a mix of self-paced learning and live, interactive classes with a structured syllabus.
You value in-depth discussions on topics such as evidence-based care, pros and cons of medical interventions, and comfort measures.
The Evidence Based Birth 6-week class is not a great fit if:
You prefer a faster, less intensive format for your classes.
You don’t have time to keep up with weekly self-paced videos.
You’re experienced and already confident in the labor process.
You prefer in-person-only education or don't have reliable computer access.
You are not seeking a detailed or research-intensive approach, as the program is designed for those who want to delve deeply into the evidence and options available in childbirth.
You want a class with a more robust inclusion of postpartum preparation.
Private Birth Prep Crash Course (or Refresher)
(3 Hours)
You don’t have time for a multi-week course, but you know some
intentional and evidence-based birth prep would go a long way. Maybe
you’ve already given birth but could use a refresher.
I’ve got you covered.
Oh, and wouldn’t it be nice if it happened right in the comfort of
your home? Done!*
Your 3-hour Birth Prep Crash Course includes:
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Personalized content: An initial intake form that helps me tailor the content and focus of our time together on your unique questions, priorities, and needs.
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A brief overview of birthing in your local context.
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The “quick’n’dirty” version of the stages and phases of labor and birth (and the interventions that may crop up along the way).
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How to create the conditions for a positive birthing experience + avoid an unnecessary cesarean birth.
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Coping strategies + comfort measures, including acupressure points
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Movement and positioning to support an efficient labor
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Evidenced strategies and tips for communicating with health providers
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Birth Plan Guidance: Receive a clear, actionable guide to creating a flexible birth plan. Includes example birth plans and a round of expert input if desired.
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BONUS: Take home curated handouts and essential resources to build confidence and prepare for the big day.
*If you live in the Vermont/New Hampshire area, I can come to your home; I can also provide this virtually as either a single session or divided into two 1.5 hour sessions. Contact me for more information!
The 3-hour Crash Course is best for you if:
You’re a first time parent OR you’ve had a previous birth(s) and would like a refresher/discuss VBAC, etc.
You’re short on time and need a quick but impactful childbirth overview.
You’d prefer a private, in-home session customized to your needs, OR you want a virtual option that still gives you a solid foundation for birth.
You want only essential knowledge without homework or extra assignments.
You’re seeking flexibility for your schedule with minimal prep required.
The 3-hour Crash Course is not a great fit if:
You prefer a deep dive into childbirth education.
You’d benefit from ongoing support and resources beyond a single session.
You want a self-paced course.
Advanced Birth Preparation Class
A 3-part series
You want to go beyond the basics. Maybe it’s your first birth, and you want to feel deeply prepared and confident about what’s ahead. Or maybe you’ve birthed before, but this time, you’re determined to approach birth—and postpartum—with clarity, intention, and a solid plan.
This class is a private, personalized series consisting of three 2-hour sessions (6+ hours of private support). Each session is designed to give you customized support to align your birth experience with your goals, values, and priorities—and equip you and your partner with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to birth and parent as a team.
The Advanced Birth Prep series includes:
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Tailored Content: We’ll focus on your unique questions, goals, and needs through an initial intake and personalized sessions.
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All-in-One Prep: Includes all the essentials from the 3-hour crash course plus deeper, dedicated time to refine your birth plan and map out your goals.
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Postpartum preparation: Practical and tailored guidance to address your specific concerns and circumstances, ensuring a smoother transition into the postpartum period.
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Values Clarification: A guided process to align your values as individuals and as a couple, with actionable steps to incorporate them into your birth and parenting journey.
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Expert Guidance: Receive curated handouts, practical tips, and one round of feedback on your birth plan.
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Continuous Support: Email and text availability until your birth for questions or reassurance.
This masterclass is perfect for couples seeking a deeper level of preparation to thrive during birth and beyond.
The Advanced Birth Prep series is best for you if:
You’re a first time parent OR you’ve had a previous birth(s) and want a customized, detailed course that addresses your unique needs and concerns.
You’re ready to build a solid foundation of labor and birth and feel fully equipped for one of life’s most transformative experiences.
You want a highly personalized, in-depth childbirth education that practically prepares you for birth.
You’re eager to map out goals, values, and a detailed birth plan with expert guidance.
You’d benefit from structured self-paced work paired with multiple 1:1 sessions.
You want access to ongoing email and text support leading up to the birth.
Your birth partner is looking to actively engage and learn how to provide effective support during labor and birth.
You want the learning about and preparation for birth to be an opportunity to build a strong foundation and deeper connection as partners and future parents.
The Advanced Birth Prep series is not a great fit if:
You don’t want to dedicate time to a multi-session, intensive course.
You’re looking for a more generalized overview of childbirth.
Online Courses - Coming Soon!
Check out our online course offerings here!
Best for you if:
You prefer a flexible, self-paced format that fits into your schedule.
You’re interested in specific topics, like values clarification, expecting dads, or postpartum preparation.
You need targeted, actionable insights without a long-term commitment.
You’re looking for affordable, accessible options that still deliver expertise.
Not a great fit if:
You prefer live, interactive support.
Why Should I Take Childbirth Education Classes?
Birth is one of the most transformational experiences of your life—and most of us haven’t witnessed birth before we go through it ourselves!
Childbirth education plays a crucial role in preparing expectant parents—both for what they can plan for and what they can't. Childbirth education offers many benefits backed by research and practice:
Improved Outcomes: Childbirth education has been linked to lower rates of unnecessary medical interventions, such as unplanned cesarean births, and increased use of beneficial non-pharmacologic pain management techniques, promoting safer, calmer, and more positive birthing experiences.
Reduced Anxiety: Fear and uncertainty are common during childbirth—this is a unique and dynamic life event—but education provides expectant parents with a clear understanding of the labor process, pain relief options, and potential decision-making points and complications. My mentorship helps you get clear on your sphere of influence so you can focus on what matters—and practice releasing the rest. This knowledge significantly reduces stress and boosts confidence.
Informed Decision-Making: Parents equipped with knowledge from childbirth classes feel empowered to advocate for their preferences and make informed decisions about their care, improving satisfaction and alignment with personal values.
Stronger Partner Support: By actively involving partners, classes foster stronger teamwork and empower partners in their critical role, enabling them to effectively support their loved one during their birthing time.
Enhanced Postpartum Preparedness: Topics like breastfeeding, newborn care, and postpartum recovery help parents navigate early parenthood more confidently and build stronger bonds with their baby.
Community Connection: Classes create opportunities to connect with other expectant parents, offering a supportive network that continues beyond birth.
By exploring the physical, emotional, and practical aspects of birth, education empowers you with knowledge while also preparing you to navigate the unexpected. A balanced approach—rooted in evidence yet open to the unpredictability of birth, postpartum, and parenthood—helps foster confidence, adaptability, and positive experiences for both parents and babies.
