All Childbirth Preparation classes are now in-person. Private Childbirth Classes can be taught online if you prefer. Proof of vaccination is not required. Masks are optional. We reserve the right to move these classes online with little notice, depending on the directives of the BC Provincial Health Officer.
Our group childbirth preparation classes provide a comfortable and friendly atmosphere where parents-to-be can meet to collect and discuss information and prepare themselves for the journey ahead. Whether you are planning your birth at home or at the hospital, with a midwife, or a doctor, knowing in advance what your options are makes a big difference. The course includes discussions, practical exercises and videos, as well as handbooks, and links to further resources.
“We wanted to say again how much we enjoyed our childbirth preparation classes and really looked forward to them each week. They (and you) were so informative, insightful and helpful. The relaxed setting made us feel like we could ask and talk about anything with you and the group.”
“Enjoyed the class a lot, had all my questions answered and am feeling prepared for labour and parenthood. And I had fun!”
Mothering Touch Childbirth Educators are Certified Childbirth Educators, Breastfeeding Educators and Doulas. They are trained to provide up-to-date, evidence-based childbirth preparation classes, in a comfortable, fun and interactive environment.
Topics Covered in our Childbirth Preparation Classes Include:
- The Stages of Labour
- Behaviour and Emotions in Labour
- Breath Awareness
- Comfort Measures for Labour
- Medical Interventions
- Informed Decision-Making
- Birth Plans
- Home Birth
- The Postpartum Period
- The New Baby
- Breast/chestfeeding
- The New Family
These are presented in a variety of ways, including discussion, hands-on practice, videos, couple work and group work.
Below is a list of our scheduled childbirth preparation classes. All of these classes follow the same course outline, just on different schedules.
Fee: Classes starting after September 2023 are $240 +GST for Pregnant Parent & Birth Helper (price covers BOTH people)
Classes starting before September 2023 are $225 +GST for Pregnant Parent & Birth Helper (price covers BOTH people)
Which date to choose? Ideally your class begins after your 28th week of pregnancy and ends before your 38th week. You should register for your prenatal class as soon as possible as dates fill up quickly. If you have any difficulties selecting a class that fits with your dates, please contact us – we will happily advise.
What if none of those dates work for you? We offer Private Childbirth Preparation for families with difficult schedules or special needs.
Four Sundays
*check Sunday times carefully, they vary*
In the Sunday series of childbirth preparation classes, the same group meets for four weeks in a row (except July). The three-hour classes allow for lots of time to get into the subject matter, and the four sessions help to create a nice sense of community.
Upcoming Dates:
Sun June 4 – 25, 2023
10am-1pm – FULL
Sun July 23 – Aug 20, 2023
(NO CLASS AUG 6)
2pm-5pm
Sun Sept 10 – Oct 1, 2023
2pm-5pm
Sun Oct 15 – Nov 5, 2023
2pm-5pm
Nov 19 – Dec 10, 2023
10am-1pm
Six Tuesday Evenings
from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
In the weeknight series of childbirth preparation classes, the same group meets for six weeks in a row. This enables participants to get to know each other and provide each other with support through the last weeks of their pregnancies.
Upcoming Dates:
Tue June 6 – July 11, 2023 – FULL
Tue July 18 – Aug 22, 2023 – FULL
Tue Sept 5 – Oct 10, 2023
Tue Oct 24 – Nov 28, 2023
Tue Dec 5, 2023 – Jan 16, 2024
(NO CLASS DEC 26)
Six Wednesday Evenings
from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
In the weeknight series of childbirth preparation classes, the same group meets for six weeks in a row. This enables participants to get to know each other and provide each other with support through the last weeks of their pregnancies.
Upcoming Dates:
Wed May 10 – June 14, 2023 – FULL
Wed June 28 – Aug 2, 2023 – FULL
Wed Aug 16 – Sept 20, 2023
Wed Sept 27 – Nov 1, 2023
Wed Nov 8 – Dec 13, 2023
Two Saturdays
from 9:30am-4:30pm
The two-Saturday series of childbirth preparation accommodates families who need to condense their learning as they get close to their baby’s birth. It is also suited to individuals who like to learn in a more intensive environment.
Upcoming Dates:
May 27 & June 3, 2023 – FULL
June 17 & 24, 2023
July 15 & 22, 2023
August 12 & 19, 2023
Sept 9 & 16, 2023
Oct 14 & 21, 2023
Oct 28 & Nov 4, 2023
Nov 18 & 25, 2023
Dec 9 & 16, 2023