Birthing with BAM
(Bay Area Maternity)
Patients of Bay Area Maternity (BAM) will gain the knowledge and confidence to navigate the labor and birth of their baby with this "hybrid", in person and online, childbirth class. Expectant parents will learn the basics of what labor looks like throughout the journey, common and some uncommon curveballs that may come along the way, and how to get through it all in an empowering and positive way. Caren has attended numerous births with the midwives with BAM at El Camino Hospital Los Gatos, and has experienced BAM midwifery as a patient firsthand. With these perspectives, she will help parents understand the BAM team approach so you can be confident going into the most life changing event of your lives, the birth of your baby.
DETAILS:
DETAILS:
- 5- 2.5-3 hour In-person classes for demonstrations of body positioning, pregnancy comfort techniques and labor comfort measure/technique (Classes are held at El Camino Hospital Los Gatos Conference Center)
- "Labor & Birth Tool Kit" includes tools doulas use in pregnancy and labor (3 Meter Authentic Mexican handwoven Rebozo, massaging tool, special essential oils, and many other priceless tools to tackle labor like a pro.)
- List of hospital must pack items (specialized list during COVID-19)
- Google Drive access to many downloads for class handouts, door signs for your hospital room (for COVID-19 duration), as well as demonstration videos for reference.
- Beautiful pregnancy coloring pages to "zen out" to (included in google drive)
- Option to add on a private tutorial session with Caren or Stephanie to review special restrictions/needs/concerns for your labor and birth
- Option to add on a 2.5 hour lactation class with Michelle Rodriguez! (Learn about how to prepare prenatally and how to feed your baby for the first week or so of their life. Also learn about milk storage, emptying the breast, hunger cues, breast anatomy, pumping, and so much more!)
Labor & Birth Tool Kit
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In person, physically distant, comfort measures demonstration class. With current restrictions being lifted, in person classes are now offered at Heart Work Birth Services' office in San Jose.
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Available Hybrid Sessions:
(Hybrid consists of 2 online classes and 3 in person classes)
Birthing with BAM January 2024
$450.00
1/11-2/8: Thursdays from 6:30-9:30pm (includes a break)
Instructor: Caren Hespeler or Stephanie Mollinier
Minimum of 4/ max of 9 (birthing person/couple) spots available for this session.
Price of class session includes a "Labor and Birth Kit" full of helpful tools for labor.
Five IN PERSON classes (El Camino Hospital Los Gatos, Conference Center) to learn about pregnancy comfort techniques, the stages of labor/ the emotional map of labor, immediate postpartum, newborn procedures, hands on comfort measure skills demonstrations, common unplanned scenarios and tools used in labor, postpartum recovery and so much more! More info provided upon registration. It is recommended you complete the class by 37 weeks of pregnancy. OPTION TO ADD ON IN PERSON LACTATION CLASS HE FOLLOWING THURSDAY (2/15)
Testimonials for Birthing with BAM Childbirth Prep Class
We are so glad we took Caren’s “Birthing with BAM” class. Even more than preparing us with an understanding of the birth process, we came away with the mental framework of how to make it through labor and contractions. We learned what coping well looks like for natural birth and different visualizations, breath work, and massages. Although our birth did not go as planned, we used several techniques she taught us and we cannot imagine going through labor without positive affirmations and remembering that the pain is temporary. All of the exercises focused on partner alignment and engagement were sweet and great experiences for us as a couple preparing for a family.
Simmy & Keith
Cupertino May 2023
Simmy & Keith
Cupertino May 2023
"I’m so grateful for this class as I felt fully prepared for what to expect and equipped with pain management techniques. Although I ended up not using any medication, I’m grateful that I knew my options and what each of those options required.
Thank you both so much for your help & care! My birth was one of the most empowering experiences and truly my greatest accomplishment. Thank you both so much!"
Claire R. Dec. 2022
Thank you both so much for your help & care! My birth was one of the most empowering experiences and truly my greatest accomplishment. Thank you both so much!"
Claire R. Dec. 2022
"Very thankful to be with the midwives and extra thankful for this class Caren! It allowed me to learn so much and since I knew what could happen allowed me to cry before we went to the hospital which I like to say started my contractions!"
Anna R. Session 3
Anna R. Session 3
One of our best decisions before our little guy arrived was taking Caren’s class! We cannot recommend it enough. Initially we were not sure about birthing classes and what to expect, and whether or not it was worth it for us. That quickly changed.
From the first time I spoke with Caren, I had completely changed my mind. She is fantastic and her class is so, so helpful! You can instantly see her passion for helping and educating expecting parents on this journey. Her caring and personal demeanor, coupled with her knowledge make for a wonderful experience.
I have been very scared of giving birth for as long as I can remember, and this gave me confidence and comfort heading into it. When the big day arrived, we felt prepared and had a clear sense of what to expect (as best you can at least). In the end, we had a wonderful experience and I was able to enjoy moments of my little guys birth! Something I didn’t think was possible.
We cannot thank Caren enough and no doubt others in our class felt the same! If you are considering taking her class or partnering with her as your doula, just do it! You will be so happy with your decision!
Jodee L. Session 1
From the first time I spoke with Caren, I had completely changed my mind. She is fantastic and her class is so, so helpful! You can instantly see her passion for helping and educating expecting parents on this journey. Her caring and personal demeanor, coupled with her knowledge make for a wonderful experience.
I have been very scared of giving birth for as long as I can remember, and this gave me confidence and comfort heading into it. When the big day arrived, we felt prepared and had a clear sense of what to expect (as best you can at least). In the end, we had a wonderful experience and I was able to enjoy moments of my little guys birth! Something I didn’t think was possible.
We cannot thank Caren enough and no doubt others in our class felt the same! If you are considering taking her class or partnering with her as your doula, just do it! You will be so happy with your decision!
Jodee L. Session 1
Caren's class was essential in preparing us to have a wonderful delivery. It gave us so many tips on how to be ready emotionally and physically for the birth, from how to help the baby get in the right position to different techniques to get through contractions. Caren is very caring and extremely passionate about babies, birth and helping new parents. Her dedication comes through in every class. Our favorite part of Birthing with BAM was the in-person (socially distanced) session where we got to see the comfort measures in action. I highly recommend Caren's class to anyone giving birth with BAM. You'll be in great hands!
~Laila G. Session 1
~Laila G. Session 1
This class (an absolute Godsend) gave us the confidence to make all the decisions we needed to make during the whole birthing/postpartum process. Most importantly, it gave my husband the information and skills he needed to support me as my sole birth partner during COVID-19. At the hospital, we received the comment several times from nurses, "oh, you must have been working with a doula," because we knew what we were doing and had such confidence during our labor process. We didn't have a doula, but we did have this class, which made all the difference!
Caren was very caring, direct, and knowledgeable. 10/10 we would highly recommend this class to anyone!
~Olivia S. Session 1
Caren was very caring, direct, and knowledgeable. 10/10 we would highly recommend this class to anyone!
~Olivia S. Session 1
Brian and I are so happy and pleased that we signed up for your virtual Birthing with BAM class. You provided and armed us with an abundance of material at a good pace and shared visuals in your presentations to help mentally prepare for the big day!
Given the current SIP orders, we could not attend in-person courses elsewhere so I’m glad that we had the opportunity to participate in your virtual Birthing with BAM class.
~Donna T. Session 1
Given the current SIP orders, we could not attend in-person courses elsewhere so I’m glad that we had the opportunity to participate in your virtual Birthing with BAM class.
~Donna T. Session 1