Class Descriptions

Childbirth Classes

2-Day Childbirth Express Need a childbirth class that is completely informative in an 2-day setting? Through hands on practice, visual demonstration and round table interactions, you can be assured of a fun and information packed day that will leave you feeling completely prepared for any event in the labor process. Designed with the policies/procedures of local hospitals & practices in mind. You'll leave feeling confident to plan the perfect birth for you!Price includes gestational parent + a support person ($200). Register.

Natural Childbirth Series Allow childbirth to unfold beautifully and naturally in the hospital setting. This course will teach expectant parents physical and emotional signposts of labor, comfort measures, birth options for planned unmedicated birth, and review unexpected situations that could arise, and cover many birth positions that promote physiological childbirth. You’ll leave feeling more confident than ever that your body is meant to do this! Price includes gestational parent + a support person ($200). Register.

Doula Meet & Greet Expecting parents are encouraged to attend our monthly Doula Meet and Greet to learn about supported birth and interact with local labor and delivery doulas. This meet and greet session is intended for interested families to research your birth options, and maybe even meet a doula that you would like to work with! Registration for this class includes the gestational parent + a support person (free). Register.

Lamaze Weekend 2-Day Lamaze prepares you in one wonderful weekend! Friday (3hr) covers the basics and Saturday (5hr) delves deeper into labor and provides practical, evidence-based solutions, practice sessions, and local hospital procedures to help make informed decisions. Break out groups (gestational parents or support persons) allow for frank conversations. Finally, a 20 min. private chat with the instructor two weeks later assures all questions are answered and enables you to have a positive birth ($200). Register.

Comfort, Communication & Positions: Tools for Labor Wondering how you’re going to stay comfortable when things get going? Join in with experienced and certified labor doulas, massage therapists and Spinning Babies certified birth workers who will give you concrete, hands-on tools for each stage of labor and unique birth experience. You’ll also learn about variations of labor patterns, when to go to the hospital, and how baby positioning plays a large role in labor! Registration for this class includes the gestational parent + a support person ($70). Register.

Advocacy and Autonomy in Birth Wondering how you’re going to stay comfortable when things get going? Join in with experienced and certified labor doulas, massage therapists and Spinning Babies certified birth workers who will give you concrete, hands-on tools for each stage of labor and unique birth experience. You’ll also learn about variations of labor patterns, when to go to the hospital, and how baby positioning plays a large role in labor!Registration for this class includes the gestational parent + a support person ($70). Register.

Empowered Birth for Families of Color Want a childbirth class designed especially for families of color? Learn from an experienced & certified Black doula through visuals, practice and discussion. You’ll be prepared for any birth- medicated or unmedicated, vaginal or cesarean- with coping skills and info about what to expect at local hospitals. This class also addresses self-advocacy and communicating with providers to create a safe environment for parents and babies of color. You’ll have honest discussion, and get valuable tools! ($200) Register.

Evening Lamaze Series This class covers practical pain management skills, including relaxation, positioning, breathing, comfort measures and massage, with ample time to practice + physical and emotional strategies to enable the Labor Partner to provide meaningful support. Other topics include back labor, slow progress in labor, hospital procedures and interventions, medications, cesarean birth, and immediate postpartum care. 5th Class is a RAIN DATE only. Price includes gestational parent + a support person ($200). Register.

Support Groups

New Dads Are you a new dad? Join this group led by therapist and dad Adam Angel to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others! This group is most helpful for dads who:

  • would like to meet and connect with other new dads
  • want a space to talk to other dads about parenting methods
  • want a space to talk to about how to communicate with partners and co-parents 10 session weekly group for first-time dads with babies 0-1yr old. $23/session, capped at 10 attendees. Register.

Expectant Dads Are you an expectant dad in the DC area? Join this group led by therapist and dad Adam Angel to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others! This group is most helpful for those who:

  • would like to meet + connect with other expectant dads
  • want a space to talk about pregnancy, birth, and parenting methods
  • want a space to talk to about how to communicate with partners and co-parents 2 session weekly group for expectant first-time dads. $23/session, capped at 10 attendees. Register.

Navigating Perinatal Stress Virtually every parent experiences moments of anxiety or emotional distress at some point during postpartum--you are not alone! This support group, led by licensed psychotherapists, focuses on emotional support, skills for coping, and managing stress. You will have a safe and non-judgmental space to share and learn from one another while developing wellness strategies, social support, and community. Babies--inclusive of all ways in which you have chosen to feed them--are always welcome (free). Register.

Working from Home Returning to work after having a baby can be fraught with uncertainty and anxiety, even without challenges presented by a global pandemic. This support group is for gestational and/or breastfeeding parents who are balancing feeding and/or pumping with working from home, or facilitating distance learning for older children, and will allow you to connect with other parents who are at a similar point in their journey (free). Register.

Families and Expectant Parents of Color This group is a space for People of Color to build community, get support, and share their unique joys and challenges of pregnancy and early parenthood, and is led by IBCLC Tina Pangelinan. Topics cover all the highs and lows of pregnancy and early parenting, and include but are not limited to: feeding, sleeping, child development, balancing work and baby, self-care and more. This is a group for the whole family (free). Register.

Feeding & Postpartm (0-4 months) Congratulations! You and your little one are learning so much together during these early weeks/months, and the support of your community is vital. That's why we offer this experienced IBCLC-led group weekly! Laugh, cry, share stories, tips, and feel some common ground on the journey through these fast-changing early weeks. Feeding and/or pumping during group is welcomed! This group is a space for the gestational and/or breastfeeding parent only (free). Register.

Feeding & Postpartm (4-12 months) Every day, your baby is changing and so is your feeding story! Enjoy talking with other parents + an experienced IBCLC, about the joys and puzzles of your growing baby. Bring your questions and insights about the transitions underway—be it return to work or staying home a little longer, finding manageable sleep routines, starting solids, thinking about weaning, or toddler nursing. This group is for the gestational and/or breastfeeding parent only. Our Social & Play Groups are open to all (free). Register.

Feeding & Postpartm with Toddlers (1yr+) Find community and get support with other parents of toddlers, along with expert advice from an experienced IBCLC. Laugh about the joys and brainstorm about the challenges of parenting a toddler - popular topics include feeding/nursing, nutrition, sleep patterns, and weaning options. Feeding your toddler and/or pumping during group is welcomed!This group is a space for the gestational and/or breastfeeding parent only. We have a separate Monday & Friday Social Group that is open to all (free). Register.

Baby Prep Classes

Breastfeeding and Pumping Basics This class gives expectant parents evidence-based information to get breastfeeding off to a good start. We will discuss the learning curve of the early weeks and what to do if things aren’t unfolding as planned. Then we’ll explore pumps and other tools that help parents maintain the breastfeeding relationship in our modern lives. Ask your questions throughout, so you can feel more prepared to welcome your baby. Registration includes gestational parent + a support person (covered by insurance). Register.

Optimizing Sleep for the Breastfeeding Family (Prenatal) This class gives expectant parents evidence-based information to get breastfeeding off to a good start. We will discuss the learning curve of the early weeks and what to do if things aren’t unfolding as planned. Then we’ll explore pumps and other tools that help parents maintain the breastfeeding relationship in our modern lives. Ask your questions throughout, so you can feel more prepared to welcome your baby. Registration includes gestational parent + a support person (covered by insurance). Register.

Postpartum Recovery 101 We will discuss tips and techniques to address physical, mental and emotional challenges of the postpartum experience. Some topics addressed: prenatal and postpartum chronic/acute pain, core weakness, c-section or episiotomy recovery, maternal mental health, self-care for mom, body mechanics and ergonomics. By the end of the class you will have a better understanding of how to care for yourself while caring for your newborn. Registration for this class includes includes gestational parent + a support person ($55). Register.

Baby Care for the Breastfeeding Family This prenatal class provides an overview of caring for your new breastfed baby. We will cover typical infant development, reading your baby’s cues for breastfeeding and other needs, the basics of bathing and diapering, soothing techniques, safe sleep, and tips for thriving in the newborn period. Expectant parents will leave this class with a foundation to get early parenting off to a great start! Class price includes gestational parent + a support person (covered by insurance). Register

Babywearing 101 - Choosing and Using the Best Carrier for You Babywearing can be an invaluable tool in early parenting and can help you conveniently(!) meet your baby's needs while attending to your own. In this class we'll cover: babywearing benefits, newborn safety, positioning, comfort (for baby and you!). We'll demonstrate each of the major types of carriers, and discuss pros/cons so that you can choose the best carrier(s) for you, with plenty of time for questions. Registration includes you + a support person & comes with a 20% off code for any carrier (free). Register

Perinatal Rights at Work Learn about your perinatal rights in the workplace, including the right to:  take leave, paid and unpaid;  request on-the-job accommodations;  be free from discrimination; and to  breastfeed. Lawyers from First Shift Justice Project will provide you with a primer on the web of federal and local laws that protect these rights, and discuss how to be proactive by developing a strategy for planning your work/family life and communicating your needs to your employer to protect your rights (free). Register

Supporting the Breastfeeding Parent This much loved class reviews the basics of breastfeeding and discusses how to support the breastfeeding parent. Questions are encouraged! This class is intended for fathers, partners, co-parents and others who are supporting the breastfeeding parent. This is an instructor led class where discussion and questions are invited. To encourage questions and open discussion, this is a space for only NON-gestational parents, partners, and support persons (free). Register

Financial Planning for Baby Our financial planning class addresses concerns that new parents face as they adjust to the financial realities of caring for children. Topics will include budgeting, college savings, insurance needs, funding your retirement, and childcare costs, estate planning. The class is great for moms, dads, and even grandparents! http://andrewsoles.nm.com/ Registration for this class includes includes gestational parent + a support person (free). Register

Newborn Days

Optimizing Sleep for the Breastfeeding Family (0-6 months) This POSTPARTUM class provides evidence-based information on normal infant sleep. A Holistic Sleep Consultant will teach you about biologically normal sleep, safe sleep, and strategies to support the whole family’s sleep, plus dispelling some common sleep myths--for a developmental understanding of sleep which fosters responsiveness and strong attachment between parents and babies. Registration is for 2 caregivers. SAME CURRICULUM AS PRENATAL CLASS BUT GEARED TOWARD PARENTS OF BABIES 0-6M (free). Register

Infant Massage Series In this hands-on class, parents and caregivers will learn how to massage their baby to promote bonding/attachment, improve sleep, weight gain, digestion, and enhance neurological development. Each week will focus on learning your infant’s cues, massage strokes for different parts of the body, and discussion about the benefits of nurturing touch. Stroke adaptations for gas, congestion, and teething will also be covered. Recommended for babies 6 weeks to pre-crawling. Registration includes 2 caregivers ($140). Register

Ask the Pediatrician Join licensed Pediatrician, public health expert, and mom of three, Dr. Jalan Burton as she answers your pressing kids’ health questions from preparing for your new baby, to pediatric emergencies, to first foods, good sleep, and much more! (free) Register

Ask the Speech Language Pathologist Join Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Lactation Counselor, and Early Interventionist April Anderson as she answers your questions about picky eating, speech and language development, play skills, developmental milestones, and more! (free) Register

Ask the Pediatric Dentist This open session is geared towards parents who have questions about great oral health for their child including: tethered oral tissue, breastfeeding + teething, diet, toothbrushing tips and tricks, first visit preparation and more! (free) Register

Pumping Stategies & Return to Work We suggest this class about a month before your return to work date. It can also be helpful to take pump basics which runs prior to this class, especially if you are not yet familiar with pumping and bottle feeding. This class covers techniques to make this transition easier for you and your baby. We talk through emotions, logistics, timing, supply worries, where you will be pumping, equipment needed, milk storage and techniques to maximize pumping volume (covered by insurance) Register

Babbywearing Fit Check Rocky start? Feeling good but want confirmation? Been wearing but suddenly feeling uncomfortable? In this small-group we'll review basic carries, you'll wrap, and then we'll troubleshoot for safety/comfort/ease together. Babywearing 101 is a helpful prereq, but a rough familiarity with your carrier is all you need. If you've never used yours, please practice 3 times before group (see confirmation email for videos), or feel free to book a private consult for dedicated 1:1 help (free). Register

Older Baby Classes

Optimizing Sleep for the Breastfeeding Family (6-18 months) This class provides parents of older babies (6 months-18 months) with evidence-based information on supporting normal infant sleep as your baby grows. A Holistic Sleep Consultant will teach you about how sleep changes with age, baby behavior, bedtimes, and sleep tips and troubleshooting. You will leave class with a developmental understanding of sleep which fosters responsiveness and strong attachment between parents and babies. Registration includes gestational parent + a support person (covered by insurance). Register

Starting Solids - Feeding 101 This class provides parents with evidenced-based information on the process of starting solid foods. A variety of approaches are covered including the traditional method of purees and baby-led weaning. We will cover when to start solids, which foods to offer, how to progress through different foods, how to manage breastmilk or formula intake with the introduction of solids, nutrient needs, allergies, choking, foods to avoid, + more. Price includes gestational parent + a support person ($70). Register

Tackling the Food Fight - Feeding 102 Are mealtimes causing you stress? Is your child simply a picky eater, or could there be something else impacting your child’s willingness to eat? This course will provide information on age-appropriate feeding skills, Picky Eating vs Problem Feeders, solutions to difficulties that may occur after introducing solids, strategies for the breastfed baby, general family mealtime tips for all ages, and when it’s time to seek more help (covered by insurance). Register