BirthSong
Childbirth Classes
Time becomes frozen as woman by woman, birth by birth
They're all connected through their bodies and songs
It knows no boundaries, no color, no races
It fills their bodies, their hearts, their faces
The sounds of each woman as she sings the BirthSong.
- Barbara Kott
 
My name is Darla Brooks and I am an Independent Childbirth Educator and Doula in Staunton, VA.  I teach out of my home as well as at the Rockbridge Natural Birth Center www.rockbridgemidwifery.com  I draw clients from Waynesboro, Harrisonburg, Lexingon, and all of Augusta County. 
 
Birth is a natural process that our body knows how to handle safely in the vast majority of cases.  The safety and gentleness of natural birth is conveyed throughout all my classes.
 
During these childbirth classes you will learn exercises and nutrition that will help prepare your body for birth and keep your baby healthy.  You will also learn rexalation techniques and strategies to bring your baby into the world gently and safely.
 
Other topics include:
Anatomy and Physiology of normal birth.
Emotional process of normal birth.
Comfort Measures for pregnancy and birth.
Avoiding unnecessary interventions.
How to write a birth plan.
How to handle variations from your birth plan and keep your
          birth safe and as close to normal as possible.
Classes are very practice intensive; learning relaxation from class one and moving on to actual labor practices over the course of six classes.  An optional seventh class is offered which consists of more labor practice; and, a class reunion is planned for after the birth of all babies for those who desire to attend.
 
Classes are intended to be taken with a partner.  The father of the baby is usually ideal since he also has a personal interest in keeping the birth safe for the baby; but, if you do not have that option, please feel free to bring a supportive relative or friend.  Labor is hard work - hence the name - for both the mother and the partner.  Your birth partner should be someone willing to work hard and willing to support any choices you may make regarding your birth.  If you are planning on having a second labor partner, I am willing to accomodate groups of three.
 
My 2008 schedule of classes is as follows:
 
Wednesday Nights, 6 pm - at maternity center - $200
January 23 - February 27
March 19 - April 23
May 14 - June 18
July 9 - August 13
September 3 - October 8
October 29 - December 3
 
 
Friday Nights, 7 pm - at my home - $200
Please call for schedule.
 
 
I will accept weekly installments and/or creative payments.  Please contact me if you have any more questions.
 
Birth Circle
 
In addition to Childbirth Classes, I host a birth circle in my home on the third Monday of every month at 7 pm.  At a birth circle women get together to discuss birth and motherhood.  Some women have been there and want to share their experience with others and some are there for information for a current pregnancy.  It is a very relaxed forum for women to discuss their expectations and fears in a welcoming and nurturing environment.
Birth Services