Prenatal Education
Childbirth Classes
Learn techniques to develop your understanding, enhance your confidence, and fully engage in your pregnancy and birth. This 3-week evidence-based childbirth class is full of interactive hands-on learning and fun activities to help guide you through pregnancy, labor, delivery, and early parenthood. Parents will be provided the education necessary to ensure they are able to make informed decisions and advocate for their health and the health of their baby.
Breastfeeding & Baby Cue Basics
This engaging and educational class goes beyond the basic hospital lactation class to address YOUR specific questions, concerns, and needs as a unique family. Facilitated by our Relief Doula Agency Certified Lactation Counselors, parents will be provided with comprehensive and compassionate education.
The first section of class helps you learn:
the most vital information about initiating breastfeeding immediately after birth
what “the magical hour” is
how to tell if your providers are breastfeeding savvy
techniques and tips to be a supportive partner
how to establish optimal milk supply
what to expect in the early days and weeks of nursing
The second section of class helps you learn:
when your baby is hungry and full
when your baby is overwhelmed
when your baby is interested and/or wants to play
when your baby is tired and ready to sleep
how to respond to your baby in each situation
techniques for baby soothing, including swaddling, sensory input, and sounds
Using realistically weighted dolls, you will get hands-on practice to feel confident understanding your newborn's cues and how to calm him/her.
If you have questions or concerns about pumping your milk, breastfeeding while returning to work, and/or bottle feeding, you may find our feeding consultations helpful to address your specific situation.
Newborn Care Class
Join Joanna Juralewciz Pediatric LPN, BLS,PD, CLC and combat the uncertainty that surrounds newborn care. This interactive, hands-on type of learning will provide the confidence needed to thrive, not just survive, during the early months of parenting. This 3-hour class is for expecting parents; support people are encouraged to join!
You can expect to learn:
How to change a diaper
How to prevent diaper rashes
How to take your baby’s temperature
How to make a bottle safely
How to care for your newborns umbilical cord
How to bathe you newborn
How to swaddle your newborn
Answers to your particular questions and/or concerns
This class pairs well with the Postpartum Preparation class
Postpartum Preparation
Postpartum education is not just an “add-on” - feel confident and prepared for life after having a baby. Join Relief Parenting Center & Relief Doula Agency Owner, Krista Maltais, AdvPCD/PDT(DONA), ALC for a 3-hour class that will provide realistic expectations and tangible strategies to cope with one of life’s biggest transitions.
Activities, videos, handouts, and additional resources provide an engaging and comprehensive class for expecting parents; support people are encouraged to join!
You can expect to understand:
The importance of postpartum care
Postpartum physical changes and recovery techniques
How to safeguard your emotional and mental wellbeing
Practical self-care and relationship strengthening strategies
Activities for loved ones to bond with baby
Building a supportive network through partner, family members, and professional involvement
Time management and stress reduction methods
Considerations for the future - including family planning and returning to work
This class pairs well with the Newborn Care class.
Infant CPR
This three hour class is designed to teach expecting parents, parents, grandparents, and caregivers how to perform CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver on babies and children. This class is facilitated by Joanna Juralewciz Pediatric LPN, BLS, PD, CLC.
Please note: If you are attending this class as an adult professional, doula, nannie or babysitter, you MUST purchase the certifying payment option. This class offers a certificate through Emergency Care & Safety Institute (ECSI) [ECSI may not meet all medical professional requirements]. Please email Joanna at info@sidebysideppc.com if you plan to obtain certification from this class.
Prepared VBAC Class
Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (VBAC) is a safe option for many families who have had a prior cesarean birth. Choosing TLAC (trial of labor after Cesarean) may sometimes feel overwhelming. This in-person complete VBAC education class will help to prepare you so you can feel confident in your choice to VBAC.
Understand the facts vs myths, know your options, and set yourself up for the best chance for a successful VBAC.
This three hour Prepared VBAC Class will give you to the tools to:
*Learn the history behind cesarean rates and VBAC rates in America
*Learn the most common reasons for cesarean and how you can avoid them
*Understand the risks and benefits of both VBAC and repeat cesarean birth
*Identify "red flags" and if you truly have a VBAC supportive provider
*Learn what medical indicators of induction are and what the evidence is on induction and VBAC
*Learn comfort measures and medical pain management options
*Get tools to write your VBAC and cesarean support and preference plan
