Our Classes

At Doulas of Berks County , we firmly believe that thoughtful preparation - before birth, for breastfeeding, postpartum recovery and newborn care - paves the way for a smoother, more confident transition into birth and parenthood. Our in-home classes are specifically tailored to your needs and situation and because our classes are one-to-one and not a large group or online class, they allow you the freedom to ask questions as they come up - no waiting until the end or feeling put on the spot. This personal approach is perfect for those who might feel hesitant in a group setting, ensuring you get clear, confident and evidence-based answers every step of the way!

Our Classes

Childbirth Education Class: Preparing for Your Birth Experience

This is not your typical Childbirth Education Class. In this class you will:

  • Learn how perception can shape your birth experience

  • Envision Your Birth

  • Create a Birth Plan

  • Learn more about how your (and your partners’) personality can impact your birth experience.

  • How to time contractions and the right time to head to the hospital

  • Discuss all stages of labor, how they night feel and how your partner can support you through them

  • Discuss comfort measures for managing labor

  • Discuss possible interventions, how to navigate them and your best opportunities for avoiding them

  • Practice positions for labor and delivery

  • Discuss exercises to be done prenatally to prepare your body for labor

Breastfeeding Education Class: Preparing for Your Breastfeeding Journey

Preparing in advance (before birth) is essential for a smoother more confident and successful Breastfeeding Journey. In this class we will discuss:

  • How perception can shape your breastfeeding journey

  • Envisioning Your Breastfeeding Journey

  • Creating a Breastfeeding Plan and how this can help you and your family navigate those first few weeks postpartum.

  • The 9 Instinctive Stages and the First Magical Hour

  • The Breast Crawl and why it’s vital to your breastfeeding success

  • Hand Expression and why it’s the most important skill you’ll learn before birth

  • Navigating the first 72 hours with your baby to ensure your milk comes in

  • How milk is made, stored and released during breastfeeding

  • Common issues/concerns with breastfeeding

  • How to manage milk supply issues - over/under supply

  • How to recognize early feeding cues

  • Infant consciousness states and the best time to feed your baby

  • What a breastfeeding should feel like and how to know if your baby is getting enough

  • What an appropriate latch looks like

  • Common breastfeeding positions with the opportunity to practice

  • All things pumps - when to introduce, how to use it and the best time to offer bottles

  • How to do paced feeding for breastfed babies

  • Proper Breastmilk Handling

Infant and Postpartum Mom Care Class: Preparing for Postpartum and Your Newborn

While pregnant, we often don’t take the time to explore and consider what postpartum healing looks like and how to navigate that time with a newborn. Taking the time to have a plan for your physical and mental health during this period can really help you ease into your new role as a mother. In the class we will discuss:

  • What is the 4th Trimester and what to expect

  • Postpartum Recovery in The Golden Hour

  • Belly Binding and if it’s right for you

  • What to expect with your baby post-delivery

  • Getting to know your infant

  • What to expect the first 12 weeks postpartum for baby and mom

  • Swaddling and proven infant soothing techniques

  • Creating space for self-care in the postpartum period