The Down & Dirty Birth Class

$250 or 2 monthly payments of $125

The Down & Dirty Birth Class

Closed

For parents that want the all the down & dirty details on how to make a realistic birth & postpartum plan.

You're in the right place.

If you're pregnant, you already know that there's a ton of information out there. But it's hard to know where to start and which sources to trust. This class is for parents that want evidence-based information with a little mix of down-to-Earth recommendations on how to have the best possible birth and postpartum period. You'll leave this class with a solid understanding of the labor + birth process, a realistic plan (birth is unpredictable, but you CAN still plan!), a laundry list of ways to cope through labor, and an overall survival guide to the first weeks home with your newborn.

Your Instructor

Christie Spudowski is the Founder of Live Light Birth & Family in Metro Detroit, where she started serving expecting families as a birth doula. Over time, she saw how important it was for parents to have information before they were under the immense pressure of labor and has passionately taught private (and now virtual) birth classes since. Christie has an undergraduate degree in Child Development and a Master's degree in Social Work with a focus on Infant Mental Health.

Introduction

Welcome!

Before you start, I just personally want to thank you for trusting me to give you all the information you need to have a positive birth and postpartum experience. Welcoming a new baby is one of the most memorable and special experiences you'll ever go through, and so I'm honored to play even a small part in helping you to prepare for it.

This course was designed for parents that want to have a birth plan that is flexible and realistic. We'll talk about all the basics, such as what's happening in your body through labor, when to go to the hospital, and how to prepare for breast/chestfeeding, but we'll also cover ways to plan for the less common stuff, such as requesting an epidural and postpartum depression/anxiety.

My hope is that once you complete this course, you feel prepared with a birth and postpartum plan that truly fits your vision. Further, it's my hope that any anxiety or fear you may be feeling right now is replaced with confidence and maybe a little bit of excitement.

If you have any questions as you move through the course, please do not be afraid to reach out to be at hello@livelightdetroit.com. Again, thank you for being here, and I hope you enjoy the course!

The Course.mp4

The Down & Dirty Handbook

Module 1: The Labor Process

Overview

The Labor Process.mp4

Failure To Progress

Moving Through the Pelvis

Fetal Stations

Handouts

Homework

Module 2: The Birth Plan

Overview & Basics

Exploring Your Options

Making an Informed Choice

Epidurals

C-Sections

Handouts & Templates

Homework

Homework Review

Module 3: Coping with Labor

Overview

Coping with Labor

Counter Pressure Techniques

Body Scan Mediation

Handouts

Homework

The Postpartum Period

Overview

Postpartum Planning

Breast & Chestfeeding

Newborn & Infant Sleep

Handouts & Templates

Wrapping Up

Thank You!

Parent Interview

Bonus Material

Additional Resources

Further Watching

Further Listening

FAQs

What is the class format?

The class is completely pre-recorded, so there's no need to add specific dates/time to your schedule. You can soak in the information at whatever pace works for you! The class is split into 4 modules: (1) The Labor Process, (2) The Birth Plan, (3) Coping with Labor, and (4) The Postpartum Plan. Each module has a core lecture with supplemental videos, handouts, and homework assignments.

How long does it take to complete the course?

I recommend giving yourself at least a week to work through each module, meaning it could take at least 4 weeks. Going any faster would likely be overwhelming and you won't give yourself the change to really digest (and retain!) the information. However, if your due date is just around the corner, you can certainly go faster. If your due date is further out, you can give it some extra time, too. The beauty is that it's up to you!

When should I start the class?

The second trimester is a general recommendation for any childbirth education course. If you wait until then, you'll know if you have any specific things going on with your pregnancy that warrants special attention to certain topics. Obviously, if you wait until the last minute, you'll likely be stressed and might lose out on some opportunities to shape your birth plan too.

Why should I take THIS class?

This class is different than many other classes because it doesn't specifically target parents looking to have a natural birth. If you are one of these parents, we'll definitely talk about that, but many parents tell me something like, "I'd like to go without pain meds if possible, but maybe I want an epidural..." So, I made a class that talks about epidurals. In other words, this class strives to prepare you for all the potential pathways that birth can take (which is many!) If you want to know all of your options with an honest review of when and where you might utilize them, this class is for you.