Bradley Method® Natural Childbirth classes teach mothers and coaches to become advocates for their babies. The course consists of 12 weekly classes that focus on nutrition, exercise, relaxation, consumerism, comfort techniques, postpartum care and more.

Locations:

Washington, DC – Emergence Community Arts Collective
Bowie, Maryland – Pointer Ridge Community
Private classes are available upon request

The Bradley course was a HUGE contributing factor to the success of our healthy pregnancy and labor. We felt mentally prepared for the birth experience, and when labor began my husband was able to keep me mentally focused and physically comfortable.
~ A. Rodriquez, Silver Spring, MD

Upcoming Series

Bowie, MD - Starts, Saturday, June 12, 2010 - 11:00 AM - FULL
COST: $400 (includes Mother, Coach, and Learning Materials)

Washington, DC - Starts, Sunday, September 12, 2010- 3:00 PM
COST: $400 (includes Mother, Coach, and Learning Materials)

Bowie, MD - Starts, Saturday, September 18, 2010 - 11:00 AM
COST: $400 (includes Mother, Coach, and Learning Materials)

Washington, DC - Starts, Sunday, October 24, 2010 - 5:30 PM
COST: $400 (includes Mother, Coach, and Learning Materials)

There is a non-refundable $50.00 deposit required to reserve your space in the class.

Do you have a busy schedule? Private classes might be just right for you. Call us at 202-271-3240 for more information.

This website contains information about classes available in Washington, DC and Bowie, MD and is not the official website of The Bradley Method ®. The views contained on this website do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bradley Method ® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth ®.

For more information on The Bradley Method ®, for an international listing of instructors, or to contact the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth ® directly, please click here:
The Bradley Method ® Website or call 1-800-4-A-BIRTH or write American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth ® Box 5224 Sherman Oaks, CA 91413-5224

BirthDiva™ doulas are trained to “mother the mother and their family” during late pregnancy, labor/birth and postpartum. We offer comfort measures and emotional support and knowledge that will help guide the mother-to-be through her sacred experience.

A doula does not take the place of a father, partner or family member. Our goal is to listen to the mother’s concerns and desires and provide the needed support to help her gain a positive birth. The mother and family will experience greater peace, knowledge, and self-confidence with the support of a birth companion.

Having Shayla with us during the birth made all the difference. I was able to give birth without drugs, as we wanted it to be. Since then, both my husband and I have had a profound feeling of satisfaction about the whole birth process that will last us a lifetime. We are confident that our daughter came into the world the moment she was ready for us and without interventions, which is a priceless joy.

~Kimberly , Washington , DC

Great Doula Qualities

Professional, compassionate, open-minded, patient, loving, enthusiastic, flexible, excellent health, knowledgeable, experienced birth themselves.

Did you Know?
Hiring a Doula can give you a:

50% reduction in cesarean rates

25% shorter labor

60% reduction in epidural requests

40% reduction in oxytocin (pitocin) use

30% reduction in analgesia use

40% reduction in forceps delivery

According to Mothering the Mother, How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth , by Kennell, Klaus, and Kennell (1993 )

It was more then beneficial to have the support and knowledge of Shayla with us. Myself unable to really hear or respond to the doctor's questions my partner trustfully looked to Shayla for the medical "go ahead". She gave him comforting advice in consideration for our wishes for a natural birth while simultaneously reassuring me, I can do it! And, yes we did!

~Marlena and Noah, Washington, DC

For more information please email us or call 202-271-3240

My Availability - WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING NEW DOULA CLIENTS UNTIL OCTOBER 2010.

BirthDiva @ 32 weeks May 2010

Join BirthDiva and Gentle Lotus for a womb journey through dance and yoga.  Bellydance is an ancient dance forms which was traditionally used by women for women during birth. We encourage women to embrace their bodies and learn the ancient dance of birth.  This birth dance will help to strengthen the vaginal, pelvic floor, and abdominal muscles.

Prenatal yoga can help correct your posture which often shifts during pregnancy.  Additionally, you can ease common discomforts associated with pregnancy and learn techniques to help you during labor.

Each class will include:

• Relaxing yoga warm-up
• Top bellydance moves for pregnancy and labor
• Key prenatal yoga moves for pregnancy andlabor
• Easy relaxation techniques
• Workshop summary guide - take home the lessons to practice in the comfort of your home.

Workshop

New workshops coming in the fall.

ECAC, 733 Euclid Street, NW, Washington, DC

$40 per person

I just wanted to thank you for the outstandingly fun demo you gave us on Sat.  Your Belly Dance class was the highlight of the evening.   Everyone truly enjoyed it.  ~ Kendra, Waldorf, MD

For more information email us or call 202-271-3240