Childbirth Education Recommendations in or near DC?

[escher]

I'm looking for a childbirth class in or near DC. This will be our first child, and we're planning a home birth. Have you taken a class that you like?

Thank you!

[SpringfieldMom]

I was very happy with Susan Messina in NW DC, who teaches through BirthWorks.  Susan was an excellent instructor and I like the Birth Works style of instruction- great preparation for a natural birth, but it is flexible so if you end up wanting/needing various interventions, you won't have to feel like you "failed" or anything.  You can find her through the BirthWorks.org website or just Google her.  Best of luck!  I hope you have a wonderful birth!

[escher]

Thanks Springfieldmom! That looks like a great option. In case anyone else is interested, Susan's website is http://www.susanmessina.com/.

[RosieL]

Wow, I love her bio and site. Thanks for posting.

[AngelaM]

Wait a minute, Escher, you guys live in DC?!? We should have a local Queer Parenting meetup!

[escher]

Angela--we should get together! I wonder if there are any other mothering queer parents in the DC area.

[AngelaM]

Yes! We'd love to. I'm going to post something on QP now. Yay for gaybies!

[reborn]

We're planning a home birth for our first child as well and we just finished a Brio Birth class in Columbia, MD... idk if that is too far away for you??  I'm pretty sure they have instructors in DC as well.   PM me for my instructor's contact info. :)  I highly recommend the Brio class!  10 classes 2-3 hours long, and very thorough.  Textbook is modern and sensitive to modern issues, though the videos were still a bit outdated.

[SpringfieldMom]

Susan is extremely supportive of same-sex couples in her classes-- in fact we had some in my class.

If you need a birth assistant who is also very supportive of two mom couples, I highly recommend Claudia Booker of Birthing Hands, DC.  She assisted me with both of my children and was wonderful.

All my best!

[sammymama]

 I see I'm late to this thread, but still thought I'd throw this resource out: Sharon Stevenson is an *amazing* resource for the DC Metro area.  She is a Hypnobirthing instructor, as well as an instructor  in baby sign language, pre/post/mommy-baby yoga, infant massage and an active doula.  Her studio is in Alexandria, VA.  Truly, she is a gem.  I would have been lost without her at my daughter's home birth.  Good luck!

http://www.yogabirthandbeyond.com/id7.html

[thegreenbeagle]

highly recommend Ursula Sabia Sukinik "Birth you desire"

She's very knowledgeable, open minded, and empowers people to make their own informed decision.  She knows a TON about all of the DC area providers and birth places too.

[bax]

Ok, maybe I'm too late to this thread, but DH and I really liked Susan Gunn with Bradley--took her class prior to DD1. She is a home birther herself, and we were really well prepared. In fact, DH ended up catching our DD2 when the MW didn't arrive in time and he was great!