Our Birth & Beyond series is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of pregnant people and their partners, whether they plan to birth at home, at a birth center, or in the hospital. Our goal is to help you prepare for a physiologic birth (“natural”, unmedicated birth with as few interventions as possible) and to compassionately address situations in which medical assistance may become necessary. 

The classes are team-led by midwife Nikole Paulos, midwife assistant/IBCLC//postpartum doula Jen Gibian, and lactation counselor/child development specialist/postpartum doula Jan Vucinich.

Birth class topics will include: 

-  Stages of Labor

-  Pain Coping

• Partner's Role

• The Next Best Thing: If Additional Tools Become Necessary

• Induction & Cesarean Birth

-  Recovery & Discovery

-  New Parenthood, New Partnerhood

-  Breastfeeding Essentials: Getting off to a great start!

.....as well as all the ideas and questions you bring to our discussions. The relaxed, friendly format of this class allows for conversation and connection as we explore what to expect from your rite of passage and how to prepare for it. 

Our next 7-class series will begin on Wednesday, January 7th, and run through Wednesday, February 11th, and includes Saturday, February 7th.  Six classes will be on Wednesdays, 6:30- 9:00 pm.  The seventh class, Breastfeeding Essentials, will be on Saturday, 2/7, 10 am-1 pm.  This series will be a hybrid class at the Santa Barbara Birth Center (2958 State Street) and on Zoom. Because our in-person space is cozy and intimate, we’ll rotate who attends in person each week so everyone has the chance to connect and build community. Zoom attendance is also fully supported throughout the series—recordings provided for any missed classes.

Please reply to  connectingwithexpecting@gmail.com asap to reserve your spot!