Childbirth Classes

BabyBodyBirth® Childbirth Classes
Sponsored locally by API of Peoria
Childbirth preparation as part of peaceful parenting

BabyBodyBirth® Childbirth Classes Sponsored locally by API of Peoria Childbirth preparation as part of peaceful parenting

API of Peoria is very excited about this full spectrum, mother and baby centered approach that is both accurate and up-to-date. We are also very excited about the BabyBodyBirth® approach to childbirth education, as it is not a “one size fits all” approach.

My husband and I really enjoyed the BabyBodyBirth classes. The information we learned in class helped me to ease some of the discomforts of pregnancy and achieve the birth we wanted. Hilary has been a great source of information and support through both of my pregnancies and births. She has gone above and beyond to provide me with an abundance of information whenever I have questions. I would definitely recommend the BabyBodyBirth classes to anyone hoping to make informed decisions about their pregnancy, labor, and birth and wanting to have more tools at their disposal for coping in labor.

- Sabrina Arrick

General Class Information
The BabyBodyBirth® classes are taught in three “modules.” Taught in a layout that is completely different from any other childbirth classes, the modules are independent of each other with no requirement to take all three. However, taking all three will certainly give mothers the most comprehensive childbirth education available.

Why take classes?
Our birth experiences affect the way we mother and how we feel about ourselves. These feelings surrounding birth stay with us. Therefore, it is essential for women to educate themselves for a satisfying birth experience.

Students signing up for all three classes (Body, Birth, and Baby) receive a $50 discount!

Due too soon to take advantage of the schedule below? Let Hilary know! Additional classes can be scheduled per student demand.

Upcoming schedule
BabyBodyBirth 9-week Combo: Mondays, May 4th - June 29th 7pm

BabyBodyBirth 9-week Combo: Mondays, July 20th - August 31st and September 14th & 21st, 7pm

Class Details
BODY: 2 session (2.5 hours each)
Recommended for: Pre or early pregnancy
Fee: $50
Class content:
Nutrition / Calories and weight gain; Best protein, carbs and fats needed to grow a healthy baby; Vitamins and minerals and how they are absorbed by the body; Power foods; Supplements; What to avoid in your food and environment; Food safety; Relationship of food to pregnancy symptoms and common problems.
Exercise / 1st trimester; Core strength; Endurance; Flexibility; Monitoring yourself; How to avoid pregnancy aches and pains.
Changes during pregnancy / Anatomical, hormonal and psychological changes (a.k.a. ‘What is going on in my body and head?’).
Testing & procedures / Routine tests to expect; How to ‘read’ your results; What to ask for; When NOT to worry; Resources for more information and support.
Relaxation / Why start now? How relaxation helps during pregnancy and preparing for baby; Basics of relaxation; Practice.

BIRTH: 5 sessions (2.5 hours each)
Recommended for: 16 to 30 weeks pregnant
Fee: $125
Class content:
Labor & Birth / Physiology; Optimal positioning of baby for birth (in association with Spinning Babies); Labor and birth positions; Pain management (drug and drug free methods); Maternity procedures; Cesarean surgery and recovery.

BABY: 2 sessions (2 hours each)
Recommended for: 25 to 34 weeks pregnant
Fee: $40
Class content:
Newborn care / Attachment needs; Tests and procedures; Basic care (cord, diapering, etc.); Sleep patterns (or lack thereof!); References on special needs newborns (including NICU care); Newborn assessment (jaundice, fever, getting enough to eat, etc.).
Breastfeeding / How breastfeeding affects the mother and newborn; How formula feeding affects the mother and newborn; Techniques for successful breastfeeding.

Postpartum / Self care; Special needs of the new mother; Adjusting to the many changes; Maximizing help offered; Postpartum depression.

Location: Universalist Unitarian Church / 3000 West Richwoods Boulevard / Peoria / IL

Fee: As listed for individual classes or $165 for all three classes ($50 discount). Access to API of Peoria affiliation benefits are included.

Make checks payable to: Hilary Shirven / 14102 West Cottonwood Road / Hanna City / IL / 61536

BabyBodyBirth® is not affiliated with API of Peoria or the Universalist Unitarian Church. Hilary appreciates the support of these organizations including assistance with marketing and space availability for classes.