In-Person workshop in your home: 3 hrs, $150 total (for up to 2 couples. You may also invite doula, other support people to this class). Includes up to two Preparing for Childbirth books (in color) by Plumtree Baby. Also includes access to digital resources/learning guide.
Private Live Virtual Class: 3hrs with short breaks. $100 total. You may invite another couple to your zoom class and split the costs. (Includes digital resources/ learning guide)
*Tara always does her best to answer questions during the in-person and virtual classes as well as provide some extra time after the classes to answer any remaining questions
I knew that I needed to speak with an experienced professional ever since my best friend embarked on the incredible journey that is pregnancy and asked me to serve as her support sister as a doula would. I had heard wonderful things about Tara throughout mothers in the Floyd community and knew that she was exactly what we were looking for in our quest for valuable insight we can trust. The mom-to-be lives in Roanoke and were able to use these digital doula counseling services, which helped ease our minds as we learned the many ways of navigating the pregnancy, birth and postpartum pathways. The amount of information, guidance, and kindness in this consultation session was incredible for us, especially since it is our first baby. Now the strongest feeling we have is that of EMPOWERMENT knowing that we are not alone, knowing what options we have, knowing of the community and support all around us regardless of the financial challenges that come with bringing a baby into this world. We are VERY grateful and hope to take a birth class with Tara before we’re due as well! <3
3-Hour In-Person Workshop
or
3-Hour Live-Virtual Class
Hour 1: Getting to know your unique birth preferences/goals, Stages of Labor, Fear cycle vs Relaxation cycle, affect on labor and tips for activating relaxation
Hour 2: Birth plan/preference, tool/options available to you in hospital and/or home environments, birth medications, cesareans, creating a relaxing environment for labor, advocacy technique.
Hour 3: Comfort Measures: trying out positions and techniques including birth breathing, to promote easier labor and increased comfort, things to pack, tips for preparing for postpartum.
If I were only allowed one recommendation for pregnant mommas in the way of courses/birth education resources, by far I would only recommend Tara’s birthing class. With COVID, our in person hospital class got cancelled. They offered an online version but the thought of listening to recorded lectures/trainings that were generic sounded so awful for me as a first time mom. I reached out to Tara and we schedule our individual sessions. While yes, it was more expensive than the other class, we got WAY more resources and support than we ever would have with the hospital classes. The best part was being able to express our specific goals, desires, and fears with her so or class could be tailored to our needs. She was so tender and thoughtful with my hubby and I was we navigated these uncharted waters.
I think the things I wanted to know when I booked this class were (a) is it worth the extra money and (b) will it be more beneficial than searching the internet for info? The short answer is yes and yes! Tara became so much more than just a birth class instructor for us, but more of a confidant and a support person. Pursuing a natural birth is challenging and counter-cultutal, so when I was met with, “Are you sure you want to do that? It’s really hard and who would want to go through that pain?” I could lean on Tara for the encouragement to press forward. When I look back at our successful natural birth story and every single appointment and conversation I had with doctors, etc. I was empowered to advocate for what my hubby and I wanted because of Tara’s class! She will teach you about birth, yes, but more than that, she will teach you to advocate for yourself and be confident in your decisions. C.C.
