Prenatal Education Classes
The Nesting Spot is proud to offer a variety of prenatal education classes and programs to meet the needs of a diverse population in Santa Clara County. From workshops on a single topic to comprehensive multi-week series, options abound to meet your unique needs! We suggest times for when these classes should be taken, but you are welcome to schedule outside of these ranges to best suit your preferences.
Childbirth Prep Series
We have two options for those seeking a comprehensive childbirth class series, our 4-week Birthing with BAM and our most in-depth option, Birthing Naturally which is an 8-week series. Both cover all of the basic topics of labor & delivery are geared towards birthing in the hospital. They may be taken alone or paired with our “A La Carte” workshops for those who would like to go even deeper on a particular subject.
Check out our discounted pre-set packages (some including prenatal yoga) and save! Not sure which classes or packages are right for you? Please reach out- we are happy to help you understand your options and what will best meet your own unique needs.
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Birthing with BAM
A four-week course that covers birthing basics, including coping tools, with time to go a bit more in-depth.
Best for: Clients of Bay Area Maternity or anyone birthing in a hospital setting who would like to take an active role in perinatal decision making
Suggested time frame: 27-32 weeks
Taught by: Tracie Lynch, CD(DONA)
Fee: $529 per couple
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Birthing Naturally: Partner Supported Childbirth
Our most comprehensive, in-depth birthing course focusing on a method that relies heavily on partner involvement
Best for: Birthing couples who are hoping to minimize medical intervention during their labor
Suggested time frame: starting at or before 28 weeks
Taught by: Lori Ismail, CBE, CLD
Fee: $699 per couple, plus $25 material fee payable to instructor at first class
A La Carte Workshops
Create your own series by picking and choosing from our A La Carte menu below. We recommend starting with Birthing 101 followed by Practical Techniques for a Confident Birth. Take multiple workshops and receive a discount:
10% off four or five workshops
15% off six or seven workshops
20% off eight or more
Choose from our pre-set packages here (some include prenatal yoga), or contact us to create your own. Not sure? Please reach out- we are happy to help you understand your options and what will best meet your own unique needs.
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Birthing 101
A foundational class to learn about birthing basics.
Best for: Busy people who would like a quick overview of the labor and delivery process.
Suggested time frame: 27-32 weeks
Taught by: Kelli Ghanati, CD(DONA) or Stephanie Mollinier, CD(DONA)
Fee: $169 per couple
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Practical Techniques for a Confident Birth
A hands-on, active workshop to learn the various tools to cope with labor.
Best for: First time parents who would like more labor practice and experienced parents who would like a refresher.
Suggested before taking this class: Birthing 101 or another birth class or having given birth prior
Suggested time frame: 34-37 weeks
Taught by: Kelli Ghanati, CD(DONA) or Stephanie Mollinier, CD(DONA)
Fee: $169 per couple
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Lactation 101
A foundational class to learn the basics of breastfeeding and prepare for it before delivery.
Best for: Families considering breast or chestfeeding
Suggested time frame: 34-37 weeks
Taught by: Adrienne Plaza, IBCLC
Fee: $169 per couple
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The Empowered Cesarean Journey: Planned, Unexpected, and Beyond
A workshop covering what to expect during and after a cesarean birth, whether scheduled or unexpected, as well as tools to navigate the option of Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)
Best for: Because more than one-third of birthing people will have a cesarean, this class is recommended for all first-time parents and second or third-timers seeking VBAC
Suggested before taking this class: Birthing 101 or another birthing class
Suggested time frame: 30-35 weeks
Taught by: Tracie Lynch
Fee: $169 per couple
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Understanding Labor Induction
A 2-hour deep dive into what to expect with labor augmentation or induction, including options, methods, how to discern if it’s truly medically necessary, and what the research says (including the “Arrive Study”
Best for: Parents who would like to be fully prepared if they are presented with the likely prospect of labor augmentation or induction
Suggested before taking this class: Birthing 101 or another birth class or having given birth prior
Suggested time frame: 32-35 weeks
Taught by: Tracie Lynch, CPD, PES, Cht, HBCE or Stephanie Mollinier, CD(DONA)
Fee: $119 per couple
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Hypnosis for Labor
A participatory workshop to learn about using hypnosis as an effective coping mechanism for labor and beyond
Best for: Parents who would like a tool to stay calm and grounded during labor, whether or not they plan to have an epidural
Suggested before taking this class: Birthing 101 or another birth class or having given birth prior
Suggested time frame: 32-35 weeks
Taught by: Tracie Lynch, CPD, PES, Cht, HBCE
Fee: $169 per couple
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Writing an Effective Birth Plan: The Key to Clear Communication with Your Birth Team
This 2-hour working session will give you the tools and framework to leave with a draft of your birth plan and ways to effectively communicate your needs to your birth team.
Best for: Parents who want to be active decision makers in their birthing process
Suggested before taking this class: Birthing 101 or another birth class or having given birth prior
Suggested time frame: 32-35 weeks
Taught by: Tracie Lynch, CPD, PES, Cht, HBCE or Kelli Ghanati, CD(DONA)
Fee: $119 per couple
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Postpartum Planning & Newborn Care
A class to help you navigate the transitional period of postpartum, including what to expect in the physical healing process, how to care for yourself while caring for your new baby, and normal characteristics of newborns.
Best for: First time parents who would like to build confidence around bringing their baby home
Suggested time frame: 34-37 weeks
Taught by: Lanie Mocherman, PPD, CLE
Fee: $169 per couple