Childbirth Edu for Not (Yet) Pregnant People

 In this 3-hour introductory class, we will go over some important basics to help demystify birth and prepare you for navigating your options if and when you do become pregnant. This is a great starting point for anyone considering pregnancy in the near or distant future, folks unexpectedly navigating pregnancy with a loved one, or existing parents who want to approach their next pregnancy differently. This is also a great primer for anyone interested in birth work and curious about the current options available to reproducing families.

Topics covered will include: -Basic Nutrition for Pregnancy -Birth Location Choices (Home, Birth Center, Hospital) -What Happens in Labor? -Common Myths & Fears -Doulas & Dear Ones: Getting the Support You Deserve -Birth Visioning (If time allows...)

As a part of the community programming offered by The Oakland Better Birth Foundation, this class will be offered on a sliding scale, $25-$50; Donations accepted, no one turned away. Please bring healthy snacks to share.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Jessalyn Ballerano is a doula, childbirth educator, and lifelong devotee of family and reproductive wellness. She studied birth first as an anthropologist, then as a student midwife, and now as a doula and educator, under apprenticeship with grand doula Samsarah Morgan, author, educator, and founder of OBBF. Jessalyn is most passionate about inspiring and empowering people to take agency and pride in the awesome capacities of their bodies, hearts, and minds to co-create a healthier, more just, peaceful, joyful world. She aims to bring humor, accessible nerdiness and compassionate spirit to her teachings. Thank you for considering this offering, we look forward to serving you!