Upcoming Dates
- Tue 4/22 & Tue 4/29 @ 6:00-8:30p
- Wed 5/7 & Wed 5/14 @ 6:00-8:30p - 2 LEFT
- Sat 5/17 @ 12p-5p - 1 LEFT
- Tue 6/3 & Tue 6/10 @ 6:00-8:30p
- Sat 6/7 @ 12-5p
- Sun 7/13 @ 12-5p
- Thu 7/24 & Thu 7/31 @ 6:00-8:30p
Childbirth Preparation (In Person)
$185.00 per couple
- Ideal For: Expectant parents, preferably between 26-36 weeks
- Duration: 5 hours total, one day OR divided into two 2.5 hr classes
- Location: MLFEd Studio – Devon, PA
- NOTE: This class is also available on-demand. To purchase Childbirth Preparation on-demand, click here.
What Couples are Saying:
First-hand experience
I really appreciated Val being able to answer questions first hand and with recent stories or info because she is working as an L&D nurse. My husband and I both found the Childbirth Prep class super helpful! We really appreciated the birth video, as neither of us had seen a birth before. We also appreciated the wide range of topics covered!
A comfortable space to learn
My husband and I both absolutely loved this class! We’ll be back in a month for Infant & Child CPR Class, and I’m planning to sign up for at least 1 or 2 more. Thank you for offering such a comfortable space to help new parents learn!
So much was covered
It covered so much in a single session, and anything that was not covered the instructor was able to explain or discuss.
Feeling confident and excited
Before the class I was nervous about labor and delivery, but now am now confident and excited to bring our girl into the world.
Real, vetted resources
Particularly glad to have some real, vetted resources to take away and reference in the days and weeks to come.
Very thorough
I really enjoyed the class and thought the ‘Understanding Birth’ book was very helpful. The class was thorough, answered the questions we had and built confidence. It was nice having other couples there and I’m looking forward to checking out other classes offered.
Comfortable and positive
The class was comfortable and positive. It never felt clinical or overwhelming even when getting into the more complicated medical topics.
Feeling so prepared!
We feel very prepared for childbirth thanks to our Childbirth Preparation Class with Liz! She was clearly passionate about the material, leading to an engaging and informative educational experience! She answered each and every question as they arose, and took the time to ensure we all got what we wanted out of the class.
We loved this class
Liz was engaging, prepared, and approachable! She kept the class moving, set realistic expectations for labor and delivery, and answered everyone’s questions as they arose. We also appreciated her respect for the dads and how she included them. We loved this class!
No wasted time
We liked that there was a lot of information fit into [Childbirth Preparation] class, and we didn’t spend (or waste) time doing any frivolous activities. We also enjoyed the snacks!
My husband also learned a lot
Liz covered all the main topics well and was realistic about what to expect but still eased my anxieties around childbirth. Great tips and suggestions. My husband really felt like he learned a lot too and it was great for us to talk about what we learned about in class.
Content was above and beyond
We had Liz for the Childbirth Prep class. Liz was extremely knowledgeable, kind, and funny! I had already done a lot of my own research on childbirth, and I found that the content in the Childbirth Preparation class went above and beyond that. It highlighted areas that I had neglected to look into on my own and allowed me to remember and ask questions about other topics to someone who has a ton of first-hand experience.
The most helpful class we took
We found this class to be the most helpful class we had taken (we tried a few through insurance and our OB group) and found this one blew it out of the water!”
Discussions and interaction
I felt it was most useful to do this class with a partner and I loved the discussions that were brought up in the interactive portions.
Tons of great information
The passion of the instructors made us feel like we’re going to be okay and cared for. The course had tons of great information and some insider L&D Nurse insight which we’re definitely going to use.
Very comfortable experience
Very comfortable experience for something completely new to us. We liked the participation between classes. We were encouraged to ask what we wanted to hear about in detail, and during the second class the instructor spoke to those topics.
The instructor made it fun!
We really liked the opportunity to meet other parents and hear from a nurse who is currently working at the hospital where we will deliver and we loved Liz! She was a wealth of knowledge and made learning all the information fun!
Super passionate instructors
The instructors are super passionate and love to field any questions which makes us feel that much better going into labor and delivery.
Experience with MLH system
We thought [Childbirth Preparation] was very helpful. It made us feel less anxious and more prepared. I thought it was especially nice that Valerie has experience in the Main Line Health system, so she can speak directly to the experience at the hospitals where we (and other classmates) will be delivering.
I would recommend the course to any first-time mom-to-be!
Nicole was a fantastic instructor! She is very engaging. She makes sure you and your partner are comfortable, understand what she is teaching, and answers questions thoroughly! She was a wonderful instructor and I would recommend her course to any first-time mom-to-be!
Very informative
A lot of content provided and very informative. I thought the live birth video was really helpful and opened up the floor for pressing questions about the actual delivery to be answered. Great class and very informative. Val was great!
From a Maternity Nurse
It is clearly evident which parents have truly prepared for the birth of their child. I took care of a super cute couple that delivered at Lankenau and took classes with you. I remember that they were first-time parents, but confident. They had their act together! That’s why I asked them if they had prepared — and they mentioned your program at Main Line Family Education.
Incredibly thorough and supportive
The Childbirth Preparation class at Mainline Family Education was incredibly thorough and supportive. Valerie provided valuable information and practical techniques, making us feel more confident and prepared for the birthing process. Overall, it was an enriching experience that greatly alleviated our anxieties and answered all our questions comprehensively.
In-depth knowledge
We really enjoyed the class with Valerie Ostien and feel more confident as we prepare for childbirth. I particularly liked the amount of content and the instructor’s in-depth knowledge!
Very insightful
I liked all the topics the instructors covered. I thought it was very insightful and it helped to calm a lot of anxieties surrounding childbirth.
Fantastic job!
Liz did an absolutely fantastic job! I was engaged the whole time and never felt pressured to answer a question if I didn’t want to. She made me feel more confident and comfortable with the birth process. All of my questions were answered! I’m so thankful!
An in-person class opens your mind and your perspective
As a first time, mom I highly recommend this class. Sometimes you read books and do videos and a lot of stuff, but taking an in-person class opens your mind and your perspective.
Small group setting
Val was a great teacher and I liked the small group setting of this class. This is my 2nd class here and I loved it! Looking forward to the breastfeeding class at the end of the month.
Real-life examples
Childbirth Preparation was very helpful! I liked how interactive the class was and loved hearing the stories and real-life examples from Liz’s experience.
Engaging Instructor
I really enjoyed the instructors’ energy and also how she engaged every one of us in her presentations. She answered all the questions we had. She was not boring. She knew what she was talking about.
Personal anecdotes
My husband and I are first-time parents and this class really helped to learn about important topics in childbirth, but not in an overwhelming way. I enjoyed the content that the presenters shared and their personal anecdotes along the way.
Handouts were “gold”
I loved having this class meet in-person plus the handouts which my husband and I said were “gold” with information.
Instructors curated what is important to know
Because there is so much information online about childbirth, it was very nice to have experts in the field really curate what is important to know and what you can expect at the hospital.
I would definitely recommend
I would definitely recommend to a friend. I feel much less stressed and uncertain about what to expect. Liz did a wonderful job and I can’t wait to take her Newborn Basics class!
Experts in the subject
I loved the topics covered and think the amount of time spent on each was perfect. I also feel like both instructors (Nicole via virtual link for Part 1 & Liz in-person for Part 2) were truly experts in the subjects and made the information easy to understand, shared real examples/stories, and overall really helped ease some of my anxiety and nerves about the birth process.
Very engaging
Liz was engaging and kept the class interesting! We enjoyed learning about the overall process of labor, and also the tips and tricks to make it go more smoothly.
So glad we attended
I really enjoyed the class and I’m so glad my husband and I attended! I liked the quality of the information and delivery, plus Valerie’s enthusiasm. She made childbirth much less scary!
Tremendous experience
My wife and I attended a five hour session on Sunday and cannot rave enough about the program. We learned so much, but more importantly feel so much more comfortable and prepared to start this new journey. The instructor’s expertise was paramount in the session, and I can honestly say she put many fears at ease.
Direct and honest
Childbirth Preparation was direct and honest while being very open to questions. No question was silly. We’re delivering at Paoli and just knowing that people like Liz are working there was enough to put away some anxiety. My wife and I left with lots more to talk about but feeling much steadier about what is coming in (more or very possibly less than) 6 weeks.
Extremely informative
I was skeptical of this class going in because my friends all did online. Liz made the class fun, extremely informative and straightforward. The information and overall class put my husband in the mindset of ready for childbirth. We loved it so much that we are considering the CPR class!
About the Class:
This class is taught by an experienced Labor and Delivery, Newborn and Postpartum Nurse who holds a certification in Childbirth Education. Each session is taught live with a small class size, which guarantees a personalized experience for your family.
This class will reduce your fear of the unknown and help you feel more confident in the weeks leading up to your baby’s birth. Topics include when to go to the hospital, normal labor progression, informed consent, and pain management options – both medicinal and non-medicinal – just to name a few. We’ll also guide partners with what they can do to help during labor and after baby’s birth. Coaches who truly understand the birth process and feel empowered to participate make the best advocates for their partners during labor!
Taught By:
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Topics Covered:
- Anatomy and Physiology of Labor and Birth
- Signs of Labor: How will I know when it’s time?
- Pain Relief – natural and medical options
- Breathing Techniques for Labor
- Vaginal Delivery
- C-section Delivery
- Interventions: what they are and why they may be necessary
- Support and Guidance for Labor Partners
- Identifying and Communicating your Birth Wishes
- Packing List: what should I bring to the hospital?
- What happens immediately after birth
- What to expect from your Newborn
- Choosing a pediatrician
- Caring for yourself Postpartum