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This is my first baby

This page will help guide you through our class enrollment process if this is your first baby. Please read the instructions carefully.

Please note: Most classes and groups are in-person at the birth center while a few are online.
Please read the descriptions and reminders carefully so you don’t miss your class!

Keep on going down the page… and then if you need to get on the waitlist for full classes, or to be informed when we schedule more classes than we have below, click the button.

Please do not request to be put on the waitlist before scrolling through the options below it. Thanks!

Pathfinder: Dar a Luz Classes and Services

This class will give you essential information about your Dar a Luz care and all of the different classes. You will get to meet some of our instructors and ask questions. These are typically scheduled every other month.

Required Classes

please choose one series

NEW! Inspired & Intentional Birth Series

Meets six Sunday afternoons, for 2.5 hours each time. This class is available to non-birth center clientele as well, for a $390 fee (no tax). Taught by childbirth education expert Amity McElroy. Read about Amity on our staff page. If this is your first baby, you have the choice of this class or the Your Birth Illuminated class (also on this page), included in your birth center fees.If this is not your first baby, you also have the choice of the Condensed class. Typically scheduled every other month. We strongly recommend taking these classes week 28 or later.

Partners welcome and encouraged! Amity teaches a fun and interesting class that not only covers the basics, but brings together movement, activities, birth art, videos, discussions, a birth blessing, use of a rebozo (a Mexican shawl to help with comfort and movement) … and a special class all about the postpartum season! Even belly dancing! Get in touch with Amity if you have questions.

NEW! Your Birth Illuminated Birth Series

Meets six Thursday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m. This class is available to non-birth center clientele as well, for a $390 fee (no tax).

Your Birth Illuminated (YBI) is taught by Jaelan Mincey with New Life Birth Services. Combining evidence-based information with interactive group and couple exercises, YBI empowers participants to make choices that fit their unique needs and circumstances. Through thoughtful discussions and practical tools, parents will gain a deep understanding of physiological birth and strategies for navigating the unexpected. Emphasis is given to building confidence in facing the physical and emotional challenges of birth and early parenthood with resilience. Partners are encouraged to attend every class, fostering a supportive environment and building confidence together.

If this is your first baby, you have the choice of this class series or the Inspired and Intentional class series (also on this page), included in your birth center fees. If this is not your first baby, you also have the choice of the Condensed class, this class. Typically scheduled every other month. We really recommend taking these classes week 28 or later.

Blissborn Natural Birth Class series

Meets five Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m.
*Extra fee for materials is $82 plus tax, payable to Laura in the first class (for both Dar a Luz clients and non-clients). This class is available to non-birth center clientele as well, for a $325 fee (no tax, payable to Dar a Luz), plus the materials fee. Taught by Laura Wood: Blissborn founder, Dar a Luz Staff Counselor, Licensed Social Worker, hypnotherapist, and childbirth educator. Read about Laura on our staff page.

If this is your first baby, you have the choice of this class series or the Dar a Luz class series (also on this page), included in your birth center fees. If this is not your first baby, you have the choice of the Condensed class, this class, or the Dar a Luz class series (also on this page). Typically scheduled every 6-8 weeks. We really recommend taking these classes week 28 or later.

Partners are strongly encouraged (hint: doesn’t have to be baby’s other parent)! Laura teaches a fun and fascinating class that not only covers the basics, but brings together profound relaxation/hypnosis, activities, lots of information to build confidence, fear/worry/anxiety work, pain control methods and touches and movements, advocacy tips, lifelong skills for everyone… and so much more! Missed classes should be made up. There is an extra fee for materials ($82+tax) and there is homework in this class. Get in touch with Laura if you have questions — or better yet, attend our Pathfinder class as early in your pregnancy as you can! More info and a free download at www.blissborn.com

PLEASE SIGN UP FOR ONE OF EACH OF THE FOLLOWING CLASSES

NEWBORNS HEAD TO TOE

In this class you will learn how to figure out what your baby needs and understand their communication cues. Learn about normal newborn behavior and appearances and what to do if something doesn’t seem right. We will focus on the basics like diapering, holding, swaddling (bring your own blanket if you have one), and burping and much more! This class is 3 hours long. Typically scheduled monthly. 

DAL clients: Class cost is included in your fees (click “Pay Later” during sign-up).
Non-DAL clients:
Cost of class is $40 for each mom/birthing person or couple. Pay by credit card at sign-up, or by cash, or check (made out to Dar a Luz) at one of your appointments.

BREASTFEEDING and Feeding your newborn

Register to take this class before, during or after your birth class series. Typically scheduled monthly.

DAL clients: Class cost is included in your fees (click “Pay Later” during sign-up).
Non-DAL clients:
Cost of class is $40 for each mom/birthing person or couple. Pay by credit card at sign-up, or by cash, check (made out to Dar a Luz), or charge at class.
Pay by credit card at sign-up, or by cash, check (made out to Dar a Luz) at one of your appointments.

INTERVENTIONS & HOSPITAL TRANSFERS

This class is required for all Dar a Luz families. Learn what happens when birth doesn’t go as expected. Hear from key birth center personnel who help before, during and after a transfer. Meet past Dar a Luz parents who experienced a transfer from the birth center to the hospital and listen to their story. Get your questions answered and find out how to minimize your chance of transfer. Scheduled monthly and this class is held ONLINE! Please do not come to the center for this class.

Interventions and hospital transfers

This class is required for all Dar a Luz families. Learn what happens when birth doesn’t go as expected. Hear from key birth center personnel who help before, during and after a transfer. Meet past Dar a Luz parents who experienced a transfer from the birth center to the hospital and listen to their story. Get your questions answered and find out how to minimize your chance of transfer. Scheduled monthly.

This class is offered once a month, every month, and we suggest taking it between your 5th and 8th month of pregnancy. There’s no additional charge for birth center clients.

    CARSEAT CLINIC

    This is a clinic held twice a month by Nancy, who is a certified car seat safety instructor. You will learn which car seat is right for your baby and how to install it. You can attend before or after your baby is born, but we recommend doing it before, to ensure that your car is ready to drive your baby home.

    RECOMMENDED (NOT REQUIRED)

    We recommend that you explore all of our class and group offerings. There is an extra cost associated with some of them, but they are all well worth the time and effort!

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