This is not my first baby
This page will help guide you through our class enrollment process for families who have had a baby before. Please read the instructions carefully.
Please note: Most of our optional 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
We strongly recommend that you attend Pathfinder prior to registering for other required classes. These are typically scheduled every other month.
Series Classes (Optional)
please choose one series
Inspired and Intentional Birth Class 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.
Your Birth Illuminated Birth Class 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.
Condensed Series
This class is for those who have given birth before (in certain circumstances, those who have taken a childbirth class from another educator during this pregnancy, or who transfer in at nearly full-term and will not have time to complete a series can join this class too). The Condensed class is only for birth center clients. If you are having trouble finding a class to fit your schedule, contact Claire to find out about other options. Typically scheduled monthly, on the first Saturday of the month, from 9 am to 2 pm, with a lunch break.
please sign up for one of each of these classes
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.
This class is offered monthly and is held ONLINE! Please do not come to the center for this class.
RECOMMENDED (NOT REQUIRED). The following 3 classes are highly recommended for you
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), and burping. Please bring a newborn blanket to work on your swaddling skills.
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) at one of your appointments. Classes are mostly on Sundays, and are 2 1/2 hours each. Scheduled monthly.
BREASTFEEDING and Feeding your newborn
Register to take Amity’s newborn feeding class before or after your birth class series.
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) at one of your appointments. Scheduled monthly.
CARSEAT CLINIC
This is a clinic held twice a month by Nancy, who is a certified care safety instructor. You will learn which car seat is right for your baby and how to install it. You can come 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.
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!