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
Dar a Luz Birth Class series
Meets five afternoons, for 2.5 hours each time. This class is available to non-birth center clientele as well, for a $325 fee (no tax, payable to Dar a Luz). Taught by childbirth education expert Amity McElroy. Read about Amity on our staff page. If this is not your first baby, you have the choice of the Condensed class, this class, or the Blissborn class (also on this page), included in your birth center fees. Typically scheduled every 6-10 weeks. 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 so much more! Even belly dancing! Please try not to miss more than one class. Get in touch with Amity if you have questions — or better yet, attend our Pathfinder class as early in your pregnancy as you can!
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 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). 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. 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
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!