Davenne Essif (ICEA-trained Childbirth Educator) is excited to be offering a new refresher birth class at the birth center, starting in August. This class is ideal for couples expecting their second or subsequent child and planning for a low-intervention birth. We will review the many topics covered in first-time birth classes as well as explore a range of comfort measures, breath and mindfulness practices, and relaxation exercises to help boost your physical and emotional well-being during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Parents will be encouraged to share their past birth experiences as well as their hopes for this new birth, and each class will be tailored to participants’ needs, expectations, and interests.

The next class will be held Sunday, August 18th, 4:30-7:30pm

$75 per mom/couple

To register, contact Davenne: (423) 486-5339 or joyfulmamasnc@gmail.com

The possible class outline includes:

What was your last birth like? What are your hopes for this new birth?

Rhythm, Ritual, Relaxation

Comfort Measures During Pregnancy

Massage Techniques

Overview of Labor (Stages and Phases)

Trust and Safety

Signs It’s Time to Head to Your Birthing Place

Intensity Practice

Interventions and Choices

Possible Challenges of Labor and Possible Solutions

Movement in Birth and Pushing Positions

Review of Newborn Signs and Signals (based on H.U.G. Your Baby®)

Postpartum Comfort Measures and Breastfeeding

Sibling Prep

Davenne holds a Ph.D. in art history from UNC where her research explored visual cultural constructions of modern motherhood. When she herself became a mother in 2017, she knew she wanted to join other birth professionals in the Triangle, supporting parents in our community as they navigate the transformative events of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Davenne has trained with the International Childbirth Education Association, Calm Birth®, and Hypnobabies® Chilbirth Hypnosis and is working on her certification with H.U.G. Your Baby® and the ICEA doula-training program.