FAQ
Frequently asked questions
These are the most common questions I’m asked, but if I haven’t answered yours, please contact me.
1. Do you take insurance?
Fees are paid to Birth Talk directly. Many health insurance companies reimburse a portion of childbirth classes — check your plan to find out how much is covered. Childbirth classes are also a covered expense if you have a flexible health spending account. Birth Talk will provide a receipt and other documentation if needed for reimbursement.
2. Can you tell me more about your experience and philosophy about labor and birth?
I’ve been teaching childbirth classes and providing labor support as a doula for 12 years. I originally certified with the Boston Association for Childbirth Education in 2001, and have been certified with Lamaze International since 2005. I’ve been a DONA International certified doula since 2001. My philosophy is birth is a normal, natural process that can usually unfold with minimal intervention. I teach current, evidence-based information so that parents can know about all options and make decisions that are right for them. I have two sons, one born in a hospital with an OB and one born at home with a Midwife. I have taught or supported moms who had natural childbirth, epidurals, inductions, assisted vaginal deliveries and c sections. My job is to educate about labor and birth options, not to tell anyone how she should give birth.
3. When should I take childbirth classes?
I recommend finishing classes no later than your 35th week of pregnancy.
4. I’d get an epidural in the hospital parking lot if I could. Why do I need childbirth classes?
Everyone can benefit from childbirth classes. You’ll learn how to stay comfortable while laboring at home, on the way to the hospital, and before you get an epidural. Let’s put it this way — when you get an epidural, you have to stay perfectly still while the epidural is administered. Comfort measures are very helpful during this process. Labor and birth can be unpredictable. You’ll never know exactly what you’ll need, or how you’ll cope best, until you’re in labor.
5. I’m planning natural childbirth. Do I need to learn about epidurals and all the other stuff?
See #4…everyone includes you, too. If you’re a first time mom-to-be, I recommend taking the full series so you can learn about all your options, just in case. That way, should something veer from your birth plan, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.
6. I took a childbirth class at the hospital, but didn’t learn as much about things like Lamaze breathing or comfort measures for labor as I hoped to. Can you help?
Absolutely! The comfort measures for labor workshop is for you.
7. I really want to take a Birth Talk childbirth class, but I don’t live in Chicago. Am I out of luck?
Nope. That’s why we now offer online classes.
