FAQS
Answering Your Questions About Prenatal Classes
When should I take a Prenatal Class?
It is most recommended to start a Prenatal Childbirth Class with Bean Family Wellness between 28-32 weeks pregnant, and complete the final class no later than 36-37 weeks pregnant. However, you can take a class prior to that, or anytime before you give birth. It can be helpful to take the class during this time to help you and your partner feel more prepared for birth. It gives you time to practice some of the techniques and comfort measures that we cover in class, prepare for birth with some of the activities we give as homework and to encourage optimal fetal positioning, plus it gives you time to do more research about your options and discuss it with your partner and care provider.
What topics are covered in 1-day, Multi-day Series, or Private Prenatal Childbirth Classes with Bean Family Wellness?
Bean Family Wellness offers a comprehensive prenatal class to well prepare you for birth and beyond (including breastfeeding). Most of the class focuses on how to prepare for birth, childbirth, comfort measures, and the period shortly after birth.
Some of the topics you'll learn about include,
- Preparing for Labour and Childbirth During Pregnancy (Encouraging Optimal Positioning and more!)
- Brief Overview of the Physiologic Process of Labour & Childbirth
(What to Expect During Labour)
- How your Partner / Support Persons can Help
- Natural Comfort Measures & Relaxation Strategies
- Pain Relief Options (including natural and medicated options to inform you of your choices)
- Postpartum Care for Parents and Baby at your Place of Birth
- The Essentials of Breastfeeding in the Early Days to help ensure the best start!
- The Essentials of Newborn Care, including soothing techniques, sleep for baby, & more!
- Postpartum Recovery, Support, and Mental Health. Information will be provided about Adjusting to Parenting and Life with your New Baby, as well as Family and Individual Self-Care.
Information may vary for Specialty Prenatal Classes such as Refresher Classes, Classes for Parents Expecting a Planned C-Section, and Classes for Single Moms.
What do I receive with my Prenatal Childbirth Class?
All Bean Family Wellness Prenatal Childbirth Classes Include:
a copy of the class slideshow as a PDF (Worksheet format; 6 slides per page) for you to refer back to after class
links to recommended videos to compliment the content in your class
an educational resource folder via Dropbox with great handouts for pregnancy - birth - postpartum
print out your folder, or download it and keep it handy on any device. Great for the ‘Cheat Sheets’ we give you for labour.
Save 10% off any other Bean Family Wellness Specialty Classes (Prenatal or Postpartum) within the next 12-months
Save $50 off* Everything But the Birth Perinatal Doula Services *subject to availability for your estimated due date*
If I take the Bean Family Wellness Prenatal Childbirth class, should I take the Newborn Baby Care 101 Class too?
Our Prenatal Childbirth Class covers an introduction to some of the essentials to help you get started caring for baby in the early days. The information covered includes the most requested topics that parents ask about what to expect between the time baby is born and the first six weeks. Content includes the ‘must have’ information about common procedures for baby after birth at your place of birth, common reflexes, vernix - it’s purpose / the function / and the benefits, diapering details and demonstration, dressing baby, baby sleep schedules, and tips / tricks for soothing your baby.
There is so much to learn about babies! The Newborn & Baby Care 101 Class picks up where your Prenatal Childbirth Class left off with lots more information to expand on what you learnt. This is one of our most popular specialty classes. The Newborn & Baby Care Class covers all these topics in more depth, with time for additional topics, videos, discussion, additional demonstrations, and more (depending on your choice of a group class or a private class). This class focuses on the time from when you bring baby home through the first year.
This class is also great for parents who may not have taken a prenatal class because they are welcoming their baby through adoption, foster, or surrogacy. Private classes are recommended for families who are expecting multiples to discuss more in depth how to encourage an easier transition when you are caring for more than one baby.
Did you take a prenatal childbirth class with Bean Family Wellness? Remember to check your confirmation email for your 10% off code, good for any specialty class with Bean Family Wellness for up to 6 months after your prenatal class.
I’m considering the Breastfeeding 101 Class too. Will I benefit from taking both?
Bean Family Wellness Prenatal Childbirth Classes covers an introduction how to get breastfeeding off to a good start. Including tips about the first latch and through the first days after birth. Information is also included about how to ensure baby is getting enough milk (one of the most common concerns from new parents), normal behaviours such as hunger cues, how to know if baby is latching well, etc. The information covered includes the essential basics, including tips and tricks.
The amount of information about breastfeeding is endless! Although breastfeeding is natural, it can often come with challenges. With time, more and more research is being done on breastfeeding and best practices for new babies. These are topics that are shared in class to ensure you have up to date information. Many parents report that they wish they did more research on breastfeeding prior to birth. This class covers more information on the topics listed above, helping you understand What to Expect including what is normal behaviour for babies at different weeks/milestones, when to know if there are concerns and when to seek extra help, how to feed baby if you need to be separated (e.g. date nights, or even sicknes), how (and when) to add in solid foods, and how to ensure breastfeeding success in the first year and beyond. This course picks up where your Prenatal Childbirth Class left off with additional information that there is simply not enough time to cover in your prenatal class.
I am single and someone else is supporting me during birth. Can I take one of your prenatal classes?
Absolutely! Our Prental Classes are designed for expectant moms plus one support person. Single mothers are welcome to attend and are encouraged to bring their doula or other support person (a family member, a friend, etc.). We also other Private In-home Prenatal Classes for Single Mothers if you would like the class customized to your situation and needs. We have had many other support people attend classes, including grandparents, siblings, friends, etc.
I have a midwife and I am planning a home or birth centre birth. Are these classes for me?
Definitely! Bean Family Wellness classes are great for families who have a midwife or doctor, are low-risk or high-risk, and are giving birth at home, birth centre, or hospital. During the comfort measures part of the class, the main focus is on natural coping techniques and relaxation strategies for labour. We also discuss natural ways to prepare your body for labour, including Optimal Fetal Position to hopefully encourage a faster, easier, and more comfortable labour. Ilissa, owner of Bean Family Wellness, believes in the amazing power of the body and creating a positive pregnancy birth and postpartum experience for the whole family. The goal is for you to finish class feeling empowered and informed!
The class also includes a brief section on medicated options to ensure you enter labour informed, as well as information on common procedures / interventions dependent on your place of birth, including inductions (natural / medicated).
Classes are customized to the familes attending class. We ensure that the information covered discusses what you can expect with any type of care provider, and at the all places of birth in Manitoba.
My care provider has scheduled me for a Cesarean Section / C-section. Is it possible to still take a Prenatal Childbirth Class?
Every birth is different! Bean Family Wellness believes every family can benefit from a Prenatal Childbirth Class, however your birth plan looks. We recommend that families who have a pre-scheduled c-section register for a Private Prenatal Childbirth Class instead of a Group Prenatal Childbirth Class. The reason being that Group classes are structured for families who do not know how their baby will be born. Therefore, the focus is on the need to prepare for labour physically and mentally, plus includes information on the labour process and coping techniques, and only a portion of class discusses if baby needs to be born by c-section.
We offer C-section specific Private Prenatal Childbirth Classes that have been pre-designed with your birth plan in mind. This will help to prepare parents for their birth experience, as well as include information adapted to your postpartum recovery, as well as special considerations when it comes to breastfeeding and baby care. Plus, every private class can be customized to your needs / reason for needing a c-section.
If you are expecting a c-section, please indicate this in the ‘Additional notes’ section at the end of your Prenatal Childbirth Class registration / intake form.
I have a birth doula. Do I need to take a prenatal class?
Great question! First of all, congratulations on making the decision to hire a doula for your prenatal, birth, and postpartum experience. Doulas are a great source of information and give you the extra emotional, informational, and physical support you need during these times. However, having a doula is not a replacement for a quality prenatal class.
Doulas usually offer 2-3 prenatal visits during pregnancy, lasting approximately 1 hour each. Depending on the doula that you choose, they will usually have a list of topics that they cover at each visit. This is often including time to get to know you, your personal birth wishes, discussing your plans for birth, and more. Most doulas expect that you have taken a prenatal class, and your visits with your doula are a great chance to ask for more information (resources) or practice the information that you have learned.
Prenatal classes vary in length but offer far more information than your doula would be able to cover in their visits. Prenatal classes are a great chance to learn with your partner about what to expect, how to prepare for labour, more about coping with labour and comfort measures, as well as information on what to expect postpartum at your planned place of birth, recovery, mental health, baby care, breastfeeding and more.
Looking for a Doula? Contact Bean Family Wellness to arrange for a free consultation for either Birth Doula or an ‘Everything But The Birth’ Doula Services.
We are expecting multiples. Will we benefit from your Prenatal Classes?
We have worked with many families who are expecting more than one baby! You are welcome to register for a Group Prenatal Class or a Private In-Home Prenatal Class. Group Prenatal Classes will teach you about what to expect in general when having a baby, comfort measures, recovery and more. Information is generally specific to having one baby, however, much of the information can be adapted and you are encouraged to ask any questions that you have. You are encouraged to also indicate if you are having multiples on your registration form so that your instructor knows to adapt the information as necessary.
Although parents enjoy group classes, many find that it is helpful to register for a private prenatal class so that your instructor can completely adapt your class to cover specifics for multiples.
Where are Bean Family Wellness Prenatal Classes located?
Group Prenatal Childbirth Classes are currently offered in a Hybrid Option. This means you can choose from attending in-person or the {Virtual} in the Zoom Classroom. If you prefer to attend in person, our group classes are offered at either 1390 Taylor Avenue or 600 Shaftesbury Blvd., in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
In-home classes are available within Winnipeg, Manitoba and within 10 minutes of the West Perimeter Highway.
Outside of our area? In-person classes are available in Bean Family Wellness’ home office (Charleswood, Winnipeg).
Prefer virtual? Virtual Classes are available online via Zoom. They have been adapted for the online learning environment.
How often do you offer Prenatal Classes?
We usually offer Group Prenatal Classes 2 or 3 times each month. Our group prenatal classes are currently available in different options such as:
a ‘Prenatal Class in a Day’ format, meaning that they are a one-day 8-hr prenatal class (including breaks),
a 2-day Series,
a 3-week or 4-week Series,
Days and times for Specialty Prenatal Classes vary
Purely Virtual Prenatal and Specialty Classes - these classes are held exclusively online which is a great option for out of town families, busy families, or any family who would like to enjoy class from the comfort of their own home (even in PJs if you want - pet’s are also welcome in virtual classes)
Private Classes are available evenings and weekends to fit your schedule. Limited day time appointments may be available upon request.
Weekend classes are our most popular classes and often can fill up a couple of months in advance during busy times. Please register in advance to avoid disappointment.