Women dedicated to serving women in their journey through motherhood!

Labor of Love offers many different classes, opportunities to meet the doulas, and trainings.

Please click on the different links below to find out what offerings we may have that you would be interested in. Thanks!

Childbirth Classes
Additional Classes
Class Location
Meet the Doula Teas

All attendees must either register or RSVP prior to attending.

Childbirth Classes

About our classes: Each childbirth class is a bit different from the previous one or the one to come. In teaching Birthing In Awareness classes, the curriculum is different due to making the class individualized to meet the needs of the individual students who are attending the series. Teresa teaches the group classes on Saturday mornings and Pam teaches Sundays, early in the evening. This helps couples to be fresh and not frazzled by traffic or the headaches of the busy work day. No rushing to eat dinner and then trying to stay awake after a long day.

*Teresa's classes begin at 10 am and run till around 12:30-
*Pam's are from 5 pm until around 7:30 pm.
*Guina teaches private classes for those who are unable to take advantage of the group classes.
I say around because we tend to have a hard time stopping class on time when the discussions become lively!

The cost of the six week series is $165. There are additional classes available as well. This is a class you must pre-register for prior to attending. Please check our calendar for the upcoming classes and don't hesitate to register early as these classes fill quickly.

Purpose and Goal: The purpose for our childbirth preparation classes is to help the couple become closer and communicative about their desires not only for labor and birth but for parenting and to learn to listen to their instinctive voice, and allowing their fears to be resolved prior to labor beginning. This release of fears enables a couple to enter their labor capable, confident, aware, prepared and informed. The class is not specific to one way of birthing or method of childbirth as we believe births unfold in an unexpected and unplanned way many times, and it is important to be able to make the "next best thing" decisions along the way. Instead of teaching one method we teach you at least twenty pain coping skills and techniques that you may find useful. We incorporate some guided imagery (hypnosis) for birthing type techniques, some active birth postures, information on non-medical pain relief as well as medical. We try to impart a different way of thinking about your labor and birth- one without fear and with an enhancement of knowledge that helps to build communication skills not only between you as a couple but as well as with your care provider. You develop a team mentality instead of a "them and us" thinking.

Plan and Preparation: We try to make our classes fun! We do some active learning through role playing, hands on teaching and practice. We have videos to watch, homework assignments that are fun and unique and we encourage students to ask questions and involve themselves fully in the process. Our curriculum includes learning a pain coping mindset and the techniques to help with pain in labor, we include birth art, listening to birth stories and watching videos of births, learning about the mind body connection and its effect on labor, your birth place preparation- whether home or hospital, effective postures for birth and pushing, the companion's role (we offer an additional class for dads), informed consent and making decisions, playing the "Doing the Next Best Thing" game, postpartum adjustment, breastfeeding and care of the newborn (with an additional class also offered for more information), welcoming your newest addition to your family, infant massage (a separate class), creating family rituals that help to build unity, preparing for parenthood (an additional class). We want you to leave our class talking throughout the week about the things you learned. We encourage you to explore ideas you may not have ever explored, deepening your awareness about your body, birth in general and your relationship. We want you to leave as an informed consumer, actively involved in the decisions that surround your birth.

Our Training: We have many years of exposure to different teachings and experiences. We have read tons of books on childbirth methods, parenting ideas and more including our favorite authors who include Ina May Gaskins, Michel Odent, Janet Balaskas, Pam England, Shelia Kitzinger, William Sears, Jay Gordon and others. There is not just one specific type of training that goes into our classes.

Teresa Howard has had experience personally with both the Bradley and Lamaze methods of childbirth when giving birth to her children. She has done extensive training over the last decade of teaching in many areas that enhance her skills as an educator. She is a retired La Leche League leader after ten years of being an active leader and is also a certified lactation educator (CLE) and previous lactation educator trainer for CAPPA. She is also a previous postpartum doula trainer for CAPPA and is certified as a postpartum doula (CPD). Her training specific to being a childbirth educator has been with Pam England who pioneered the method based on Birthing From Within (www.birthingfromwithin.com), with some additional Lamaze training , her labor doula training with DONA (CD) and CAPPA (CLD) as well as with Gail Tully in learning about optimal fetal positioning techniques (www.spinningbabies.com). She is a certified childbirth educator for CAPPA (CCCE), completed two levels of training with Birthing From Within as well as a Happiest Baby on the Block certified instructor (CHBE). She keeps current with new research and attends continuing education annually.

Pam Roe has had experience personally with Bradley and Lamaze. She has been an apprentice of Teresa for childbirth classes as well. She is a retired La Leche league leader and is a certified labor doula with both CAPPA (CLD) and DONA (CD). She has completed her training as a childbirth educator for CAPPA and is certified as a Happiest Baby on the Block instructor (CHBE).

Guina Bixler has had experience personally with the Lamaze method of childbirth. She has also apprenticed with Teresa in her childbirth classes and is a certified labor doula with CAPPA (CLD) She has completed her training as a lactation educator, childbirth educator and postpartum doula. She has been trained by Gail Tully in learning about optimal fetal positioning techniques (www.spinningbabies.com).

All of these experiences come together in the classes we offer. Please contact Teresa at teresa@alaboroflove.org to hear more information about the classes and offerings on our upcoming schedule. Please visit our calendar to see when these classes are being offered.

Private Classes Although we believe that the group interaction is something that helps not only solidify the information, but also makes our classes more fun, Pam Roe and Guina Bixler offer private classes in your home or theirs for those whose schedules don't allow a group interactive class setting. If you have children, childcare is necessary so that you will not be distracted during the class time set aside. There are four modules that last about 2- 3 hours each that can be selected ala carte to tailor them to your specific needs. Each module individually is $50 or the set of four modules are $190. If at all possible, please notify the instructor at least 48 hours prior to class if there is a need to reschedule the class.

For more information on classes or events call Teresa at 770-923-6914 or email her at teresa@alaboroflove.org.

Birthing Again These classes are for those who have birthed previously. It is only 9 hours of classes over a Friday evening time with just the moms and two Saturdays for four hours, instead of six weeks and 15 hours . This is not to be taken as an initial class- you must have taken a childbirth class with your previous pregnancy. This class has a limited offering per year. The fee for this class is $85. Teresa Howard teaches this series. The series includes:

Review and learn more pain coping techniques
How to ask questions to a "white coat"
How to push effectively and with less perineal trauma
Sibling integration
Birth trauma resolution and self discovery
Father reminders
Baby care and breastfeeding

Please visit our Calendar to see when our next classes will be held. For more information on classes or events call Teresa at 770-923-6914 or email her at teresa@alaboroflove.org.

Additional Classes

Infant Massage Class Taught by Teresa Howard. This class is $20 per couple. It does require you to have had your baby to attend as it is hands on learning.

Breastfeeding 101 Couple Class ($30 per couple) class is taught by Teresa Howard and either Pam Roe or Tracey Bond. Teresa is a retired La Leche League leader and a CAPPA Lactation Educator Trainer. Tracey is currently a La Leche League leader and Pam is also a retired La Leche League leader. You will best benefit from this class while still expecting your baby but new parents are also welcomed.

Parenting 101 This class is $20 per couple. This benefits those still expecting their baby as well as those with a new baby.

Parenting 101 teaches:

B- basic breastfeeding and bonding
A- attachment parenting
B- building and creating family rituals
I- intimacy- where and when to have sex
E- ecomomics- budgeting with a baby
S- sleep- where, when and how

Infant and Child CPR Class ($35 per couple) taught by a American Heart Association approved trainer, Natalie Coleman. This is a great class for both expectant parents as well as existing parents, care providers and even grandparents.

Happiest Baby on the Block Learn an extraordinary approach to calm your baby in our Happiest Baby Class.

New parents will learn step-by step how to help babies sleep longer and how to soothe even the fussiest infant in minutes...or less! Class cost, $55, includes a Parent Kit (Parent Kit includes your choice of The Happiest Baby on the Block VHS or DVD and Soothing Sounds CD - a $40 Value).

Class Information Includes:

The Missing 4th Trimester
The Calming Reflex
The 5 S's
The Cuddle Cure

For more information on classes or events call Teresa at 770-923-6914 or email her at teresa@alaboroflove.org.

Please visit our Calendar to see when our next classes will be held.

New to 2007

Fathering in Awareness class for dads by dads - this class is taught by two dads who will team teach ideas on fathering- from pregnancy and labor support, to how to handle a newborn and take care of the new mom, marriage dynamics with a new baby and how to find your path as a new dad. We will try to offer this as a weekend class as well as an evening class- each class offers at least two hours of fun for only $35!

I'm Pregnant- Now What? This is an early pregnancy informational class taught by Kim Bennett. She will cover nutrition and exercise, pregnancy myths and truths, consumerism for birth, choosing a care provider and location for your birth and much more. This is a couples class for only $30!

Line Up your Baby for Labor! Line your baby up for labor and birth! This class is taught by Guina Bixler- based on the studies and training she received from Gail Tully (www.spinningbabies.com) and her years of expertise as a certified labor doula. Want to avoid back labor? Want to find out the positions that will most optimally line your baby up for an easier labor and birth? This is the class for you! It is taught to couples but moms can attend singly as well.

The two hour class costs $35 and will provide you with knowledge of how your baby is positioned by "belly mapping" your own belly and then learning some techniques to improve the alignment of your baby for optimal fetal positioning for labor and ultimately the birth. What does this mean to you? Perhaps faster labors, less painful labors and ideally a gentle birth process. Want to know more? Sign up for this class to find out more!

Couple Massage We are hoping to add this class very soon- a class to learn techniques for pregnancy, labor and afterwards taught by a massage therapist.

Parenting your Toddler beyond babyhood, now what do you do? Your adorable baby now has a voice of her own and a new fondness for the word "no". It seems every outing includes a meltdown that could stop traffic. This 2½-hour class, co-taught by Tracey Bond and Pam Roe can help you regain a sense of peace and order in your family. The cost of this class is $30.

Class topics include:

The power of "NO"
Limit setting
Effective praise
Encouraging cooperation
Positive reinforcement

For more information on classes or events call Teresa at 770-923-6914 or email her at teresa@alaboroflove.org.

Please visit our Calendar to see when our next classes will be held.

Class Location

Most of our classes meet at the Mail and Business Service Center. It is located at the Riverside Exchange Shopping Center. It is easily accessible off of Sugarloaf, Hwy 316 and I-85. The actual address is 2100 Riverside Parkway, Suite 119B, Lawrenceville, GA 30043. If you are coming from Atlanta you take 85 north to 316. When you turn onto 316 take the third exit- just past Sugarloaf Parkway. Off the exit you turn left and the shopping center is on the right. But you need to come to the back of the building. Turn onto Lakes Parkway next to the QT and then turn left at the second shopping center exit past the hotel on the left. When you come to the back of the shopping center look for the door with the sign for Labor of Love on it and come in that door. Lakes Parkway runs perpendicular to Hwy 120 also- so if you are coming from that area, turn onto Lakes Parkway next to Parson's Orthodontics and it is also the second entrance to the right to the back of the shopping center. There is ample parking in the back area near the entrance. Occasionally other classes are offered elsewhere. Please check the calendar for more location details.

Contact Teresa for further details on her classes. Don't let the location scare you if you are not used to driving out to the burbs! It is less than 30 minutes to the center of downtown on a Saturday. Gwinnett county offers great shopping once you are here as well with the Mall of Georgia not too far away and the Babies R Us around the corner from where class is held. So- city dwellers give us a try!

Check MapQuest for exact directions.

Meet the Doulas Tea

You are invited to attend a bimonthly introductory tea of the Labor of Love Women. Every other month, on the odd numbered months we will be meeting on the third Monday night at 7:30 pm (although this is subject to change- so please check the calendar on the website or make a confirmation phone call to Teresa). This is a great time for couples to casually meet each doula. We show a short video and then introduce the company's services. Each specialist will have a chance to be introduced and say a little something about the area with which she is involved within the company. This presentation is less than an hour. Then there will be a time to mingle and informally meet all of the women of love that work with Labor of Love Doula and Childbirth Services, Inc.

We have childbirth educators, labor and postpartum doulas, lactation specialists, massage therapists, belly casters and also have apprentice doulas that would love to meet you. This is a couple event, so please bring your partner if they would like to meet us as well. If you want to come alone that is fine too. We do ask that you not bring children to this tea, but babes in arms are welcomed.

This is an opportunity of sorts to do informal interviews with each person within the company. It allows time for you to meet each one individually and decide if you would like to set up a formal interview or make plans to hire one of the ones you have met from this informal interview setting. There is no obligation on your part at all. Just come and see what we are all about and let us share our philosophy and services with you.

There will be products that we sell available for you to see at these meetings as well. If there are items on the www.laborofloveshack.com site you would like to perhaps purchase, let Teresa know and she can bring them to the tea.

This meeting is free and open to any friends or family members that are also interested in hearing more about our services. Feel free to spread the word among your friends. We do ask that if at all possible, you send an email with your name, due date and location for your birth to Teresa to confirm your attendance a few days in advance.

Please visit our Calendar to see when our next classes will be held. For more information on classes or events call Teresa at 770-923-6914 or email her at teresa@alaboroflove.org.

Directions for the Tea:

Northminster Presbyterian Church
2400 Old Alabama Rd.
Roswell, GA 30076

From 400 take exit 8, Mansell Road and turn east onto Mansell (coming from the south turn right, if coming from the north turn left). go to Alabama Rd.connecter (about the 3rd light, gas station on left) turn right. At the end of the connecter turn right onto Old Alabama Road. Northminster Presbyterian church is immediately on your right. Park in front and enter through the main double doors on the left building. The Fireside room is to the right through another set of double doors.

From 141 (Peachtree Parkway) turn onto Old Alabama Rd. Continue on Old Alabama, veering sharply to the right at Mount Pisgah church (intersection of Nesbit Ferry and Old Alabama). You will still be on Old Alabama, Northminster Presbyterian church will be on your right immediately after the third light. Park in front and enter through the main double doors on the left building. The Fireside room is to the right through another set of double doors.

From 285 go to 400 north and follow directions above.

From Holcomb Bridge Road turn North onto Old Alabama. Church will be on the left about 1.8 miles. Park in front and enter through the main double doors on the left building. The Fireside room is to the right through another set of double doors.

RSVP via an email to Teresa as soon as possible, but at least the day before the tea if you plan to attend.

For more information please contact Teresa Howard at 770-923-6914 or Email her at teresa@alaboroflove.org.

Announcements

Have you seen the new classes we have added? We now have a Fathering in Awareness class just for dads!