Here are the current classes Adirondack Council for Birthing Women is offering. We will be adding new classes in the future so check back periodically to see what is new. You will need to pre-register for these classes. Once pre-registered you will receive a confirmation by email or snail mail. Please note that space is limited. If you have any questions about the classes see the FAQs on the About Us page. Please contact us if you have any further questions. See the calendar for class dates, location, and times if not specified.

Classes	Description
Bradley Childbirth Classes:	This 8 week course covers all aspects of childbirth and basic postpartum information. This class series stresses the importance of nutrition, exercise, relaxation techniques, comfort measures and other techniques to avoid drugs if desired, the importance of informed consent, and knowing your birth options to avoid unnecessary interventions and/or cesarean sections. Discussions also center around various aspects of childbirth like the emotional and mental connections to the labor process. Each class series is individualized to meet the needs of the couples participating. Instructor: Maley Maley, AAHCC Limit 4 couples. Wednesdays from 7-9pm Location: contact Mary             2008 Schedule Feb 6th-March 26th April 16th-June 4th June 25th-Aug 13th Sept 3rd-Oct 22nd Nov 12th-Dec 31st
Bradley Refresher:	One evening review class for veteran Bradley couples. We will also discuss the unique postpartum issues you might face and how to make the most of this special time. Instructor: Mary Maley Limit 4 couples. 6-9pm Every 2nd Wed of the Month.
Bradley Childbirth Class...To Go!	We come to you! This class is for bed rest moms and those who for whatever reason can't make it to one of our classes. We will meet your scheduling needs. Instructor: Mary Maley
Pregnancy, Birth and You	Pregnancy, Birth and You is an eight-week program exploring the emotional, physical and developmental aspects of pregnancy. Discover your options for giving birth, creating a healthy pregnancy, developing comfort measures for labor and birth and learn about medical practices - all enabling you to make the right choices for you. This course will empower you to gain the knowledge necessary to make the best choices and decisions for your pregnancy and birth. There is no wrong way of giving birth; as long as it's your choice. Instructor: Lisa Cartier July 19 - Sept. 6 Sept. 20 - Nov. 8 Nov. 22 - Jan. 8
Teen Childbirth Class:	This 10 week class is geared specifically for pregnant teens and their partners/support person. All aspects of childbirth will be covered as well as ongoing discussions of the unique situations teens face during this time. Instructor: Lisa Cartier June 13 - August 10 Sept. 12 - November 14
Perinatal Fitness & Nutritional Program:	This 10 week class includes instruction on relaxation, exercise, nutrition, & yoga. Women are encouraged to start in their 1st trimester but can join anytime. Topics will include information from early pregnancy through postpartum. Instructor: Lisa Cartier. Saturdays 9-11am
Workshops	Description (see calendar for dates & times)
Breastfeeding Workshop:	This workshop covers the benefits of breastfeeding, obstacles to overcome, and breastfeeding techniques. This class will give you the confidence you need to help you on your way to a successful breastfeeding relationship with your new baby. Held every 1st Wed of the Month.
Breastfeeding Cafe:	The Breastfeeding Cafe (BFC) is a monthly gathering for past, present and future breastfeeding moms with the goal of offering support and information to pregnant and new moms and to normalize public breastfeeding. Specifically, the BFCs help to: make it easier for moms to breastfeed outside of the home by identifying places that support breastfeeding with a "Breastfeeding Welcome Here" sticker. encourage the general public to accept breastfeeding for what it is, an important biological function that benefits a baby like no other substance can. We believe women should not be asked to move or leave a public place in order to feed and nourish her child. support the unique mother-baby bond only breastfeeding can give. support our local economy by supporting local business owners who support breastfeeding 100% and "reward" them with our business. encourage and increase our breastfeeding rates in our communities through the BFC and other activism and awareness opportunities. We hope you will join us for our BFCs. They are held every 4th Saturday of the month. Please check the calendar for time and location. See you at the Cafe! Look to see what the Post Star wrote about our BFCs March 13, 2006 Here is what a local mom had to say recently about the BFC: "I went to the RockHill Bakery and saw the sign (sticker) in the window. I explained it to my mom and she was really impressed. Even though I will breastfeed Max anywhere, it still was just a relief to have lunch in a place with that sticker. It made my MOM feel more comfortable about me feeding Max there. So I really think it is a great idea and hope it spreads" Nellie L. Current Breastfeeding-Friendly restaurants in our area: Look for the "Breastfeeding Welcome Here" sticker. Rockhill Bakehouse Cafe, Exchange St, Glens Falls. Cafe' Sarah, Main St, North Creek Casey's North, Rt 28, North Creek Samantha's Cafe, Union Square, 11 Broad St, Glens Falls Ridge Street Coffee Company, 1 Ridge Street, Glens Falls The Secret Ingredient, Main St, North Creek Thank you to all our restaurants for their support! Please be sure to make these restaurants your first choice when eating out. Do you have a favorite place that you would like to see added on the Cafe list? Tell the proprietor to contact us if they would like to pledge ongoing support for breastfeeding moms in our communities. We are happy to announce that the Greater Adirondack Perinatal Network (GAP-Net) is sponsoring this event. Thank you GAP-Net for your support!
Early Pregnancy Class:	This workshop is recommended for women in their first trimester or women planning on getting pregnant but all are welcome. Different topic each meeting. Learn the how to choose a birthplace and caregiver that is right for you, importance of nutrition, exercise, breastfeeding, doulas, how to pick a childbirth class, and more. Held every other 3rd Wed. of the month
The Birth Circle:	An open forum for women to share their birth experiences. All are welcome. Come to listen, share, feel heard, healed and joyous. Held alternately to the Early Pregnancy Class every other 3rd Wed of the month
Postartum Workshop:	This workshop focuses on basic baby care, common problems, organizing your household, and support for the postpartum period. Women are encouraged to attend during their third trimester of pregnancy. Held every 4th Wed of the Month.
Belly Casting Workshop:	LOTS OF FUN! Come and make a beautiful memory of your pregnancy. Contact us for details.
Doula Services
What is a doula? This is a common question. A doula is a someone (usually a woman) who is trained to support a woman physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually (if desired) through her birth. Doulas give continuous support. Usually if a woman gives birth in a hospital the nurse and doctor will not be there all the time. Doulas are there to help you through the process every step of the way. Doulas are very knowledgeable of the birth process most having given birth themselves. A doula's goal is to help a woman have a safe and satisfying birth experience as the woman defines it. Currently, eleven studies* have shown that doula support has the following effects: On Birth Outcomes: Shorter labors Fewer complications Lower cesarean rate Lower forceps use Women request less pain medication and epidurals Fewer interventions Effects on the mother: Greater satisfaction with their birth experience More positive assessment of their babies Less postpartum depression Effects on the baby: Have fewer hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries Breastfeed more easily Enhancement of mother-infant bonding Effects on Medical Care Cost of obstetrical care is dramatically reduced Women are pleased with the personalized care doulas offer *refer to www.dona.org for statistics Birth Doula Services include: At least 2 prenatal visits and as many as needed. During these meetings we will become acquainted, talk about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum; your needs and desires for your birth, birth plans, comfort measures during labor, discuss anything you feel is an issue for you at this time, and more. 24 hour on call service two weeks before through 2 weeks after your due date. Continuous doula support for your labor and birth. Immediate breastfeeding support after the birth. One postpartum visit for support and to discuss the birth. Postpartum Doula Services: A postpartum doula is specifically for the postpartum period. We come to your home after you get home from the hospital or soon after your home birth to help you through the postpartum period. We offer physical and emotional support by taking care of your house hold. We make sure your needs and those of your family are being met. For more specific information please contact us.