Confident Childbirth Preparation - Days 1 & 2
Each birth is unique. Only YOU know what is best for your birth and your baby. Designed for women interested in a natural, un-medicated birth, this signature childbirth class will provide you with the confidence and knowledge you need to make choices to create a positive and empowering birth experience.

Confident Birth incorporates the best of several different styles of childbirth preparation to offer a consumer-oriented, woman and family-centered approach which emphasizes evidence-based information, effective pain-coping practices, and informed decision making.

Breastfeeding & Newborn Care - Days 3 & 4
The innovative curriculum for the Breastfeeding & Newborn Care portion of the Confident Birth Package combines everything you need to know to get breastfeeding off to a great start plus how to prepare for the postpartum period and care for your baby, including information specific to breastfed babies:
 

• Why Breastfeed (you know 'breast is best', but you may be surprised by some of the benefits)
• How to Breastfeed (latch, positioning)
• Feeding Your Baby (how much, how often, feeding cues)
• Infant speech – what do those cries/babbles really mean?
• Babywearing overview
• Homecoming (preparing yourselves and your home for your new baby)
• The important role of dads/partners and other family members
• Tapping into local resources for breastfeeding support
• Baby soothing – beyond nursing, babywearing & massage
• Nutrition for the breastfeeding mama
• Tips for the sad-bellied baby
• Pumping, bottle-feeding & milk storage – plus successfully returning to work/school
• -Infant massage overview
• Nighttime parenting – Are you getting any sleep?
• Safeguarding your sanity after baby
• Your relationship after baby
• Nursing bras
• Mama pampering/Partner Q&A

Empower yourself and your partner by signing up for Confident Birth and become truly prepared for your journey into parenthood.

This class is for expectant parents. Fathers/partners are highly encouraged to attend! If a partner won't be attending, mama is welcome to bring a friend or family member.

Please bring a sack lunch on days 1-3 because we will be working through lunches. Lunch on th 4th day is potluck.  Please let us know about any dietary restrictions you have in the customer comments section of the online registration.

Lea Wolf is mother to daughter Ma'iingan (1/02) and co-founder of Happy Bambino. She is a Native woman (Bad River Anishinaabe) and has lived in Madison for the better part of 8 years, having moved here initially to attend the University. Lea has a bachelors in American Indian Studies and Educational Policy, and has completed the coursework for her master's in Educational Policy at the UW. She and her daughter's father strive to co-parent Ma'iingan in ways that support and build upon the values of parenting that they hold dear.  Lea is a birth/postpartum doula.

Alison Dodge is is co-founder of Happy Bambino, a certified lactation counselor, and happy mama. Her son is Liam (7/03) and daughter Ariana (12/07). Alison brought a human resources background to Happy Bambino, but her love of children and fascination with the childbearing year have been with her from an early age. Alison is passionate about parental empowerment and choice in healthcare and the advancement of family-friendly social policies.