FAQs - Prenatal Education

You likely have a lot of questions about how this all works. From payment to logistics, we've got the answers for you here. We support your family with whatever choices feel right for you. 0% judgement. 100% commitment.

Confident. Supported. Informed.

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Where will our sessions take place and how long are they?

Generally, most people book the full 4 hour Birth & Baby Prep private sessions. These are split into two, 2 hour sessions. These can take place online or in your own home (a small extra fee is added for in person sessions).

Some people choose to book shorter sessions, which is totally fine too - I’m here to meet your unique needs. We can have a short 1 hour Birth Preference Check, a 1.5 hour Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding prep session, or a 2 hour Birth & Baby refresher class. I’ve even joined in as a speaker for a Baby Shower for 30 minutes!

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How do payments work?

50% of your package price is payable upon signing to reserve your space – unless you’d prefer to pay for the entire package at once, which is fine too. The final payment is due by our first session.

Payment by e-transfer is preferable but we can also accept payment via credit card, upon request. HST will be added to your invoice.

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What is your refund policy?

Unless there are extenuating circumstances (ie: a loss or Covid-19 restrictions), we are not able to offer refunds.

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What happens once I sign on with you?

Once you’ve chosen a package and submitted your first payment, we’ll ask you to complete e-intake and e-consent forms. Then you’ll select the dates for your sessions, and text and email support begins immediately. You’ll also be given access to your own private Client Portal, which will be loaded up with documents, videos and links!

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How would you help us make decisions around our birth plan? What resources do you have available to help us?

First, let’s clarify that birth preferences is a much better descriptor than birth plan. We like to think of it like a crafting a road map - we’ll talk through all various pathways that your birth might unfold.

We’ll talk about your options and what we can – and can’t – plan for, so that you’re fully informed. We will guide you through exercises and specific questions to help identify your feelings – and ensure all of us are on the same page – as it relates to things like interventions. From there, we’ll identify the key areas you feel strongly about and we’ll help you craft your birth preferences. 

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When can we schedule our sessions?

Between 30-37 weeks is the ideal time frame to schedule your sessions. Ideally, there should be a week between your sessions, if you’ve chosen the full 4 hour Birth & Baby Prep class. Once you sign on, we’ll look at our schedules and find out what works best. Daytime, evening and weekends can be accommodated.

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How do you feel about epidurals / pain medication?

So long as you’re informed, we support whatever feels right for you and that includes pain medication. In our prenatal meetings, we’ll talk about your options as it relates to pain relief, as well as the advantages and any risks associated with them so you can make a fully informed decision.

We’ll also talk about how we can support you in your choices, and your pain relief options, should you choose to forego an epidural.

At the end of the day, how you feel about your birth will depend less on how it unfolded (ie: epidural vs. not) than on whether you felt informed and supported in your decisions. So that’s what we aim to provide for you, no matter what your preferences.  

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Which labour-coping techniques do you think tend to be the most helpful?

We’ll talk A LOT about this in our prenatal visits. There is no way to know for sure what you’ll like during labour, so we will offer you a giant tool kit of options! We’ll explain how different active and passive postures can help, and how items in your home can also help.

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Should my partner/husband/wife join the sessions? Can I invite a friend or another couple to join?

Yes! We highly recommend that your partner join into our sessions. We want to make sure that you and your partner are on the same page, which is one of the reasons Prenatal Education is so valuable. Your partner will participate in our discussions, learn what you learn, and understand your preferences. If you are a solo parent, we do advise that the person you intended to be your primary birth support join into our sessions.

Our sessions can also be semi private - I’ve created classes with 2 or 3 pregnant couples!

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What exactly are we going to cover in our sessions?

Here’s an outline of what we’re going to cover! Please note, our sessions are private, so we’ll be able to cater the classes to your unique needs and hone in on areas that you want to focus on. There is lots of time for questions.

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Do you cover C-Section preparation?

It’s a common misconception that education is ‘no longer needed’ in the case of a c-section – but in reality, you need just as much; but of a slightly different kind. We’ll cover all the ins and outs of pre birth, the OR and the post birth scenario, so that you and your partner feel full confident and informed.

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Can you meet with us after birth to help answer any questions?

Absolutely! I can offer postnatal consultations as a Lactation Consultant, in your home, online or in clinic. I always answer questions about baby care, should families have them. If you are looking for more consistent postpartum support, please get in touch to book a doula!

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Do you offer additional services?

Yes! We offer private pre- or post-natal yoga and pilates (by request) birth support, postpartum doula support, infant sleep education, babywearing education, and breastfeeding education and lactation consultancy.

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Who should I communicate with to reschedule dates or offer any feedback?

Kate! Get in touch with me to offer updates, feedback and to inquire about additional forms of support.

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Can you support me if …

We have worked with 100s of families, each with their own unique story. Chances are, we’ve supported a family in a similar situation to you, facing similar challenges. While each story is unique, you can rest assured that we have the experience to support and educate you about your birth and baby journey fully.