I am an Internationally Certified Postnatal Educator (ICPE), certified through the International Childbirth Education Assocation (ICEA). The most common comment I hear from new parents is, "No one told me it would be like this." I feel we have glossed over the postpartum period in our society. We focus on the pregnancy and the birth and then leave new parents to their own devices when it comes to the postpartum period, when in reality...that's when the real work begins!

Our society has changed. Years ago a new baby in the neighborhood meant everyone brought over a meal for the new family. Offers of help were abundant. Families were closer together and the birth of a new baby in the family meant everyone gathered around the new parents and took care of them as they got to know their new baby. Today, many of us hardly know our neighbors, families are often far away and new parents tend to have to deal with taking care of their new baby, and all the changes that come with becoming new parents, all alone.

Mothers and Fathers feel pressure to return to their work soon after a baby enters their family. Many parents feel isolated. Fathers, in particular, are often stretched to the limit because they feel pressure to take care of mom and their new baby. But who is there to take care of them?

And that's all just the beginning.

I believe it's vital that expectant parents are educated on what to expect AFTER the baby comes as much as they are educated about pregnancy and birth. Because of this, I teach a 2 hour Life After Baby Class. It is a fun and informative class where I openly and honestly cover what to expect after baby comes home. I help parents understand that postpartum is a normal and healthy time and, just like pregnancy and birth, each postpartum experience is unique and individual. I include information on mom's physical and hormonal restoration, the emotions that both moms and dads experience, the basic needs and stages of development in new moms and dads, the changes in our culture that make it important for new parents to access and accept help if needed, and the all-important sex and birth control talk - ;-) and the changes a new baby brings in that area as well! I also include a list of resources for new parents to access after their baby is born if needed.

I offer this class at The Birthing Inn in Tacoma, Auburn Regional Medical Center in Auburn and as a private class to parents. Please feel free to contact me for more information or to check on class times and fees.