CHILDBIRTH
EDUCATION
What To Expect And When To Book
Prepare confidently for your labor, delivery, and birth journey with The Nest's locally cultivated and fully inclusive birth education class. Designed to support all families, regardless of their birth plan or unique family dynamic, our comprehensive "Embracing Birth" classes are taught by experienced perinatal professionals.
We recommend attending a birthing class during your third trimester (weeks 30-35), and all bookings include the birthing parent and their partner or birth attendant. Choose between our in-depth 4-part "Embracing Birth & Beyond" or our accelerated "Hybrid".
Quality childbirth education experiences tailored to your time and budget.
Embracing Birth & Beyond
Offered In-Person and Online
Gain comprehensive childbirth preparation in our 4-part course, taught by experienced professionals Shalin Butterworth, CD(DONA), and Katie DaMota, MAS, LC. Attend conveniently and safely from the comfort of your home via our Zoom classroom or join us in person at our Grass Valley classroom for personalized birth education that doesn't compromise on quality.
Childbirth Preparation
Be able to identify the stages of normal, physiologic labor & birth
Pain Management
Discuss a range of pain management options
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Postpartum Planning
Thriving postpartum, mental health, and infant feeding
Stages of Labor
Identify contraction patterns, emotional signposts of labor
Birthing Positions
Identify ways to prepare the mind and body for birth
Newborn Care
Babywearing, newborn behavior & communication, sleep and bathing/body
Comfort Measures
Describe and perform natural comfort measures
Informed Consent
Describe the concepts of advocacy and informed consent
Co-Parenting
Expectations for parenting together and sharing the workload.
Shalin Butterworth
Katie DaMota
Short on time? Explore our hybrid course.
Embracing Birth: Hybrid
Two Day, Accelerated, Combination Class
A hybrid childbirth education series which offers two of our most popular classes: an accelerated Embracing Birth course combined with Comfort Skills for an Easier Labor. Taught by Shalin Butterworth, CD (DONA) & Birth Educator.
Stages of Labor
Be able to identify the stages of normal, physiologic labor & birth
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Support Team
From birth attendants to family, when to get in contact
Moving Through Labor
Contraction patterns, emotional signposts of labor, and when to go to chosen birth setting.
Comfort Measures
Describe and perform natural comfort measures
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Mind & Body
Identify ways to prepare the mind and body for birth.
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Overcoming Barriers
Discuss how we can overcome barriers to providing comfort measures in various birth settings
Comfort Skills For An Easier Labor
Prepare for a more comfortable and confident birth experience in our Comfort Skills class. Designed for all expecting families, this hands-on workshop provides practical, natural pain relief techniques to support the birthing person physically and emotionally, whether you plan a medicated or unmedicated birth. Learn essential comfort measures, practice effective techniques, and create a supportive birthing environment.
Which Classes Are Best?
It can be overwhelming knowing which birth, labor, and newborn classes are important to to be fully prepared before your baby arrives. So here are some combinations we suggest:
Embracing Birth & Beyond
Comfort Skills for an Easier Labor
Nourishing Baby & Yourself
Embracing Birth: Virtual
Nourishing Baby & Yourself
Embracing Birth: Hybrid
Beyond Birth: Newborn Essentials
Nourishing Baby & Yourself
Prepare for Parenthood with Our Discounted Bundles! We're dedicated to ensuring all families in Nevada County feel supported and ready for their baby's arrival.
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Childbirth Education + One More Class = 15% Off: Book our comprehensive childbirth education class alongside any other preparation course (e.g., breastfeeding, newborn care) and receive 15% off the second class. Use code BIRTHBUNDLE at checkout.
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Postpartum Prep Bundle: Save $15: Invest in your postpartum well-being by bundling our Nourishing Baby and Beyond Birth classes for a $15 discount. Use code POSTPARTUM.
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Midwife Partnership Discounts: We collaborate with most midwives in Nevada County to provide exclusive bundles and discounts for their clients. Inquire with your midwife for their specific code.
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Financial Support Available: The Nevada County Maternal and Child Health Department offers financial assistance for our classes. Please contact us if you'd like to learn more or need help choosing the best option for your family.
Current Booking Dates for 2025
Select the date you would like to book below. We recommend booking your class at the start of your 3rd trimester. The full course dates are listed below.