Birth ClassesIn Portland, Oregon
We offer a variety of in-person birthing classes at the Birth First Education Center in SW Portland, Oregon, just off of the I-5. Check out our class descriptions below!


Hands-On Birth Preparation Class
In-Person Birthing Class In Portland
This 4.5 hour hands-on labor preparation class is offered twice a month and is an excellent way to prepare for your upcoming childbirth experience. In this birth class we will cover the basics of birth anatomy, the hormones of birth, the stages of labor and what to expect, as well as how to support your mind, body, and heart through the journey. We will introduce and practice comfort and coping techniques as well as labor positions, and you and your support person will have a chance to practice together. When you finish this class, you and your support person will walk away understanding the stages of labor and which coping strategies and positions will be helpful, as well as having a good understanding of what additional tools will be available to you at your birth location.
*Price is for two people.
*Masks are required during this in-person class.
*Space is limited to 8 couples.
Teacher: Birth First Educators
Location: 7800 SW Barbur Blvd.#3, Portland Oregon 97219
Fee: $175 for 2 people
Couples Connection Class
In-Person Birthing Class In Portland
This 2.5 hour Couples Connection Class is unlike any other class you might take in preparation for birth. You can’t predict or plan for birth, not really. But you can set yourselves up to be present to one another, to focus on what really matters, and to feel deeply connected as a family even before your baby arrives. Couples Connection is about solidifying your couple relationship in preparation for labor and birth. There will be practical hands-on experiences focused on the role of the partner and what they can do specifically to help you cope with your contractions. You will learn how to create your own “Connection Bubble” the term I use to create a special bond between you and your partner so that no matter how your birth unfolds, your baby can be born in to this deep, strong connection that you share already.
Barb Buckner Suárez is a Health Educator specializing in pregnancy, birth, and parenting. She’s taught thousands of couples for over 25+ years about the benefits of embracing the vulnerability that comes with becoming a parent. Barb’s a Lamaze-certified Childbirth Educator, a Fellow in the Academy of Certified Childbirth Educators, a Certified Becoming Us Facilitator, Mentor for Becoming Us Facilitator, and holds a Masters Level Certificate in Interpersonal Neurobiology.
*Price is for two people.
*Masks are required to attend this in-person class.
*Space is limited to 7 couples.
Teacher: Barb Buckner Suárez
Location: 7800 SW Barbur Blvd.#3, Portland Oregon 97219
Fee: $150 for 2 people
Birth Coping Practices For Labor, Birth, and Beyond
In-Person Birthing Class In Portland
In this 2.5 our class, we will explore the idea of what coping in labor looks like and learn a variety of coping practices to prepare for the intensity of labor, birth, and beyond! Class time will include opportunities for partner support.
*Price is for two people.
*Masks are required to attend this in-person class.
*Space is limited to 8 couples.
Teacher: Katherine Geis or Christine D’Esposito
Location: 7800 SW Barbur Blvd.#3, Portland Oregon 97219
Fee: $95 for 2 people
HypnoBirthing 5 Week Series
Zoom HypnoBirthing Class Online
This 5 week HypnoBirthing class covers all the basics of a birthing class plus so much more! It is a natural and instinctive approach to safer, easier, more comfortable birthing. You and your partner will learn deep relaxation techniques, self-hypnosis, special breathing techniques, visualization, affirmations, as well as the stages of labor and general childbirth education. You will learn to use your intuition in birth and be able to make informed decisions regarding your birth.
Charmaine Hamp Carino has been a certified HypnoBirthing®/ Coach and Doula for over 10 years. She is also a Prenatal Yoga/Meditation Instructor and the founder of Love Alchemy Life Coaching. Charmaine believes everything begins with birth, which is why it is so important to be prepared for one of the most important opportunities of our lives. Her passion about birth and teaching has inspired many students to become HypnoBirthing instructors themselves.
* Price is for two people.
* Materials are included (print book, workbook, and digital audio files).
* Space is limited to 8 couples.
Teacher: Charmaine Hamp Carino
Location: Zoom
Fee: $400 for 2 people
Birthing From Within 5 Week Series
In-Person Birthing From Within Class In Portland
Expecting a baby can be overwhelming! This class will help orient you in the world of birth. You’ll learn: – What labor is really like so you know what to expect. – Concrete things for you and your partner to do, so you feel confident and capable. – How to evaluate information and make decisions, so you feel prepared without having to know everything. Birthing From Within is ideal for you if:
– You’re looking for a deeper, more meaningful experience.
– You’re worried about “doing birth right” (spoiler: you don’t need to be!)
– You want to strengthen your bond with your partner.
– You want to learn practical techniques for pain coping.
– You’re open to learning about new things and aren’t afraid to get a little messy.
– You’re intrigued by the idea that birth is a rite of passage.
Katherine Geis is a Certified Birthing From Within Mentor as well as a Certified Postpartum Doula. Katherine loves supporting all kinds of families through this transformative time and believes that it is important to honor each individual journey regardless of outcome.
*Price is for two people.
*Masks are required to attend this in-person class.
*Space is limited to 8 couples.
Teacher: Katherine Geis or Christine D’Esposito
Location: 7800 SW Barbur Blvd.#3, Portland Oregon 97219
Fee: $400 for 2 people
Birthing From Within 5 Week Zoom Series
Zoom Birthing From Within Class Online
This five week series weaves together scientific knowledge and concrete coping techniques with heart-centered, creative exploration to holistically inform and authentically prepare you and your partner for the transformative and often winding path of birth. This course is based on the Birthing from Within philosophy and is best taken at the end of your second trimester or any time during your third trimester.
Christine D’Esposito (she/her) is a certified Birth and Postpartum Doula and Childbirth Educator with over eighteen years of experience in the field of birth work. She first discovered Birthing From Within in 2003 at her first doula training. It was the concept of honoring birth as a rite of passage and a transformational experience for everyone involved that spoke to her most. Christine’s classes are taught through an inclusive and trauma-informed lens.
*Price is for two people.
*Space is limited to 8 couples.
Teacher: Christine D’Esposito
Fee: $400 for two people
One Day Lamaze-Based Birth Preparation Class
In-Person Lamaze Class in Portland
Join Trina Baumgartner for this 7 hour Lamaze-Based Birth Preparation Class! This class is perfect for those who are looking for a one-day deep dive experience. We will cover pregnant anatomy and how to support the body in birth through the Lamaze Six Healthy Birth Practices. We will learn all about the stages of labor, labor positions, and comfort techniques with plenty of hands-on practice. We will also explore the vast array of birth choices, induction, informed decision-making, and cesarean birth.
Included in your birth class is a copy of the My Birth Preparation Workbook! My Birth Preparation Workbook serves as a loving guide and companion as you prepare for birth. Filled with tips, education, and self-exploration opportunities, this workbook offers one place to hold your preparation journey so that you can birth your way. Take this with you as you attend your prenatal appointments, childbirth education classes, and meetings with your doula. Let it open conversation and deep communication between you and your partner and you and your heart.
Get more information about our Lamaze Classes in Portland.
Trina Baumgartner is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor, Birth Story Listener and RYT200 Yoga Teacher with certification in Prenatal Yoga. When you work with Trina you can expect warmth, honesty and support. A space for you to grow. As well as a safe space for you to come home to yourself.
*Price is for two people.
*Masks are required during this in-person class.
*Space is limited to 8 couples.
Teacher: Trina Baumgartner, Birth First Doula
Location: 7800 SW Barbur Blvd.#3, Portland Oregon 97219
Fee: $225 for 2 people
Embodied Birth Preparation
In-Person Birthing Class In Portland
Come join Trina Baumgartner for this 2 hour Embodied Birth Preparation class. In this 2hr session you will explore the anatomy of birth by dropping into your own body. Prepare to bring your baby Earth Side by exploring your breath, pelvis, and the connection between movement, gravity, your bones and soft tissue. Learn ways to connect with and nourish your body and your relationship with your baby.
Trina Baumgartner is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor, Birth Story Listener and RYT200 Yoga Teacher with certification in Prenatal Yoga. When you work with Trina you can expect warmth, honesty and support. A space for you to grow. As well as a safe space for you to come home to yourself.
*Price is for one person.
*Masks are required during this in-person class.
*Space is limited to 16 people.
Teacher: Trina Baumgartner
Location: 7800 SW Barbur Blvd.#3, Portland Oregon 97219
Fee: $60 per person