Changing childbirth education for the better
Roots of Birth:
Foundational Prenatal Education
A foundational course designed specifically for first time parents and taught by two experienced birth and postpartum doulas who have seen it all!
We strive for connection and community, not efficiency.
We are inclusive to all families, regardless of sexuality, ethnicity, and birth goals.
We create time for all the silly questions, and hands on learning for birth support and newborn care.
Each class contains conversation prompts to continue discussing at home to prepare mentally for birth and the postpartum period.
Why Roots of Birth?
Get ready to learn!
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The science of labour
Stages of labour and birth
What to expect from natural childbirth
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Medical technologies of birth (including induction of labour, pain management, monitoring, and risk management
Birth planning and advocacy
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Medical technologies of birth (including Cesarean birth, assisted delivery, and emergency situations)
Mental preparation for birth by breaking the Fear / Tension / Pain cycle
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Hands on practice with comfort tools for labour
Positions for labour
Counter pressure practice
Pushing positions
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Newborn procedures immediately post-birth
Postpartum healing
The first days with a newborn
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Infant sleep
Infant feeding (including breastfeeding / body-feeding, pumping, formula feeding, bottles, and combination feeding)
Hands on practice with diaper changes, swaddling, burping, etc.
Weekend Intensives
Estimated due dates for Summer 2026:
April 11th and 12th 10 am - 4 pm
Estimated due dates for Fall 2026:
June 13th and 14th 10 am - 4 pm
Location: Whiteway Plumbing, Waterloo
Accessibility Notes:
One small step to enter the space
45 minute lunch break every day, and snack breaks throughout the day
Coffee, tea, and water provided
2SLGBTQ+?
Join Rainbow Roots
Our queer exclusive prenatal education program!
Coming soon:
not your first sapling: Childbirth education for experienced parents
Growing beyond: Birthing After trauma
rooted in support: Childbirth education for High Risk Pregnancies
To get updates on our progress developing these courses and to be the first to know when we launch them!
“These classes allowed me to feel confident, prepared, and much less fearful of the process of giving birth.”
- Kristie G, Waterloo

