So glad I chose the Birth Journeys course to prepare for labor and delivery! Genie is a wonderful instructor with tons of experience and knowledge to share. Information was practical and evidence-based, and there is a ton of helpful information for the birth partners. In addition to the actual labor and birth process, it was very helpful to learn about what to expect during our UVM hospital stay and the postpartum period. I feel much more empowered and capable for my upcoming birth!
I've now completed two classes (newborn case and weekend Hospital Birthing) at Birth Journeys and I have been incredibly happy with both. The instructors were knowledgeable, approachable, and fun. They listened to all concerns and questions and were able to answer them with ease. I especially liked how they gave you all relevant information and reserved personal judgement on any one particular method or choice for labor and child rearing. Also, my partner and I both appreciated that they were as responsive to the concerns of the partners as they were to the new mom. While the labor will be intense for mom, I think my husband is relieved that he know knows what his special role is, and how he can both be part of the process. Something we both learned from these classes. Beyond the classes, the other services offered by Birth Journeys, once baby arrives (playgroup and massage sessions), seem like they will be a huge help in ensuring baby is happy, and that parents stay connected with a community. I will certainly be visiting in the future. Thank you!
My husband and I were so happy that we went to this class instructed by Rachel. The wisdom and empowerment that she bestowed contributed to a very powerful experience that went way beyond our expectations. Incredibly insightful and useful knowledge, that made me feel 100 percent more prepared when my baby decided to come early, just a week after the class. We feel incredibly lucky and grateful to have been in this class. Thank you Rachel!! XO
My husband and I loved the VT Birth Journeys class taught by Genie. The class was delivered virtually through Zoom due to Covid precautions, and while we would have loved to experience it in-person, we were incredibly pleased nonetheless. Genie is an intelligent, funny, down-to-Earth instructor, and I appreciated her pacing and delivery of vital information. There was an excellent balance of evidence-based data and colorful anecdotes to inform us of what to expect and what decisions we can make to create an empowering birth experience. I particularly recommend the course for those supporting the birthing person. My husband came away from the class with a better sense of how important his role will be in the birth. We highly recommend the course! Thanks, Genevieve!
Signing up for class was very easy and hours worked with my work schedule. The location was very comfortable and class was well structured with reinforcement of concepts throughout the month. Included hospital tour at the end and postpartum issues. Would highly recommend not only for expecting mothers but also for partners as the class was very informative for my husband as well.
Super caring, non-judgemental environment. We learned so much and highly recommend these classes.
The instructor included a good mix of medical terminology as well as lay terms which I think will be very helpful when in labor trying to understand what the medical staff will be doing and explaining. The opportunities to practice the various massage/coping techniques both in the learning space as well as the birthing unit were most helpful (and provided realistic kinesthetic learning opportunities which are most effective for both my support partner and me). My support partner and I feel much more informed about our options and how to manage the various scenarios that might arise during labor.
We recently attended a weekend child birth education class, in preparation of our first childbirth experience, which we loved! The women were helpful, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to learn from. Overall we felt the class provided context to some of the information that we've heard, we learned some techniques and options to provide comfort and support, and the hospital tour was very helpful. Also, they just moved in to a new space with Mamava - which was amazing! We would recommend this course, and these women for anyone who is expecting!
We completed the weekend two-day birth education class with Rachel and had a great experience. She includes a lot of different approaches including group discussion, videos, and hands-on practice, and is incredibly knowledgable and able to answer any questions that come up or refer to helpful resources for more information. With participants coming to the class with all different backgrounds, perspectives, and expectations, her ability to connect with everyone was valuable. We completed the class feeling more confident and comfortable in our understanding and preparation and would highly recommend the experience to other first-time parents or those looking for a refresher before birth!
The Ladies at Birth Journeys are amazing! I have personally used their prenatal massage service, Doula services, numerous classes that included newborn care, childbirth and breastfeeding, pediatrician workshops, and took part in their playgroup offered twice weekly. I can't say enough about what they do for families, the support they offer during pregnancy and after and what they do for the community.
