Education

Pregnancy and parenting are filled with lots of uncertainty. This free, evidence-based program will answer many of your questions and will help ease your anxiety. Lessons include topics such as Understanding Pregnancy, Labor and Delivery, Postpartum, Infant Hygiene, Infant First-Aid, Getting Your Baby to Sleep, and much more. At each weekly appointment, clients will meet one-on-one with a trained peer mentor for one hour. With each lesson that is completed, clients will earn “baby bucks” for supplies such as diapers, wipes, clothing, blankets, and much more. EWYL is tailored to client’s schedule and personal interests. To enroll please use the link below OR download our Application Form and send the completed form to info@whatcomclinic.com. Feel free to visit WCPC to fill out the Application Form in person as well.

Group Classes

Free group childbirth education classes are offered quarterly and are taught by Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators. This 4-week course offers 10 hours of content that covers:

  • Anatomy and Physiology of Labor
  • Phases and Stages of Labor
  • Medical and Non-Medical Comfort Measures
  • Interventions and Induction
  • Cesarean Birth
  • Birth Plans
  • Newborn Care
  • Postpartum Recovery
  • Feeding Your Newborn

Clients who attend this group receive a free 70-page workbook and a birth goodie bag full of items needed for class activities and comfort measures for their labor experience. These families also have the opportunity to receive a free birth ball and baby wrap upon request.

In this group class, families learn by participating in class discussions, videos and hands on activities all while getting to know other families who are in the same season of life. Much of the content is directed in educating the support person so that they know what to expect in labor and how to comfort their partner in both labor and the postpartum period. It is recommended to bring a support person who would be in the labor room to this class. This can be a partner, parent, friend, sibling or other support person.

For more information on group childbirth education classes please email Megan at meganm@whatcomclinic.com.

Independent Study

Free self-led workbooks are provided to families who would like to learn the same content provided in the group class, but on their own time. These workbooks are connected to an app which provides essential videos that are easily accessible. Families who go through this individual study can connect with our Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator who can answer any questions, comments or concerns the family may have.

Topics in this individual study include:

  • Late Pregnancy
  • Labor
  • Comfort Techniques
  • Birth Stories
  • Medical Interventions
  • Cesarean Birth
  • Newborns
  • Postpartum

The workbook also provides practical resources including:

  • Packing Checklist
  • Contraction Timer
  • Birth Plan
  • Postpartum Depression Scale
  • Audio Library (with lullabies and calming sounds for pregnancy, birth & postpartum)
  • And More!

*Offered in English and Spanish!

To receive an Individual Study Childbirth Education Workbook please email info@whatcomclinic.com.

Families will be able to attend a 2 week course that includes 5 hours of education on the following:

  • Postpartum Recovery
  • Car Seat Safety
  • Newborn Care
  • Baby Wearing
  • Feeding Your Newborn
  • Benefits of Human Milk Consumption
  • Essentials of Positioning and Latch
  • Pumping

These classes will be offered by a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Birth Doula and Certified Breastfeeding Specialist.

Cycle Tracking & Body Literacy

This online course provides information on body literacy with cycle tracking.
Topics Include:
  • What your body is telling you during the four phases of your cycle.
  • The four main hormones that impact your menstrual health.
  • How hormonal health impacts your overall health.
  • How different phases of your cycle can impact mental health, energy levels and more.
  • The difference between treating menstrual health problems through hormonal suppression versus restorative reproductive practices.
  • Ways to alleviate painful periods and lifestyle changes that can improve hormone balance.
  • Cycle Charting
  • Urinary Hormone Tracking
  • Common Menstrual Health Problems (PMS, PMDD, PCOS, Endometriosis and more)
  • Family Planning
This course can help to broaden your understanding of natural birth control, fertility awareness and the risks and benefits of cycle tracking as a form of family planning. This course can give you more information on the side effects, advantages, disadvantages, and mechanisms of conventional and natural methods of family planning.
This course can be completed at your own pace and at your own time!
At the end of the course, clients have the option of receiving a free basal body temperature thermometer to get them started on their cycle tracking journey.