A Holistic Approach to Birth and Baby Care

Why This Birmingham Childbirth Class Is Unlike Any Other

If you’re pregnant and feeling stressed by all the advice and pressure to “do it right,” you’re not alone. Many expecting parents in Birmingham are searching for a childbirth class but aren’t sure which one is best for them. Unfortunately, many classes use a one-size-fits-all method or leave important topics uncovered.

That’s where this class comes in.

Taking an independent childbirth class gives you an unbiased view, beyond any hospital’s methods. It lets you explore different ideas about birth and newborn care. This breadth will help you create a personalized birth plan that matches your values and preferences.

The Ready to Welcome childbirth and newborn care class, offered right here in the Birmingham area, doesn’t tell you how to give birth, what to believe, or how to parent. Instead, it provides:

A space to integrate your spiritual life and values into your birth experience — if you want to

Unbiased, evidence-based information about pregnancy, labor, birth, and newborn care

Decision-making tools to help you prepare thoughtfully and flexibly

Techniques you can use both for planning ahead and responding calmly if things don’t go the way you imagined

Learn from an Experienced Doula and Educator

When you join this childbirth and newborn care class, you’ll be learning from someone who truly gets it—both professionally and personally. Rachel Bailey is a mother of four and a certified birth and postpartum doula. She’s supported families for years through the highs and lows of bringing new life into the world.

She’s also a public health professor at Samford University with decades of teaching experience. She knows how to find the latest research and turn it into clear, practical guidance you can actually use.

What makes Rachel’s classes stand out is the personal touch. She brings real-life tips, clever tricks, and heartfelt encouragement—shaped by years of parenting and doula work.

Her teaching style is warm, welcoming, and never pushy. Whether you want to bring your spiritual life into your birth or stick to a straightforward, evidence-based approach, Rachel creates space for you. You’ll feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.

What You’ll Learn About Childbirth in Birmingham

In the first part of the class series, we build a strong foundation of birth knowledge. You’ll learn how to choose a birth team and location—hospital, birth center, or home—matching your values and preferences. Rachel shares stories from all these settings in Birmingham to help you explore local options. Even families planning an out-of-hospital birth will benefit from local hospital knowledge in case they transfer.

We’ll cover the anatomy of birth and the stages of labor, so you know what to expect. You’ll also learn about common interventions, why they might be offered, and how to make informed choices. We focus on balanced, evidence-based information so you can advocate confidently during labor.

One of the most valuable parts of class is learning comfort measures and labor positions. These hands-on tools are essential whether you’re planning a medicated or unmedicated birth. You’ll practice ways to manage pain, stay relaxed, and move effectively in labor—techniques that build confidence and help you feel in control. We also talk about how to choose and work with a doula, if you’d like extra support during labor.

Why Preparing for Birth Is Only Part of the Journey

While the moment of birth is undeniably significant, keep in mind that it’s just one part of a larger journey. It’s often said that in childbirth, it’s not only the baby who is born — the parents are born too. This profound experience marks the beginning of a new identity for parents. You’ll experience a shift in roles and a transformation in your sense of self.

The days and weeks after birth can bring unexpected challenges as you adjust to life with a newborn. You’ll be navigating physical recovery, new routines, sleep changes, feeding, and the complex emotions that come with becoming a parent. Preparing for this adjustment is just as vital as preparing for labor itself. To meet this need, our class dedicates time and attention to helping you prepare for the postpartum period.

You’ll learn to recognize your newborn’s unique cues and signals — responding to your baby’s needs with care and confidence. This vital skill helps deepen your connection and supports your baby’s well-being as you settle into your new roles.

In classes 4 through 6, we focus on newborn care essentials, infant feeding options, and postpartum support, including:

• .Hands-on practice with diapering and other newborn care tasks
• Evidence-based feeding guidance for breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and pumping
• Ways to nurture your own recovery and mental health during this important time
• Safe sleep guidelines
• Choosing a pediatric medical provider and what to expect from your baby’s health care visits
• Where to find additional support during the postpartum period

By embracing the full journey — from pregnancy through birth and into parenthood — you’ll feel more prepared to welcome your baby. You’ll gain the tools to care for your little one with compassion and resilience. And you’ll be equipped to care for yourself, too.

What You’ll Take Away from the Best Childbirth Class in Birmingham

Rather than teaching you just one way to give birth or parent, this class equips you with:

• A clear understanding of pregnancy, labor, and common medical tests or interventions
• Decision-making skills to navigate choices calmly, whether you’re planning a hospital birth, considering the local birth center option, or hoping for a home birth
• Tools for providing comfort and encouragement during labor
• Effective positions and movements for labor and birthing
• Practical newborn care skills, including soothing techniques, diapering, feeding options, and safe sleep practices — all practiced hands-on to help you feel ready
• Gentle integration of spirituality and personal values, if that’s part of your journey

How This Class Instills Confidence

Pregnancy and birth come with plenty of unknowns, which can cause fear and anxiety. That’s why this class emphasizes building your confidence through knowledge and practice:

• You’ll learn and rehearse comfort measures, breathing techniques, and relaxation strategies in person, supported by a caring instructor and fellow parents
• Understanding the stages of labor and common interventions helps reduce fear of the unknown and empowers you to make calm decisions
• Meeting other local families creates a community of support — reminding you that you’re not alone in this journey

The Benefits of In-Person Learning in Birmingham

Our childbirth and newborn care classes are held at Iron City OT, a bright and welcoming clinic in Homewood, AL. Located just minutes from downtown Birmingham, with ample parking and easy access from major roads, this convenient location makes attending our classes hassle-free for families throughout the greater Birmingham area.

With ample parking and easy access from major roads, There’s something special about learning together in this comfortable, welcoming space:

• Immediate, personalized feedback as you practice skills like breathing or diapering
• Connection with others from your community, sharing stories and building friendships
• A calm, comfortable environment — Iron City OT’s clinic space feels warm and inviting, helping you relax and focus
• Hands-on activities that help the information stick and build your readiness
• And yes — we provide snacks to keep you energized and comfortable throughout the class!

Ready to Welcome Your Baby with Confidence?

Every pregnancy and birth journey is unique. This Birmingham childbirth and newborn care class honors that individuality while equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and support you need.

Whether you plan to give birth at a local hospital, the nearby birth center, or at home, this class supports you with practical information and spiritual grounding.

Take the first step toward calm, confident birth and parenting — enter the giveaway today or sign up to reserve your spot.

Plus, to celebrate new beginnings, we’re currently hosting a giveaway to win a free spot in the next class!

To enter the giveaway, simply enter your email in the giveaway popup or contact form on our website by June 16. For extra chances to win, repost this blog or one of the giveaway announcements in social media, tag a friend, and drop us a comment to let us know you did!