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Best Childbirth Classes In South Bay

South Bay's expectant parents never need to worry about discovering the right doula or figuring out how to breastfeed along. Whether this is your third set of C-section twins or you're first-timing it au naturale, this area has a little something for every growing family. South Bay's best child birth classes cover pregnancy and parenthood from fuzzy head to tiny toes so well they'll put even the most nervous new mom at ease.

Doulas San Jose
Photo Credit: doulassanjose.com

Birthing Mama's Circle
15495 Los Gatos Blvd., Ste. C
Los Gatos, CA 95030
(408) 978-2587
www.doulasanjose.com

Price: $10 to $15 contribution

Join other expectant mothers for an evening to learn about local resources and share information in a social group for budding mamas. Enjoy a relaxed setting to unwind and share your thoughts and concerns without the pressure of attending regularly scheduled classes, taking notes and trying to remember everything. Started by doula Patricia Madden in 2011, the Birthing Mama's Circle has grown to be a popular and regular evening for local moms to be to network and chat comfortably. Proceeds go toward helping Red Tent, a woman's community group, further its outreach.

newborn natural childbirth
Photo credit: ThinkStock


Meet The Doulas
Harmony

621 E Campbell Ave., Ste. 14
Campbell, CA 95008
(408) 370-3702
www.harmonymama.com

Price: $15 per family

In Harmony's meet the doula class, guests discover just exactly what a doula really does and how she helps with pregnancy and childbirth. Meet local doulas and discuss options to find the perfect match for your pregnancy. Each doula at the class works in the South Bay and comes with references as well as experience. The same class is also offered in Palo Alto and San Mateo. Other great classes include prenatal basics, childbirth preparation, slings and things, and several classes on breastfeeding and challenges of the first few weeks with a new baby.

Related: Bay Area's Best Boutiques for Eco-Friendly Baby Gear and Clothing

Breastfeeding
Photo Credit: ThinkStock

Breastfeeding Your Newborn
Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Fremont Center, Conference Center, Bldg. 2
3200 Kearney St.
Fremont, CA 94538
(650) 853-2960
www.pamf.org

Price: $40 per couple

Palo Alto Medical Foundation offers a one-session class teaching expectant mothers all they need to know about breastfeeding. A certified lactation consultant goes through and explains tips and techniques for breastfeeding in a class designed to help make breastfeeding second nature to new moms. Discover the different latching techniques, how to keep up milk supply, and the role of a breast pumps. A question and answer session during the class offers guests an opportunity to share concerns and hearsay.

newborn
Photo Credit: pamf.org

Prenatal Diagnosis 
Kaiser Permanente

250 Hospital Pkwy.
San Jose, CA 95119
(408) 972-3000
www.kp.org

Price: Office visit cost share for Kaiser Permanente members only.

A fantastic class for women 35 and older to find out more about genetics screening options when pregnant. Genetic counselors here work to inform expectant parents about birthing procedures, possible outcomes and risks involved in a late-life pregnancy. This resourceful class helps women share the anxieties of pregnancy in a group setting. Open to Kaiser Permanente members only.


Related: Best Places To Get Your Kids Active

Parmeeta Ghoman is a freelance writer living in San Francisco. She specializes in shopping and style. Find some of her work on Examiner.com.

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