Express childbirth class

Learn the basics you need to feel confident in your birth.

We understand that life can be busy, especially when preparing for a baby's arrival. We also know that childbirth is a transformative event and preparation helps. In our two-session Express Class, we will discuss how the birth process works, what you can do to help it unfold as smoothly as possible, and what to expect in your first days with your baby. This class aims to equip you with the information, tools and resources to make informed decisions with confidence during your pregnancy, your birth experience, and beyond.

with Nicole Vamvakas, birth educator and doula

Nicole teaches her classes in an interactive and engaging way that is easy to remember, fun to do, and catered to the personalities of her students. Bring all your questions! She is excited to listen, discuss and provide the information and practice you need to feel confident and prepared for childbirth.

Tools for the journey ahead

This class is ideal for families who:

enjoy interactive, in-person learning
value evidence based information
either want pain medication or hope to avoid it
like knowing what to expect before a new, unfamiliar event
have complicated schedules or limited time
want to make informed decisions about their birth and their baby

Two Saturdays will take you on a journey to learn more about the birth experience. Lamaze isn't about "the breathing," but instead about the information you need to navigate your birth. Because we work directly for you and not for a hospital, we're not focused on policies or rules. We'll cover the evidence and options, encouraging you as the ultimate decision maker for your birth.

You'll get the most out of our express childbirth class if you can attend with your partner or someone else who will be supporting you during your birth. You can take this class at any time in pregnancy, but we suggest joining us in your third trimester — when most families are really ready to think about their birth experience.

Two moms sitting on a couch preparing for childbirthbirth

A close up view of an expectant mom holding a heart shaped chalkboard sign with the message 9 months.

Meet Nicole Vamvakas, LCCE, CD(DONA)

Nicole has always been drawn to work that allows her to walk alongside someone and empower them through a significant time in their life. Her experiences as a teacher, a coach, and also as the mom of two all add to her doula skills. She uses careful observation, clear communication and relational intuition in order to provide the right support at the right time. As an educator, she enjoys sharing evidence-based information and encouraging families to explore the options that feel right to them. Beyond birth work, some of her favorite things are knitting, running, traveling and spending time in nature with her family. Nicole is a Lamaze certified childbirth educator and a certified birth doula with DONA International.

Express Class Series

$250

Pay in full or start with a $125 reservation fee.

Choose your dates

Two Saturdays
10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
one-hour lunch break at 1:15 p.m.

December 7 and 14, 2024

Classes are held at the
Center for Psychotherapy and Wellness
2001 Hudson Ave., Kalamazoo

Register now to lay the groundwork for your birth.