Kind Birth Education
A comprehensive, in-person course allows me to teach families to navigate an unimaginable process, through every conceivable story that any particular birth can weave.
“If you want to feel prepared for your birthing journey, no matter what that might look like, Expecting Kindness is the birthing class for you! Like many first-time moms, I had a fear of what giving birth might look like and whether I could handle it. As much as I tried to prepare on my own, I still couldn’t shake that fear. The thing that finally allowed me to have full confidence in myself and what I’m capable of was the Expecting Kindness birthing class. The information and support that Kristin provides leave you feeling empowered. By the end of the class, you have all the information you need to make the best choices for you and your baby. Giving birth was as much mental/emotional as it was physical. Expecting Kindness prepared me for both; I can’t recommend it enough! Bonus, we also met other couples who were having babies around the same time as us—it’s been awesome to stay connected postpartum!”
— Madison, 2026
The cost of the course is $350.
*If the full tuition is a hardship, please don’t hesitate to communicate with me. I can make accommodations; payment plans or discounts will be made available to those in need.
2026 Class Schedule
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January 7, 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18
Location: Sprout Birth Center and Natural Health Class meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-8:00 pm for 6 consecutive weeks. Zoom available.
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March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8
Location: Sprout Birth Center and Natural Health Class meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-8:00 pm for 6 consecutive weeks. Zoom available.
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April 22, 29, May 13, 20, 27, June 3
Location: Sprout Birth Center and Natural Health Class meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-8:00 pm for 6 consecutive weeks. Zoom available.
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TBD based on interest . Please contact me if a condensed course for a late summer or early autumn due dates would meet your needs.
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September 9, 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14
Location: Sprout Birth Center and Natural Health Class meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-8:00 pm for 6 consecutive weeks. Zoom available.
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November 4, 11, 18, 25, December 2, 9
Location: Sprout Birth Center and Natural Health Class meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-8:00 pm for 6 consecutive weeks. Zoom available.
Overview of course content
Lesson 1Introduction to the instructor, one another, the curriculum, the labor process, and birth.
We get into real content, even in this first lesson, quickly - we only have 6 weeks, no time to waste! I try to foster comfort and connection on this first evening of class. We will learn about our classroom space, introduce ourselves, learn out how to use the curriculum, and then I will provide an overview of the basics of labor, stages, etc to allow us to get acquainted with the most incredible, wondrous, physical process the human body is capable of.
Lesson 2Preparing for labor, physically, mentally, and emotionally, as well as learning the tools we can use to minimize inevitable discomforts.
In this week’s class, we will discuss nutrition, movements, breath work, comfort measures, tools for partners/support people, strategies for efficiency in labor progress, and creating a nurturing environment. Additionally, we will look more deeply at the specific discomforts/pains of labor, along with why they occur, and work on framing the sensations as, yes, at times overwhelming, but also purposeful, important, powerful, and (often) manageable.
Lesson 3An in-depth exploration into 2nd and 3rd stage labor.
Most people know the second stage as the pushing stage, and the third stage is the delivery of the placenta. There are strategies to improve the physiologic process, tools like positioning, breath, and knowing how to engage or soften specific muscles to allow for movement through the pelvic bones and birth canal. The birth of the placenta is typically effortless, but there are details I want parents to understand about the time immediately following birth, things that may be commonplace, but could cause parents to be unnecessarily distracted from immediate bonding.
A deeper conversation and activity looking into the first stage of labor.
First-stage labor is a gross oversimplification of this broad and highly dynamic part of the labor process. We will discuss pre-labor, early labor, active labor, and transition in great detail as we go through a carefully planned labor simulation to help support people and birthing partners to understand the pace of labor and when to apply what kinds of movements, touch, coping tools, positions, etc., to help move through each phase with as much ease as is possible.
Lesson 4Lesson 5Variations in labor that may cause escalations in care, and preparing a thoughtful, flexible, and evidence-based birth plan.
This evening we will cover some of the common reasons that we may have to make decisions that often depart from our desired, low-no intervention birth experience. Understanding common interventions and being able to provide informed consent is critical to maintaining as much as possible of your desired experience and a sense of autonomy and control, even in the face of an escalation in care. The birth plan can act as a liaison between families and providers, in moments when we can’t always communicate our thoughts, preferences, needs, and beliefs.
Lesson 6A look inside the Postpartum period for the whole family.
The cliche reads, “birth is just the beginning.” It’s not a reason to ignore preparation for labor and birth, and it’s also TRUE. Postpartum is QUITE A BIT for most families. It’s a lifestyle transition, a sleep cycle disruption, a hormonal and emotional roller coaster, a physical/medical recovery, a time of change, learning new skills, trying to balance the needs of many, and making sure everyone’s basic needs are being met. Add to that appointments, visitors, family expectations, sleep deprivation, and a “routine” that seems to shift constantly., because it is Yeah, we’ll talk about all that, as well as breastfeeding, normal newborn care, and any other topics you need me to cover!