The Born to Birth (B2B) prenatal education program prepares families for pregnancy, labour, birth, postpartum recovery, newborn care, newborn safety, and breastfeeding through evidence-based education and practical skills. Participants learn how the body works during labour and birth, including the hormones that support physiological labour, the role of the nervous system, and how relaxation, breathing, and environment can influence the birth process. The program also teaches practical strategies to help families feel confident and prepared, including: • Understanding the stages of labour and what to expect • Breathing and coping techniques such as wave contraction breathing • Comfort measures and movement strategies during labour • How partners can actively support the birthing person • Creating a calm and supportive birth environment • Preparing for both hospital birth at Victoria General Hospital and birth at home • Understanding the risks and benefits of common medical interventions • How to support informed decision-making with care providers • Postpartum recovery and emotional adjustment • Newborn care and newborn safety, including safe sleep and early warning signs • Breastfeeding education and common early challenges The program also incorporates trauma-supportive strategies, recognizing that past experiences—including previous births, medical procedures, or other life events—may influence how individuals approach pregnancy and birth. Families are supported in identifying potential triggers and learning strategies to promote safety, autonomy, and a sense of control within the birth environment. Participants are also encouraged to discuss birth preferences and potential scenarios during prenatal visits with their care providers, when there is time to ask questions, explore options, and feel confident about the decisions that may arise during labour and birth. By combining physiological birth education with practical preparation for a range of possible birth experiences, the Born to Birth program helps families approach labour and birth with confidence, knowledge, and the ability to work collaboratively with their care team.

Born to Birth (B2B) prenatal classes are designed for expecting parents and their chosen birth support person, such as a partner, family member, or close friend who plans to support them during labour and birth. The program is helpful for families who are: • Expecting their first baby • Preparing for a subsequent birth and want to refresh their knowledge • Planning a hospital birth at Victoria General Hospital • Planning a home birth with midwifery care • Interested in learning evidence-based information about labour and birth • Looking for practical ways to reduce fear and build confidence for birth • Wanting their partner or support person to feel prepared and actively involved Because the curriculum includes partner-focused strategies and hands-on comfort techniques, it is strongly encouraged that the primary support person attend the classes as well. This allows both partners to learn together, practice techniques, and develop a shared understanding of what to expect during labour, birth, and the early postpartum period. The Born to Birth program is also supportive for families who may have had previous challenging birth or medical experiences, as the curriculum includes trauma-supportive strategies that help participants feel safe, informed, and empowered throughout their birth preparation. Overall, the classes are designed for any family who wants to approach labour and birth with knowledge, confidence, and a supportive team around them.

The best time to start Born to Birth (B2B) prenatal classes is typically during the second trimester or early third trimester, around 24 to 34 weeks of pregnancy. Starting during this time allows families to absorb the information, ask questions, and prepare for labour, birth, and early parenthood while still having time to practice the techniques learned in class, including breathing strategies, comfort measures, and partner support skills. It also gives families time to discuss birth preferences and options with their care providers during prenatal visits and make any preparations before the baby arrives. Families also receive PDF handouts of the information discussed in class, allowing them to review the material again closer to their due date as a helpful refresher. Ultimately, the timing is flexible and may depend on personal preference, class availability, and recommendations from your healthcare provider. The goal is to complete the classes early enough that you feel informed, confident, and prepared for the journey ahead.

The Born to Birth (B2B) prenatal education program is designed to provide comprehensive preparation for labour, birth, and early parenthood while remaining manageable for busy families. The in-person program is taught over three sessions, each lasting four hours (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM). Classes are offered monthly at two locations: • Lagoon Prenatal in Colwood, BC on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM • Maven Pelvic Health in View Royal, BC on Sundays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Families who prefer a more flexible learning option can also take the program online. The online course is organized into three units that mirror the three in-person class sessions, allowing participants to move through the material at their own pace. Online participants receive access to all of the videos shown during the in-person classes, along with all PDF handouts and learning materials, so they can review the information anytime and revisit key topics closer to their due date.

The Born to Birth (B2B) prenatal education program provides comprehensive preparation for labour, birth, postpartum recovery, newborn care, newborn safety, and breastfeeding through evidence-based education and practical strategies. Topics covered in the program include: • Understanding modern maternity care, including the Lamaze International framework, the Three Pillars, and the Six Healthy Birth Practices • Informed choice and shared decision-making with healthcare providers • Creating birth preferences and birth plans, including advocacy and communication with the care team • The importance of partner and support systems during labour and birth Participants also learn about pregnancy and labour preparation, including: • Common late-pregnancy discomforts and comfort measures • Pregnancy challenges or complications and when to call your healthcare provider or seek urgent care • Signs labour may be approaching, early labour, true vs. false labour, and when to contact your care provider • Physiological labour, including the stages of labour and birth and the role of labour hormones • The concept and role of pain in labour and how the body responds to labour sensations Families explore ways to find comfort and support during labour, including: • Non-pharmacological coping techniques such as breathing, movement, positioning, massage, and counter-pressure • Pharmacological pain management options, including epidurals and other medications • Understanding potential labour challenges such as labour dystocia and common medical interventions, including cesarean birth The program also covers the immediate birth and postpartum period, including: • The third and fourth stages of labour and the importance of the Golden Hour • Meeting your baby, including bonding, newborn appearance, abilities, and behaviours • Newborn assessments, tests, and procedures that may occur after birth • Postpartum recovery, including physical, emotional, and social changes and ways to manage them • Recognizing when postpartum challenges may require additional support Families are also prepared for caring for their baby at home, including: • Newborn care and newborn safety, including breathing, safe sleep and baby wearing • Understanding newborn communication, soothing techniques, and the PURPLE Crying period • Newborn health concerns and when to contact your primary care provider or seek medical care Breastfeeding and feeding preparation is also included, covering: • The benefits of breastfeeding for both parent and baby • Positioning, latch, and building milk supply • Pumping and storing breast milk • Common breastfeeding challenges and how to manage them • Alternative feeding methods when needed Families also receive PDF handouts of all topics discussed in class, allowing them to review the information and revisit key material closer to their due date as a helpful refresher.

Yes. Partner attendance is strongly encouraged and is a central part of the Born to Birth (B2B) prenatal education program. The classes are designed for both the expecting parent and their chosen support person—whether that is a partner, family member, or close friend who plans to be present during labour and birth. A strong emphasis of the program is helping partners feel confident, prepared, and actively involved in the birth experience. Throughout the course, partners learn practical ways to support the birthing person before, during, and after labour. Partners learn how to: • Provide physical comfort support, including massage, counter-pressure, positioning, and movement techniques • Help guide breathing patterns and relaxation strategies during contractions • Support the creation of a calm and supportive birth environment • Recognize the stages of labour and understand what the birthing person may be experiencing • Offer emotional reassurance and encouragement during labour • Support communication and shared decision-making with healthcare providers • Participate in newborn care and early feeding support after birth Partners are also provided with specific handouts and tools that outline these strategies so they can review, practice, and discuss them together ahead of time. By learning these skills together, both parents develop a shared understanding of labour, birth, and early parenthood, helping partners feel empowered as active and essential members of the birthing team.

Yes. The Born to Birth (B2B) prenatal classes are designed to be helpful for both first-time parents and families who have previously had children. For first-time parents, the program provides a comprehensive introduction to pregnancy, labour, birth, postpartum recovery, newborn care, newborn safety, and breastfeeding. The classes help families understand what to expect, learn practical coping strategies for labour, and feel confident about the transition into early parenthood. For families who have had children before, the classes can serve as a valuable refresher. Many returning parents appreciate the opportunity to revisit topics such as labour physiology, comfort measures, partner support strategies, and newborn care while also learning updated evidence-based information. The program can also be especially helpful for parents who: • Had a challenging or unexpected previous birth experience • Want to explore different coping strategies or birth preparation techniques • Are planning a different birth setting, such as a home birth instead of a hospital birth • Want their partner or support person to feel more prepared and involved By combining evidence-based education with practical preparation, the Born to Birth program supports families in approaching each birth experience with greater confidence, knowledge, and teamwork, whether it is their first baby or a subsequent birth.

The Born to Birth (B2B) prenatal program does not focus on a single childbirth method. Instead, it teaches a range of evidence-based techniques and practical strategies to help families prepare for labour, birth, and the early postpartum period. The program follows the Lamaze Six Healthy Birth Practices, endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), and integrates principles from physiologic birth education, mindfulness, and trauma-supportive care. The curriculum is designed to support the unique goals and needs of each birthing team. Participants learn practical, hands-on techniques that support comfort, relaxation, and labour progression, including: • Wave contraction breathing to move through contractions step-by-step • Movement, positioning, massage, and counter-pressure to support comfort and labour progress • Creating a calm birth environment that supports labour hormones • Mindfulness and sensory strategies that can influence pain perception • Partner support techniques, helping support persons play an active and supportive role during labour and birth The program also prepares families for both medicated and non-medicated labour, discussing a variety of comfort strategies as well as pharmacological pain management options, such as epidurals. Families explore practical labour scenarios, helping them understand how labour can unfold in real-life situations. The curriculum also discusses common medical interventions, their potential risks and benefits, and the importance of informed consent and shared decision-making during labour. A strong emphasis is placed on developing birth preferences and postpartum plans so families feel informed about their options and prepared for possible decisions during labour. Participants are encouraged to discuss these plans with their healthcare providers during prenatal visits, when there is time to ask questions and explore options before labour begins. The classes are designed by an experienced labour and delivery registered nurse, ensuring an evidence-based and trauma-informed approach to birth preparation. Families are prepared for both hospital birth and home birth, with practical insight into maternity care practices in British Columbia, including the birth environment at Victoria General Hospital. In addition to labour preparation, the program also supports families in preparing for postpartum recovery, newborn care, newborn safety, and breastfeeding, helping parents feel calm, informed, and confident throughout their entire birthing journey.

No. The Born to Birth Prenatal curriculum supports families planning a wide range of birth experiences, including: • unmedicated birth • epidural birth • induction of labour • assisted delivery • cesarean birth The goal is to help families understand their options and feel prepared to make informed decisions if unexpected situations arise.

Yes. The Born to Birth (B2B) prenatal program is designed with a trauma-supportive approach, recognizing that past experiences—such as previous birth experiences, medical procedures, difficult healthcare encounters, or other life events—can influence how someone feels about pregnancy and birth. The program focuses on helping families feel safe, informed, and empowered by teaching strategies that support emotional safety, communication with care providers, partner support, and comfort techniques that promote a sense of control during labour. To further support families who may benefit from additional guidance, Born to Birth Prenatal has partnered with Jeevan Atwal Counselling, a perinatal trauma counsellor, to offer an optional Trauma-Informed Birth Preparation Program that combines prenatal education with professional trauma-informed counselling support. The 5 Steps of the Trauma-Informed Birth Preparation Program: 1. Private Intake Session with Jeevan Explore personal history, identify triggers, and learn grounding practices. 2. Born to Birth Prenatal Classes Attend small-group classes at Lagoon Prenatal, online classes, or private sessions. 3. Personalized Birth Plan Create a trauma-informed birth plan that can be shared with your care team. 4. Private Session with Jeevan Process emotions, reduce triggers, and strengthen self-advocacy and partner support. 5. Postpartum Session with Jeevan Receive private counselling to support postpartum healing and emotional well-being. This collaborative approach helps families approach birth with greater confidence, preparation, and emotional support.

When attending the Born to Birth (B2B) prenatal classes, it’s helpful to bring a few simple items so you can stay comfortable and focused during the sessions. The goal of the classes is to create a relaxed, supportive learning environment, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and participate. Here are a few things you may want to bring: • Comfortable clothing – Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily, as some demonstrations include positions and comfort techniques used during labour. • Water bottle – Staying hydrated helps you remain comfortable during the class. • Snacks – Light snacks will be provided during the class, but you are always welcome to bring your own if you prefer. • Note-taking materials – You may bring a notebook if you enjoy taking notes, but it is not necessary. Families receive detailed PDF handouts covering all topics discussed, allowing you to focus on listening, participating, and asking questions. • Your partner or support person – Partners are strongly encouraged to attend, as they will learn practical ways to support you during labour, birth, and the early postpartum period. • Comfort items – Some participants like to bring a small pillow, cushion, or blanket to stay comfortable during longer seated portions of the class. • Personal items – Small items such as tissues, lip balm, or hand sanitizer may be helpful. To help everyone stay comfortable and engaged, the classes include many short breaks throughout the session, giving families time to stretch, refresh, and enjoy snacks.

Registering for the Born to Birth (B2B) prenatal classes is easy and can be done directly through our website. To register for in-person classes, visit borntobirthprenatal.com (http://borntobirthprenatal.com)and select “Prenatal Classes” from the main menu. From the drop-down menu, choose “Local Classes.”  This page takes you to the 2026 Class Schedule, which is organized based on the month of your due date. From there, you can select the class that best aligns with your pregnancy timeline at either Lagoon Prenatal in Colwood or Maven Pelvic Health in View Royal, and then click register. For families who prefer a more flexible option, the Born to Birth Online Prenatal Program is also available. The online course is organized into three units that mirror the three in-person class sessions and includes access to all of the videos shown in class along with all PDF handouts and learning materials. To register for the online prenatal program, visit borntobirthprenatal.com (http://borntobirthprenatal.com)and select “Online Plans and Pricing” or “Online Courses” from the main menu.

Yes. The Born to Birth (B2B) prenatal classes are designed to be interactive and discussion-based, creating many opportunities for participants to ask questions and engage with the material throughout each session. Families are encouraged to ask questions at any time during the classes, and time is intentionally built into each session for open discussion so participants can explore topics that are most important to them. The classes also provide a supportive environment where expectant parents can connect with other families who are preparing for the arrival of their babies, share experiences, and learn from one another. In addition to the in-class discussions, families are invited to join a private Facebook group, which allows participants to continue connecting with other parents, share helpful resources, and ask additional questions as their pregnancy progresses. Participants can also reach out to their instructor by email or schedule a Zoom conversation if they have questions that come up after class. These opportunities help create a supportive learning community, ensuring families feel comfortable asking questions and gaining confidence as they prepare for labour, birth, and early parenthood.

Yes. Families who participate in the Born to Birth (B2B) prenatal program receive a variety of additional benefits, resources, and materials designed to support learning during pregnancy and provide helpful references as the due date approaches. Enrollment includes both the birthing person and their support partner, allowing both individuals to learn together and feel confident as active members of the birthing team. Participants receive over 12 hours of in-person, evidence-based prenatal education delivered across three comprehensive learning areas: Childbirth Preparation, Postpartum and Newborn Care, and Breastfeeding Education—all included within one program. Additional benefits and resources include: • A free initial video consultation to discuss your learning goals and birth preparation questions • Classes taught by a labour, delivery, and postpartum trained Registered Nurse from Victoria General Hospital and a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator • Course material tailored to support different learning needs • Beautifully designed PDF handouts covering all topics discussed in class, allowing families to review the information closer to their due date • Access to all educational videos shown during the classes • Email and ongoing support throughout pregnancy and into the postpartum period • Access to a private Facebook community group where families can connect, share experiences, and continue learning together These additional resources help ensure families feel supported, informed, and confident as they prepare for labour, birth, and the transition into early parenthood.

If you happen to miss a class, there are flexible options available to help you stay on track and ensure you still receive the important information covered in the program. Families who miss a session can access catch-up materials, including detailed handouts, recorded videos, and online resources that review the content covered in the missed class. This allows you to watch the material at home and stay up to date with the course content. You can also schedule a Zoom conversation with your instructor to review the material and ask any questions you may have. If space is available, you may also have the option to join another class session to make up the missed material. The goal is to ensure families feel supported, informed, and confident throughout pregnancy, birth preparation, and the transition into early parenthood, even if scheduling conflicts arise.

No special requirements are needed to attend the Born to Birth (B2B) prenatal classes. The program is designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and supportive for all expectant families. Families planning either a hospital birth or home birth are all welcome. The classes are suitable for individuals receiving care from physicians or midwives, and for families who may be considering a variety of options for labour and birth. Participants are encouraged to attend with their partner or support person, as the program places a strong emphasis on preparing the entire birth team with practical strategies for labour, birth, and postpartum support. All families are welcome, and no previous experience or knowledge is required—just a willingness to learn and prepare for the exciting journey of welcoming your baby.

The founder and instructor of Born to Birth Prenatal, Diane, is a highly qualified healthcare professional with extensive experience in maternity care and prenatal education. Her qualifications include: • Bachelor of Science in Biology (BSc) • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with specialty training as a Labour, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum (LDRP) nurse • Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE), ensuring the program reflects the latest evidence-based childbirth education practices • Extensive clinical experience in maternity care settings, including antepartum, labour and delivery, and postpartum care at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) and Victoria General Hospital (VGH) • Breastfeeding certification from Douglas College, demonstrating advanced training in supporting breastfeeding families • Specialized training in trauma, mental health, and perinatal addictions, allowing for compassionate and trauma-supportive care for families with diverse experiences With this combination of clinical nursing experience, specialized training, and childbirth education expertise, the Born to Birth prenatal program is designed to provide families with evidence-based information, practical skills, and supportive guidance as they prepare for labour, birth, and early parenthood.

Yes. In addition to the Born to Birth (B2B) prenatal classes, a variety of additional support services and resources are available to help families throughout pregnancy, birth preparation, and the postpartum period. These services are designed to complement the prenatal program and provide ongoing guidance and support beyond the classroom. Additional support services include: • Ask Your Nurse – 1:1 Zoom consultations, offering personalized time with the instructor to discuss questions, birth preparation topics, or concerns outside of class • Online members-only resources, including supplementary materials and educational content to support your preparation for birth and early parenthood • Access to a private Facebook community group, where families can connect with other expectant parents, share experiences, and receive encouragement and support • Guidance and referrals to community resources, including doulas, lactation consultants, mental health professionals, and other prenatal and postpartum support services • 1:1 breastfeeding support, offering personalized, in-person guidance during your stay on the postpartum unit at Victoria General Hospital or at home • Postpartum follow-up support to help families navigate the transition into early parenthood • Birth Sling rentals, a supportive labour tool that can help promote movement, comfort, and positioning during labour These additional services help ensure families feel supported, informed, and confident throughout their entire perinatal journey—from pregnancy through postpartum.

The Born to Birth (B2B) prenatal program helps families translate what they learn in class into practical birth preferences and postpartum plans that can guide their experience during labour, birth, and the early postpartum period. Applying what you’ve learned involves reflecting on the information discussed in class and using it to develop a plan that supports your values, preferences, and goals for birth. Families are encouraged to: • Review class materials and handouts to revisit topics such as labour physiology, comfort techniques, pain management options, and common birth scenarios • Personalize their birth preferences, considering areas such as labour environment, movement and positioning, comfort strategies, medicated or non-medicated pain relief, partner support, and immediate newborn care • Discuss their birth and postpartum plans with their healthcare provider during prenatal visits, when there is time to ask questions, explore available options, and understand how their preferences may fit within their care setting • Share their plan with their support team, including their partner, family members, doula, or other birth attendants, so everyone understands how to best support them during labour and birth While creating a birth plan is helpful, the program also emphasizes the importance of remaining flexible. Labour and birth can be unpredictable, and plans may change depending on how labour progresses and the health of both parent and baby. Rather than focusing on a rigid plan, the goal is to develop a flexible guide that supports informed decision-making and communication with your care team. By combining the knowledge gained in class with open conversations with your care providers and support team, families are better prepared to approach labour and birth with confidence, understanding, and the ability to make informed decisions along the way.

Yes. We have testimonials and feedback from previous participants available for you to review. These reviews provide helpful insights into the experiences of families who have attended the Born to Birth (B2B) prenatal program and share perspectives on the course content, teaching style, and overall benefits of the classes. You can read many of the wonderful things our past graduates have shared by visiting the Google reviews on our Google profile. Testimonials are also available on our website under Community Resources → Parent Testimonials, where families have shared their personal experiences with the Born to Birth program. We invite you to explore these testimonials to help you make an informed decision about joining the Born to Birth prenatal education program.

Born to Birth Prenatal offers in-person prenatal classes in the Greater Victoria area as well as a complete online prenatal program for families anywhere. 1. Saturdays – Colwood, BC In-person classes are held at Lagoon Prenatal, serving families in Colwood, Langford, Metchosin, and Sooke. 1. Sundays – View Royal, BC In-person classes are hosted at Maven Pelvic Health, conveniently located for families in Victoria, Esquimalt, View Royal, and the Westshore. 1. Online Prenatal Classes – Available Anywhere Families can also join the Complete Born to Birth Online Prenatal Education Program, allowing you to prepare for labour, birth, postpartum recovery, newborn care, and breastfeeding from the comfort of home. borntobirthprenatal.com/#onlinecourse

The cost of the Born to Birth Prenatal in-person program is $345 for the full course. The program includes over 12 hours of comprehensive prenatal education covering four essential areas: • Childbirth Preparation • Postpartum Recovery • Newborn Care and Safety • Breastfeeding Education This program provides families with complete preparation for labour, birth, and the early postpartum period. Participants also receive: • Detailed PDF handouts of all class materials to review closer to their due date • Access to a private Facebook support community to connect with other expectant parents • Postpartum follow-up support if questions arise after birth For families who prefer a flexible learning option, the Born to Birth Online Prenatal Program is also available. The online program is organized into three learning units that mirror the in-person class sessions, allowing participants to learn at their own pace while accessing the same educational materials, videos, and handouts. You can view current pricing and available plans on our Online Plans and Pricing page: borntobirthprenatal.com/pricing-plans/list(http://borntobirthprenatal.com/pricing-plans/list) Additional add-on support services are available for families who would like extra guidance, including: • Ask Your Nurse one-on-one Zoom consultations • Personalized breastfeeding support during your stay on the postpartum unit at Victoria General Hospital or after returning home • Rental of The Birth Sling, a supportive labour tool that can help promote movement, comfort, and positioning during labour • Trauma-Informed Birth Preparation, providing additional guidance for families who would like support preparing for birth after previous difficult experiences or medical trauma Most families register between 24–34 weeks of pregnancy to ensure a spot in class.