So much of the mystery and confusion and loneliness surrounding women’s health that often comes up during the postpartum period can be significantly reduced through proper education during (and before) pregnancy. Unfortunately, most women don’t know when, how, or where to seek help until later in life when they’re busy taking care of others.
Quozette Valera, PT, DPT
I’ve seen how much preparation goes into the process of childbirth yet how little attention is paid to preparing for recovery. Instead of questioning why modern childbirth classes don’t include this information, I decided to create one myself.
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As an independent educator, Dr. Q has combined her physical therapy education with her training as as a doula and childbirth educator to develop and offer Birth & Beyond: a comprehensive & non-biased approach to childbirth & postpartum education.
Birth & Beyond by Q is a comprehensive 2-part class series that prepares you for labor and childbirth, gives you specific details on how to train your pelvic floor muscles properly and also includes all the information needed to guide you through postpartum recovery that virtually all childbirth classes lack.
Furthermore, most classes are designed based on the intent of having an unmedicated vaginal birth, and while this is the goal for many parents, this isn’t always the case. Most parents are completely unaware of what to expect for and following a medicated, augmented/assisted, or cesarean birth and feel extremely unprepared if/when the situation warrants or requires medical intervention.
This course was carefully designed to present all information (including both holistic and medical approaches) in a non-biased manner so that parents can make the most informed and educated decisions for their births without feeling shame or judgment. The following topics are covered in detail over a 3-part series:
Pregnancy
- Anatomical Changes
- Discomforts & Remedies
- Prenatal Interventions
- Hormones
- Nutrition & Exercise
Childbirth
- Stages of labor & Variations
- Coping & Pain Management
- Interventions & Medications
- Birth Plans & Decision-making
- PUSH Preparation & Pelvic Floor Health
- Cesarean Sections
Postpartum
- Newborn Procedures
- Breast/chest-feeding
- Basic Infant Care & Safety
- Mental & Emotional Health
- Physical Recovery
Click to view course outline & schedule
**Virtual/remote access available.**
Investment & Location
$385 per couple ($315 for virtual classes)
Long Beach, CA
Date & times announced periodically.
Parents are advised to register for the course available closest to 8-10 weeks prior to their estimated due date. Individual rates available, but it is highly recommended that partners (or designated birth support person) attend the course.
Unable to commit to a 2-day group course? No problem!
Private Classes Available
Private classes are offered based on availability to those who are unable to attend a 2-day group class or who prefer a one-on-one class. These sessions are available in-person or virtually, based on availability.
Participants will still have access to class materials, however the curriculum and structure of the class is completely customizable based on the needs of the couple.
Investment: $475 in-person ($400 for virtual classes)
(For inquiries and availability, please email quozette@drqdpt.com or click here.)
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Testimonials
Dr. Q’s Birth and Beyond childbirth education class was everything my partner and I were looking for to prepare for the arrival of our daughter. After looking into what was available through our hospital and having little experience with babies, I knew I needed more. The content presented in Dr. Q’s class prepared me to effectively communicate with our doctor and come up with a birth plan I am very comfortable with. Dr. Q presents a huge bulk of information in an extremely engaging and fun way. We found ourselves looking forward to class every weekend! The course manual that she developed and provided for the class has also been extremely helpful along the way and I expect to use it postpartum as well. Thank you Dr. Q for helping us navigate this incredible journey!
Tessa, first-time mom
As a man, the thought of sitting through a birthing class was not the best of propositions. After 5 minutes of Dr. Q’s Birth & Beyond class, my opinion was changed. She covers everything an expecting parent needs to know, but the presentation is what really made Dr. Q’s class engaging and enjoyable. Dr. Q is experienced, open, and most importantly passionate about the information being presented. I didn’t know what I didn’t know and am grateful for Dr. Q providing a reasonable and intelligent approach to childbirth. Thank you for properly preparing us for one of the biggest days of our lives!
Marshall, first-time dad