EXPECTING PARENT CLASSES
Core Childbirth Education Class
Jewish childbirth education, in community
Empower yourself to be an active participant in your birthing experience.
Hava NaBaby brings together a small circle of expecting families to prepare for birth, ask the big questions pregnancy raises, and make friends to raise kids alongside.
Everything you need, in one room
The birth class, the doula, the parents group, the therapist, the rabbi: most of what expecting parents need exists somewhere. It’s just scattered, and most parents are lucky to get one or two of those covered well.
Hava NaBaby puts it all in one room.
How it works
A small circle. Up to 10 pairs due around the same time
Real birth prep. Evidence-based, practical tools for labor and birth, whether you’re hoping for an unmedicated birth, an epidural, or even a planned cesarean. (Yes, we’ll cover that too!)
Two educators, every time. Every circle is co-taught by a childbirth educator along with a Jewish educator.
Friends who get it. You’ll leave with a group of parents at exactly your stage. They’re the people you’ll be texting at 3am.
Refresher Class
This condensed version of the core class is intended for people who have already had a child/children and are expecting again.
It is an opportunity to review best practices for labor and delivery while learning how to integrate Jewish wisdom and spiritual practice into pregnancy and childbirth, engaging with big questions about the people and parents you want to be, and connecting with others in a similar life stage.
WORKSHOPS
Comfort Measures for Labor and Delivery Workshop
Because sometimes it takes more than chicken soup
What songs are on your playlist when you need a boost?
You’re invited to learn how integrating evidence-based pain management strategies (e.g. breathing) with wisdom from Jewish tradition can help you both manage discomfort and tap into the spiritual power of the moment. No matter whether you hope for an unmedicated birth or feel sure you want pharmaceutical assistance, these practical tools and techniques will empower you to be an active participant in the birthing process from the first contraction until your baby’s first breath.
Intentional Parenting Workshop
Because thoughtfulness now means more reasons to kvell later
What words do you most want a teacher to use to describe your child at their first parent-teacher conference?
You’re invited to join other expecting and new parents for an opportunity to engage with big questions about the person and parent you want to be. Who is the “me” you’re bringing to this moment? What are your core values? How are you cultivating those values in your own life so you can be a role model for your children? Connect with others who have similar aspirations to become more thoughtful parents.
Jewish Pregnancy and Parenthood Workshop
Because when ancient wisdom meets modern life it’s better than apples and honey
What Jewish holiday do you most look forward to sharing with your children?
You’re invited to meet other expecting parents who want to learn how Jewish wisdom and spiritual practice can deepen their experience of pregnancy and enhance their entry into parenthood. Whether your Jewish life is made of bagels and lox or weekly Shabbat observance, this workshop will help you be thoughtful about what can make this moment – and the ones that will follow – meaningfully Jewish. Learn Jewish comfort measures for labor and delivery, explore prayers for pregnancy, plan for a welcome ceremony (e.g. bris, baby naming), create bedtime and morning rituals, and more.
Expecting Grandparent Workshop
Because expecting a baby is a big deal for the whole mishpacha
What are the most meaningful gifts you’ve ever received? Join us to make something your children and grandchildren will put on their list.
You’re invited to join us to be part of a conversation about becoming a grandparent. Gather with others sharing the same life-changing experience. Learn how to create a family heirloom gift basket of inherited and generative wisdom that the next generation will treasure.
“My husband and I decided to go with Hava NaBaby because it is based in the Jewish faith. My husband is Jewish, I am not, however, we both believe that our son needs to know part of his ancestry. We found the classes to be extremely informative in both the medical aspect as well as the faith based aspect. Thanks to the class, we were prepared and informed for the birth.”
— Kathryne
Infuse your birth story with meaning and possibility
Hava NaBaby offerings are an opportunity to build connections and community and honor this liminal moment.
Delight in Jewish wisdom that speaks to this transformational moment in life and empower your family with the agency to author your birth story.