Demystify the birth process and prepare with confidence
Gain clarity in your decision-making around birth and learn evidence-based techniques to support a smooth birth + ease labor pain. Lena’s highly sought-after childbirth education classes blend her expertise in prenatal anatomy, bodywork, and holistic care. With warmth, compassion, humor, and practicality, she creates a welcoming community environment where parents gain both insight and meaningful connections in a bright, welcoming studio the heart of Park Slope, Brooklyn.
Lena’s Approach to Childbirth Education
I’ve had the honor of supporting more than a thousand families in their transition to parenthood over more than 15 years teaching childbirth education and as a birth doula. I teach a variety of coping techniques and emphasize supporting the natural physiological process of birth by demystifying the process of birth so you know how to follow your body’s cues during labor.
There is no right or wrong way to give birth, only the way that is best for you – and I know you can make the best decisions for yourself when you have complete and accurate information. My approach combines my keen ability to digest and translate the most up to date evidence-based information with a critical eye, my deep interest in physiology and biological sciences, along with common sense, practicality, and a holistic approach to wellness. My intention is for you to leave the class with a sense of readiness and trust in your body’s ability to give birth and a greater set of resources and community to rely on for support in your transition to parenthood.
Holistic Childbirth Education Group Classes
This 3-week series includes the most up-to-date, evidence-based information to fully prepare you for the birthing process in all settings.
This class takes a holistic approach to childbirth and includes:
- An accessible overview of the anatomy and physiology of late pregnancy, labor and birth, including the stages and phases of labor, fetal positioning, and how to recognize when it is a good time to go to the hospital or birth center or have your midwife come to your home.
- A variety of techniques for actively coping with labor (with emphasis on massage techniques and optimal positioning for pain management and smooth labor progress).
- An overview of common medical interventions in childbirth, including practical tips for how to advocate for yourselves to avoid unnecessary medical intervention and to minimize the chances of having a cesarean birth
- Resources on natural, non-pharmacological ways to manage common issues in pregnancy and childbirth including herbs, nutrition, self-massage, etc.
- Access to a thorough and carefully curated compilation of handouts, articles, resources and other supplementary materials to complement the class
- Virtual Q&A session following the last class to get all your extra questions answered
- Bonus materials: although this class will not cover newborn care, lactation, or the postpartum period, you will get access to a thorough compilation of resources on these topics
The classes are a blend of lecture, demonstration, hands-on practice, and Q&A. It is a lively, evidence-based, and information-rich course.
UPCOMING DATES:
Jan 2026, 3-week series (1/8, 1/15, 1/22) *Waitlist Only*
Mar 2026, 3-week series (3/5, 3/12, 3/19)
May 2026, 3-week series (5/7, 5/14, 5/21)
WHEN: Thursdays 6:30pm - 9:00pm
WHERE: Brooklyn Flow Yoga, 198 5th Ave
FEE: $450 per pregnant parent (1 partner or support person may attend at no additional cost)
Private & Semi-Private Classes
Here is a breakdown of the topics and length of time we can cover them in. You can pick and choose topics to tailor it to your desires and needs:
- Understanding the labor process, physiology, stages & phases of labor, recognizing the start of labor, coping with early labor (1.5 - 3 hours)
- Active labor coping techniques & partner support (positions, massage, breathwork, hydrotherapy, etc) (2 - 3 hours)
- Medical Interventions in birth, evidence-based practices, informed decision making & avoiding unnecessary intervention (Inductions, fetal testing, GBS/antibiotics, IVs, epidurals & other pain medications, electronic fetal monitoring, pitocin, cesarean surgery) (2 - 3 hours)
- Second & Third Stage labor (pushing techniques/positions, birthing the placenta, complications/interventions) (0.5 - 1 hour)
- First 1-2 hours after birth for birth parent & baby (skin to skin, newborn medical procedures, the hospital stay or care in home or birthing center) (0.5 - 1 hour)
- Postpartum adjustments (practical, physical, emotional, social) (0.5 - 1 hour)
- Newborn care (2 - 3 hours)
- Breastfeeding / Chest-Feeding / Lactation (2 - 3 hours)
- Optimal Nutrition for Pregnancy, Postpartum & Breastfeeding (0.5 - 3 hours)
- Preparation for a planned cesarean birth (best practices in cesarean birth and family-centered cesarean births, postpartum recovery, newborn transitions and procedures, holistic approaches to improving health in parent and baby following cesarean birth) (0.5 - 1.5 hours)
- VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean - labor coping refresher, special considerations with medical interventions - length of class and topics vary considerably depending on needs of the family) (1.5 - 6 hours)
- Childbirth Refresher (for families expecting second or subsequent babies - length of class and topics vary considerably depending on needs of the family) (1.5 - 6 hours)
The Details
Lena offers private or semi-private classes for up to 3 expectant families. Private classes generally take place at your home (in Brooklyn or lower Manhattan) or virtually.
- Private classes: $150 per hour
- Semi-privates classes: $165 per hour divided by two couples (or $180 per hour divided by 3 couples)
- 3 hour minimum per session.
- Private classes for 6 hours or longer can be scheduled to take place in multiple sessions over several weeks or as an intensive in a day or two.