Spring Classes at
Indigo Forest
To register, call us at (734) 994-8010, unless otherwise stated.
Pregnancy
- “I’m Pregnant (or Almost), Now What?”
This class will answer those questions flooding your brain when the pregnancy test is positive (or you hope it will be soon!). Most useful before conception or in the first 4 months of pregnancy, we will cover: nutrition for maintaining a healthy pregnancy and having a healthy birth; psychology of the first trimester, including common ambivalent feelings; baby-safe natural solutions to common pregnancy discomforts (nausea & more); safe medication choices for the first trimester (over-the-counter and Rx); understanding choices in genetic testing, lab work and ultrasounds; stages of fetal development; choices in birth attendants and how & when to chose the right birth location for YOU; sex in pregnancy; when things don’t go well – miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and more; and how to communicate with your chosen birth attendant/health care provider. Taught by Beth Barbeau, midwife, and Elizabeth Shadigian, MD, Saturday, April 12 May 17, or June 28, 1-4pm, or August 16, 9am-12pm, $60 per mother.
- “Achieving Pregnancy Naturally: How to Maximize Your Chances of Conceiving and Maintaining a Healthy Pregnancy without Medical Intervention”
This two-session class will meet you wherever you are at
on your journey to conceive, and leave you with a wide range of practical
approaches to getting and staying pregnant, including how to chart your cycles
to pinpoint your most fertile days; how to time intercourse most effectively;
and how to use well-studied, simple nutritional strategies to balance your
hormones and strengthen your cycle. We
will also discuss how lighting, over-the-counter remedies, lubricants, and even
sexual positions can affect your fertility.
Special attention will be paid to any specific concerns you are
experiencing regarding your fertility, such as coming off the pill or other
hormonal contraception, thyroid problems, not ovulating, experiencing repeat
miscarriages, maintaining a “fertile weight,” or, for men, conceiving with a
low or marginal sperm count. Taught by Jennifer Coffman, MPH, epidemiologist
& women’s health educator. Thursdays, April 3
& 17, May 1 & 15, or June 5 & 19, 6:30-8:30pm.
$90 per woman; partners are free. To register, please contact Jennifer directly at (734)
945-0867, or jencoff@gmail.com.
- “Vegetarian and Pregnant”
This delicious class for vegetarian moms-to-be will thoroughly cover how to provide essential nutrients for your growing baby, whether you follow a lacto-ova or a vegan diet. Come learn about the unique protein needs of pregnancy and how to move beyond the typical soy focus with quality food and herbal sources, including vegetarian DHA needs & sources. Bring a 3-day diet diary listing everything you’ve eaten (foods, vitamins, liquids, snacks, gum, etc.) for our in-class activity on how to evaluate your daily diet. Taught by Nicole Paquin, CTN, or Beth Barbeau, midwife. Saturday, April 5, 10am-12pm, May 3, 2:30-4:30pm, or July 19, 10am-12pm, $35.
Childbirth
- “Comprehensive Childbirth Education Classes”
With an emphasis on normal birth, this practical class covers what to expect in labor, handling the powerful sensations of birth, pain management choices, and the physical and emotional aspects of becoming parents. We will also address medical options & interventions, decision-making under stress, and coping with the unexpected. This series includes a separate Fathers/Partners session, as well as essential post-partum information for maximum family bonding and quick mother recovery. Taught by Beth Barbeau, midwife and Jeremiah Lee, six consecutive classes with a bonus 7th class (Family Recuperation & Infant Questions and Reunion) scheduled for the Saturday evening 8 weeks from the class’s last due date. Wednesdays, April 23-May 28, 6:30-8:30pm, or Saturdays, July 19-August 23, 3-5pm. $250 per mother & father/partner/support person.
- “VBAC—Vaginal Birth After Caesarean”
Have you had a Caesarean birth and would like to maximize your chances of having a vaginal birth this time? This one-session class will offer current research about safe VBACs; strategies for effective laboring and birthing; proactive measures for building your confidence along with a supportive team; and the opportunity to discuss pressing concerns. Taught by Beth Barbeau, midwife, Saturday, April 26 or June 14, 2:30-5:30pm, or Wednesday, August 13, 6-9pm, $50.
- “Strategies for Natural Birthing in a Medical Setting”
This one-session class is a powerful stand-alone or add-on to any Childbirth Ed Class. With our local Caesarean surgical birth rates above 30%, what can you do to maximize your chances for a healthy, satisfying, vaginal birth? Emphasizing both the positive and the practical, this frank, pro-active class is geared to couples near birth, and will cover why labor support such as doulas cut the C-section rate in half; safe ways to keep your energy up and your labor effective; how to use lighting to cut your labor time; and many more research and experience-based ideas for your consideration. Taught by Beth Barbeau, midwife, Sunday, June 29, 2:30-5:30pm, or Wednesday, August 20, 6-9pm, $45 (partner/support person is free, and strongly encouraged to attend).
- “Birthing From Within"
Birthing From Within classes will help prepare you for your journey through birth into parenthood, not only by filling in the blanks of information you may be seeking, but also by helping prepare you emotionally, mentally and spiritually. You will deepen your intuitive knowing through thought-provoking dialogues, birth videos, and memorable exercises including games, and individual exploration through drawing, sculpture and painting. In your Birthing From Within® class you will begin to build a pain-coping mindset; explore birth culture, pregnancy and birth logistics; tame your "Birth Tigers"®, and use your B.R.A.I.N. to obtain needed information to make decisions, welcome your baby, and plan for postpartum healing and adjusting. Taught by Krista Dragun, certified Birthing From Within mentor, mother, and birth & postpartum doula. Six-week series with optional 7th reunion class. Sunday, May 4, 11, 18 & June 1,8, & 15, 5:30-8pm, or Monday June 9, 16, & 23 and July 7, 14, & 21,$240.
- “Birth Story Circle”
Birthing mothers, fathers, and everyone who witnesses a
birth can be uplifted by the mystery and power of birth, and at the same time,
be haunted by feelings of confusion, powerlessness, shame, blame, or regret
about a particular moment they feel they failed or were failed. Left
unresolved, negative feelings and beliefs undermine the joy and confidence of
parenting, and can negatively affect relationships with partner, baby, friends
and work. In this workshop you can
change the way you feel about your birth by learning how birth trauma does not
always begin with birth, recognizing predisposing factors and the sources of
birth trauma, and beginning to heal your own birth trauma or grief. Taught
by Krista Dragun, certified Birthing From Within mentor, mother, and birth
& postpartum doula. Monday, May 12, or Sunday, June 22, 5:30-9pm. $60
Holistic Health
- “Vaccines #1: Informed Choice”
Few topics are more controversial and challenging to parents than vaccinations. Join us for two hours with Michigan’s top Naturopathic expert on vaccines and debunk some of the confusion and myths, such as: the difference between vaccination and immunization, what Michigan law really requires, just how serious and prevalent the childhood illnesses are, how the vaccine schedule changing in the USA, how we compare to other industrialized nations, what the full range of choice is, and how effective the vaccines are. Taught by Nicole Paquin, CTN, Tuesday, April 29, May 13, June 10, or July 22, 6:30-8:30pm. $35/person or $45/couple.
- “Vaccines #2: Supporting the Immune System Naturally”
Whether you chose to vaccinate or not, many parents wonder how to naturally support their children’s immune systems. A good introduction to natural therapies, this class also covers a wide range of preventative measures specifically focused on communicable diseases such as mumps, measles and whooping cough. Taught by Nicole Paquin, CTN, Tuesday, March 25, May 27, June 24, or August 12, 6:30-8:30pm,$35/person or $45/couple.
- “Natural Birth Control Using Fertility Awareness”
This two-session class will teach you how to become aware
of the natural, scientifically-observable fertility signs your body gives you,
how to chart your menstrual cycles to identify patterns, and how these patterns
can show you when you are fertile or not during each cycle. We will dispel the
myths about fertility awareness, and contrast it to the “rhythm method,” so
that you can feel confident using your new skills as a gloriously simple, safe,
non-invasive, highly effective birth control method with no side-effects,
barriers, or long-term risks to your health.
We will discuss the anatomical, physiological, and hormonal
underpinnings of your fertility signs; how to troubleshoot your cycle if it’s
not functioning smoothly; and basic nutritional strategies you can take to
improve your overall gynecological health, reduce or eliminate PMS, and manage
other cycle irregularities. Taught by Jennifer Coffman, MPH,
epidemiologist & women’s health educator.
Thursdays, April 10 & 24, May 8 & 22, or June 12 & 26, 6:30-8:30pm. $75 per woman; partners are free. To register, please contact Jennifer directly at (734)
945-0867, or jencoff@gmail.com.
- “The Natural First Aid Kit and How to Use It: The Basics, Class I”
This long-awaited class will introduce the basics of first aid with an all-natural kit including homeopathics, essential oils, herbs, and more. Our customers are reporting amazing first aid results from a 1/2-hour class and bare bones supplies. Imagine your confidence and ability after spending two hours with Nicole learning how to use the kit you design especially for YOUR family! Taught by Nicole Paquin, CTN, Tuesday, April 8, 6:30-8:30pm, Saturday, May 3, 11:30am-1:30pm, or June 28 or August 23, 10am-12pm. $35/person or $45/couple.
- “Let Me Feel Your Forehead”
What do you do for colds, coughs, flus, and fevers when the drugstore has cleared it shelves of medicines for kids under 6? There are well-researched and long-used natural remedies that can effectively ease your child’s ailments. This class will empower you to approach your child’s next illness with confidence in their ability to heal and your ability to support them naturally in their healing process. Taught by Nicole Paquin, CTN, Saturday, May 31, 1-3pm, or June 14 or August 9, 10am-12pm, $35/person or $45/couple.
- “Gut Disorders and Their Effects on the Whole Body”
In traditional, holistic systems of medicine, the health of the digestive system is the foundation of overall health, and is reflected in the nervous system, the immune system, the reproductive system, and the respiratory system. This class will present the ground-breaking work of Dr. Campbell-McBride, which reveals the connection between the gut and a wide range of learning disorders, immune system disorders and allergies, depression, schizophrenia, asthma, etc. After the presentation, we will have a period of questions, answers, and discussion about gut disorders, their ramifications, and treatment. Taught by Milagros Parades, Sunday, May 18, or July 27, 2-4:30pm, Sliding scale: $20-$30.
- “Nursing Café”
Come hang out with other nursing moms and sip nursing tea, with professional lactation support on-hand for questions and help. Led by Jane Mueller, Wednesdays, 2-3pm, $10 per drop-in, $75 for a 12-Visit pass for use anytime in your baby’s first year.
- “Breastfeeding Consultations”
Need some personalized problem-solving? Professional support or private classes are available with Jane Mueller. Wednesdays, 1:30-2pm or 3:30-4pm; or evenings and weekends by appointment, $25 for 30 minutes.
- “Breastfeeding Made Simple"
Get off to a good start with the inside scoop on all the things you might not know you need to know. Get the facts on avoiding the side effects from labor and delivery that can get in the way of a normal breastfeeding experience. This practical and confidence-building class will give you the information you need BEFORE you birth to know: how to help your baby latch without pain (yours), nursing positions to maximize weight gain (theirs), and the surprising answers to the question, “What is normal?” Taught by Jane Mueller, Wednesday, April 9, May 7, June 11, or July 30, 3:30-5pm. $35 per mother (father/support person free).
- “Breastfeeding and the Unexpected”
Learn tips for maintaining the breastfeeding relationship under difficult circumstances such as nursing through a Cesarean recovery, breast infection, or post-partum depression. Strategizing practical solutions and identifying resources ahead of time can greatly reduce the stress of such common and often unexpected challenges. Recommended prenatally, although may be taken with your newborn. Taught by Jane Mueller, Wednesday, May 21, 3:30-5pm; or evening/weekend/private classes by appointment. $35/per mother (father/support person free).
- “Nighttime Nursing”
- “Breastfeeding the Allergic Baby”
evening/weekend/private classes by appointment. $35/per mother (father/support person free).
Young Families Would you like to spend a few hours with a professional
stuntman and safety expert learning how to have fun with your child without the
wrestling match ending in tears or injury, or how to enhance your child’s
development while reducing mom’s anxiety about your roughhousing? Come with your 2 to 5-year-old child prepared
to play at tumbling, tossing, and falling, while being confident that the
techniques used are appropriate to any child’s personality and developmental
stage. Socks required; one adult per
child, please. Taught by Christopher Barbeau,a stuntman, martial artist, and movement
specialist. Sunday, April 6, May 18, June 15 (A Special Father's Day session!), or July 13, 2:30-4:30pm, $35 per child. *Classes
held at the STAC (Student Theatre Arts Complex) located behind Michigan Stadium and Chrysler
Arena at 1201 Kipke, Ann Arbor.* Infant sign language facilitates communication at an earlier age than possible with speech alone, as well as stimulating language development and reducing toddler frustrations. Bring your child to this four-session course especially designed for infants and enjoy learning sign language together. Also attending will be native deaf speakers and hearing chidlren raised in signing households-- lots of fun and practice! A graduate playgroup is in the works. Taught by nationally-certified sign language interpreters Marian Lage and Donna Mahoney. Sundays, June 8, June 15, July 13 & July 20, or August 3-24, 3-4:3-pm. $100 per baby and parents/caregivers (upto two adults per child).
In four informal classes with your infant, you will learn: how massage helps babies; how massage can help parents and babies bond; specific soothing and toning techniques and moves; therapeutic techniques for special circumstances; the theory and practice of reflexology and how it can be gently used with babies, and so much more! Handouts and oil are included as part of the class. Taught by Linda Diane Feldt. Mondays, June 2-June 23, 10-11:30am. Sliding Scale: $60-$90.
This one-session class will give parents the skills and confidence to support their infant or child's well-being with the basics of cranialsacral therapy. Can be taken as a stand-alone class, or at any point as part of the Infant Massage series. Taught by Linda Diane Feldt, Monday, May 12, or June 30, 10-11:30am. This
one-session class will give parents the skills and confidence to
support their infant or child's well-being with the basics of polarity therapy and energy techniques. Can be taken as a stand-alone class, or at any
point as part of the Infant Massage series. Taught by Linda Diane Feldt, Monday, May 19, or July 7, 10-11:30am. Doulas What are the essential tools and
supplies in a successful doula’s birth bag?
In this playful and interactive workshop, you’ll get a chance to share
your knowledge while gathering valuable ideas and suggestions from other
doulas—bring your birth bag! Taught by Sierra Hillebrand, MA, a midwife, doula, and psychotherapist. Sunday, June 1, 1-4pm, $60. The life of a birth attendant can be both deeply
fulfilling and incredibly demanding. In
this workshop, we will cover the basics, such as sleep, exercise, and nutrition
strategies for keeping ourselves vibrant and well-resourced, while also
addressing much more. This interactive
and multi-sensory workshop will be packed with practical suggestions,
strategies, and resources for birth attendants to maintain personal health and
well-being on all levels, while doing the work we love. Taught by Sierra Hillebrand, MA, a midwife, doula, and psychotherapist. Saturday, June 7, 1-4pm, $60. The "Parent-Doula Meet & Greet"
is a quarterly event at Indigo Forest, and provides an
efficient way for parents and doulas to find each other. After a brief review of the benefits of
doulas (professional labor/postpartum support), parents get a chance to hear
local doulas take several minutes each to introduce themselves, and then
parents and doulas mingle together over tea and snacks. Saturday, June 21, 10:30am-12pm $10.