My popular classes, which weave together research, humor, anecdotes, experiential exercises, and practical knowledge, have a unique flair. Because I am not affiliated with any healthcare provider or hospital, I offer the most empowering information without filtering it.

Underlying my teaching is the understanding of the immense importance of the birth experience for women and their partners. Through this lens and with humor and insight, I articulate the inner voice of women that often does not get heard.

My classes reflect my heartfelt belief that birth can be a joyful and transformative process. Passionate and articulate, I bring a positive yet realistic viewpoint that weaves together current research, the experiences of others, and my own opinion when it's useful to others. I make it a priority to listen to my students, and invite you to speak your mind.

By empowering students with the tools they need and a greater awareness of how to get the kind of birth they want, I impart a sense of optimism and joy about birth. I teach that while you can certainly shape the experience, ultimately birth will go the way it’s going to go.

My classes are so much more than the traditional childbirth education classes. While we do cover the usual topics taught in a childbirth class, my unique holistic approach also includes relaxation, confidence-building, self-hypnosis, and eliminating unnecessary fear.

Ultimately, I offer many tools and resources for each person to take responsibility for their own experience. Beyond these specifics, my students tell me they leave knowing that if they show up, stay present, and do what they can, they know that everything is going to be OK.

We’ll cover:
Stages of labor
Special circumstances
Birth plans
Routine procedures

Plus:
Relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques
How to work with the body's natural process during labor instead of against it.
How to reduce or eliminate unnecessary fear and pain
Affirmations to promote a positive response

Each class has a theme
1. Self Reliance: Looking inward for strength and understanding yourself
2. Anatomy and Physiology of Birth: Why relaxation is so important
3. Breath: What happens during labor and how to use your breath
4. Logistics: What kind of care will you receive and when interventions are therapeutic
Practice: Connecting with yourself and your partner and putting all the techniques to use

Details:
Four classes for a total of 16 hours.
$395 per couple, includes the HB book, 3 cds, and packet
Class size limited to 10 couples.
Taught at The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco,
3200 California St. SF, CA 94115 (Cross street is Presidio)

Please consider hiring a doula and/or homebirth midwife, as this will contribute to a positive birthing experience.
Please start the class between 24 - 32 weeks of pregnancy
Please read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
Please read What Your Pediatrician Doesn't Know Can Hurt Your Child by Susan Markel, MD

IF THE CLASS YOU WANT IS FULL, PLEASE GO TO "PRIVATE AND SEMI-PRIVATE HYPNOBIRTHING" FOR ADDITONAL DATES

January Series (4 dates in SF)(FULL)
Your baby is due approximately between 2/20 and 5/1
Tuesday 1/10, from 6pm to 9:15pm
Tuesday 1/17, from 6pm to 9:15pm
Tuesday 1/24, from 6pm to 9:15pm
Sunday 1/29, 10am to 4pm, with an hour for lunch

Semi-Private HypnoBirthing in Mill Valley (FULL)
Thursday 1/5, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Thursday 1/12, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
*** This class is limited to 4 couples. It is 6 hours total.
Cost is $295, $250, or $210 (2, 3, or 4 couples) plus $60 materials fee.
You will need to take a standard childbirth preparation class at another location, as this class focuses only on HypnoBirthing techniques.

February Series (4 dates in SF)
Your baby is due approximately between 3/20 and 6/1
Tuesday 2/7, from 6pm to 9:15pm
Sunday 2/12, from 10am to 1:15pm
Tuesday 2/21, from 6pm to 9:15pm
Sunday 2/26, 10am to 4pm, with an hour for lunch

March Series (4 dates in SF)
Your baby is due approximately between 4/15 and 6/25
Tuesday 3/6, from 6pm to 9:15pm
Tuesday 3/13, from 6pm to 9:15pm
Tuesday 3/20, from 6pm to 9:15pm
Sunday 3/25, 10am to 4pm, with an hour for lunch

April Series (4 dates in SF)
Your baby is due approximately between 5/15 and 7/31
Tuesday 4/10, from 6pm to 9:15pm
Sunday 4/15, from 10am to 1:15pm
Tuesday 4/17, from 6pm to 9:15pm
Sunday 4/22, 10am to 4pm, with an hour for lunch

May Series (4 dates in SF)
Your baby is due approximately between 6/10 and 8/22
Tuesday 5/1, from 6pm to 9:15pm
Tuesday 5/8, from 6pm to 9:15pm
Tuesday 5/15, from 6pm to 9:15pm
Sunday 5/20, 10am to 4pm, with an hour for lunch

June Series (4 dates in SF)
Your baby is due approximately between 7/15 and 9/25
Tuesday 6/5, from 6pm to 9:15pm
Tuesday 6/12, from 6pm to 9:15pm
Tuesday 6/19, from 6pm to 9:15pm
Sunday 6/24, 10am to 4pm, with an hour for lunch

To receive a registration form please email
rachel@one-moon.com with your full name, baby’s estimated due date, phone number, birthing location, name of doula and midwife/doctor. If you have questions or would like more information, please call Rachel during business hours at 415-383-8419.