Education

L’Mazeltov: Childbirth Classes with a Jewish Twist

A Jewish approach to preparing for your baby’s arrival

Meet other expectant parents, learn about labor and delivery, self-care, choosing physicians, and how to see the new parent world through Jewish eyes. Professionals in the field will join class coordinator Jessica Weiss to teach and to answer your questions. The rabbis and cantor of Temple Isaiah will bring the Jewish component through presentations and “Ask the Rabbi/Cantor?” opportunities. This exceptional program complements traditional childbirth education classes by providing important prenatal information within a Jewish family context.

Sundays, February 12 through May 6, 2012
4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Temple Isaiah Adult Lounge
$180.00 per couple ($50 discount for Temple Isaiah members)
Includes L’Mazeltov Book, snacks, and all course materials

Meet our facilitator, Jessica Weiss
Jessica Weiss is a DONA certified Birth Doula. She trained with Carol Shattuck Rice’s Open Heart Doula training and achieved certification in 2010. She has supported couples through labor at Kaiser Walnut Creek, Alta Bates, California Pacific Medical Center, and Kaiser Hayward. Doulaing helps her share her belief that with information, nurturing, and support, labor can be an empowering, beautiful, and transformative experience. Temple Sinai preschool introduced her family to the joys and community of Jewish family education and she’s thrilled to share a similar opportunity with couples beginning their family lives.

Questions? Email Jessica Weiss at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

The curriculum will include these topics and more:

February 12th
Welcome to L’Mazeltov
Introduction to Labor
Jewish Prayers for Child Birth

February 26th
Introduction to Labor – Stage Two
Self Care during Pregnancy
Simchat Bat/Brit Milah – Jewish rituals to welcome your baby

March 11th
Introduction to Labor/Stage Three
Comfort Measures in Labor
Jewish Approaches to Raising Children

March 25th
Breastfeeding Basics
Postpartum Self-Care
Shaping your family Shabbat

April 1st
Newborn Care Basics
Choosing a Pediatrician
Jewish Naming Customs

May 6th
The hospital birth experience
Medical Interventions and Anesthesia
Sharing Jewish Resources, Recipes and Traditions