GET READY BABY

Calgary-Area Childbirth Preparation with a Childbirth Educator

WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY
Birth Stories

Erica and Kieran -- Free-Standing Birth Centre Birth -- 7 Week Class

Soon after my daughter was born my midwife exclaimed: "You must have taken an amazing birth class!" She saw the many strategies Sylvia had taught us in action and how they improved my ability to cope with labour. The hands on approach to the class with ample opportunities to practice, made me confident in my ability to deal with whatever the circumstances demanded. The class was engaging as well, with many creative games and opportunities to discuss what we had learned. Sylvia consistently modified the class to meet our needs. When I mentioned considering a water birth she not only explained the process but also provided articles she thought I would find helpful. My husband and I are sure that Sylvia provided everything necessary for our success. I didn't realize going into it how invaluable the class would be for the birth and early days of parenthood.

Risa and Justin -- My VBAC Story

My first delivery, despite bringing my sweet firstborn into the world, left me feeling incredibly broken after an emergency c section. As I approached meeting my second child, an OB advised that I should schedule another c section since my chances for a VBAC were much lower than average.

I did not want another major surgery and I knew that I needed more support and more information. I needed to learn how to work with my body during labour and what techniques I could use to try for a VBAC.

I didn’t know how to articulate my pain but Sylvia immediately understood my deep yearning to try for a VBAC. She was a gentle listener and an affirming teacher as we unpacked where we lost control and lacked information. The classes also helped my husband understand my experience better and how to be a true partner in the labour process to me, rather than a bystander. Sylvia walked with us rather than talking at us and it made a world of a difference for us.

I encourage every mom to try for a VBAC because our bodies are incredible and we were created for it! I felt so much peace (and quiet triumph!) holding my newborn, knowing that we had done this together - without any unnecessary medical intervention. We did it! We are all capable and deserve to be supported how we choose to bring our babies to the world.

Ceci and Liam --The Birth of My Second Child --Online Class

Sylvia taught us her basic Get Ready Baby course for our first child with wonderful results. When it came to our second child, we were told we needed an early C-section at 35 or 36 weeks due to complications. After already having a natural, unmedicated birth with my first child, I was terrified of this new and highly medicalized environment.

My husband and I immediately went to Sylvia who thoughtfully prepared us for what to expect from our situation. Surprisingly, as our circumstances changed and we were allowed to carry the pregnancy further, I felt so equipped with the knowledge Sylvia had given me.

Suddenly, I was strongly advised to undergo an induction. In the midst of fear for our baby, I was able to advocate for myself and my child and confidently accept the induction. Sylvia equipped us with precise information that boosted my confidence and allowed me to birth my baby without any fear-- her classes are EMPOWERING.

I was able to birth my baby naturally in spite of a Pitocin induced labour. I am so grateful for Sylvia, she truly is the friend every first time (or second, third or maybe even fourth time) mom needs to have in her corner. If you are hesitating to call her DON'T. This might be the best decision you ever make for yourself and your child.

Dominique and Christopher -- Our VBAC Class

Preparing for the birth of our second child with Sylvia was an incredible experience. We were unprepared for our first labour, so when it came time to deliver we faced many unexpected challenges. This time around, we met with Sylvia to try for a VBAC. Unfortunately, due to a set of extremely rare circumstances, the second labour ended with an emergency C-section.

Despite this outcome, Sylvia’s course helped us feel more at peace going into the labour, more connected as spouses during the labour, and more acceptant of how it all went. Thanks to Sylvia's training, we were calmer, more prepared, and had the tools to handle each situation. In this way, we were able to make the best decisions we could for our second baby. We highly recommend Sylvia's training to all our friends, so they can have the peace of mind that comes with being well-prepared for their delivery

Danielle and Andrew -- Weekend Intensive Class

We absolutely loved Sylvia's Weekend Intensive Class at Get Ready Baby!

As first-time parents expecting our son William, we had so many questions about labour, delivery, and postpartum. Sylvia made everything clear and approachable, helping us to feel more confident and ready as we approached due date.

The weekend format was perfect for us—packed with practical tips and hands-on techniques that were very helpful in keeping us calm and supportive of each other throughout the delivery. Though we were planning on a home birth, we wound up at the hospital. Sylvia helped us prepare for that possibility so that we could both accept change and communicate a birth plan that was right for us.

The guidance in postpartum and breastfeeding was also incredibly helpful in easing the beautiful and overwhelming transition into motherhood. Sylvia created such a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, making the whole learning experience very personal and enjoyable.

We highly recommend Sylvia's class to any new parents looking to feel prepared and supported. Thank you Sylvia!

Brigid and Matt -- 7-week class

We are so grateful for Sylvia and the knowledge we gained from her birth class. My husband and I took this class after hearing about it from many other couples who highly recommended it. We are so glad we did.

We did not know what to expect with the labour as this was our first child. Sylvia's class taught us how to encourage smooth labour, positions and techniques. Her class covered pre-labour, active labour, postpartum, breastfeeding etc. We felt prepared and excited for the birth.

Our sweet daughter was born after a long, beautiful labour. Thanks to Sylvia's class, we knew what to expect and how to cope with the long labour. It was especially helpful for my husband so he knew how to support me.

Sylvia is knowledgeable and thoughtful about the content of her class. She covered so much and gave us resources on all topics. We highly recommend Sylvia's class!

Meaghan and Noah -- Weekend Intensive and Online Classes

"Our first labor and birth experience could not have gone better - and a large part of that was due to how prepared and at ease we felt applying the techniques and insight we received from our class with Sylvia. My goal was to have an all-natural birth at a hospital (while having the majority of my labor at home) and we were able to do just that! We are so thankful that our first birth was such a positive experience.

My labor progressed extremely quickly, and using the pain management techniques Sylvia recommended allowed me to push through the difficult parts of labor and recognize when I was entering the next stage. I knew exactly when we needed to head to the hospital and was able to advocate for what I needed to my husband and health care providers.

We are both so happy that we did our get ready baby class with Sylvia. She is extremely knowledgeable, well prepared, and passionate about helping families have a positive pregnancy and birth experience. Sylvia was also very flexible with class times and catered to our scheduling needs. We went into the classes with very little background knowledge and left with an abundance of tools, information, and confidence. I highly recommend this course to anyone expecting - no matter what kind of birth experience you desire, Sylvia gives all the tools to ensure you are ready to go!

I also really appreciated the afterbirth care kit Sylvia provided, as it was just what I needed for my recovery."

Olivia and Logan - Weekend Intensive

I was 36 weeks so we went straight to the hospital. We spent a lot of time in triage, but my husband made every effort to support me in my earlier labour with distractions and movement.

I spent the rest of my labour in the shower with the lights off and fake candles lit around me, with my husband sitting right outside checking in with me (it was a bit too small for him to join me). We had my birth playlist on the speaker the whole time. We used the rebozo and massage techniques we were taught by Sylvia. My husband did such a great job speaking encouragements over me.

I caught baby myself delivering on my knees.

I had a very difficult time delivering my placenta and had to go to the OR which is where my husband really stepped in. He spent the whole time I was gone shirtless walking around the hospital and sitting with our son right against him to do skin-to-skin. Although it was not the perfect ending we desired for my birth, we look back on my birth as a really beautiful, intimate, and joyful experience and one that we are honestly excited to do again - crazy that birth can be like that!

This childbirth education class was super useful and was the best thing to prepare my husband for how to support me

Therese and Christopher- 7-week Class

We cannot recommend Sylvia’s birth class enough. It really helped us to feel on the same page as a couple with our expectations and birth plan. From going over labouring techniques and positions, it gave us a ton of tools to help the labouring process, while also empowering us with the info to help make educated decisions as they came up to align with our birth plan.

We started with a planned home birth, but ended up with a hospital C-section. Although the birth did not go to plan, we felt the class helped us to feel confident that the decisions we made in a very tense, emergency situation were the right ones, and how to advocate for ourselves and our baby through out the process. Thank you Sylvia for all your help!

Paola and Christian - VBAC Class

We were encouraged by our friends to take a class with Sylvia to prepare for a VBAC with our second baby and we are beyond thankful that we did! After welcoming our first daughter through an emergency c-section, I was determined to try for a VBAC for the birth of our son. Sylvia was so encouraging and empathic to hearing our story, and gave us such a thorough understanding of labour and delivery, coping skills, laboring positions, and how husbands can be supportive too. Despite our attempt at a VBAC and labouring for many hours, we welcomed our son through an emergency c-section. Because of our classes with Sylvia we felt empowered to make in our decision-making through labour and delivery, and we knew this was the best option for delivery with the circumstances surrounding the labour.

I recommend Sylvia’s classes for any mom approaching labour, you won’t regret it! We all deserve to be empowered during labour and have the knowledge to make informed choices along the way for us and our babies. We are so thankful to Sylvia and her classes, we couldn’t have done this labour as calmly without her!

LEARNING OPTIONS

7-week Series, In-Person Private Classes

Get Ready Baby classes are for all moms whether they deliver at home, or at a free-standing Birth Centre with a midwife or at one of our many hospitals.

There are a growing number of moms electing to have their baby delivered at a free-standing Birth Centre or electing to have a Home Birth along with the care of their Midwives.

Private Childbirth Classes are designed to provide a personal touch to help moms and their support person/s to learn the unique skills Moms need when preparing for any type of birth, including home births and at a Birth Centre.

4-weeks of Childbirth Preparation

1-week Post Partum class

1-week Breastfeeding class

1-week "The Cycle of Infant Needs"

7-Week In-Person Group Classes (Max. 3 couples)

Get Ready Baby classes are for all moms whether they deliver at home or the free-standing Birth Centre with a midwife or at one of our many Calgary hospitals.

Get Ready Baby Offers a 7-Week Series of classes to prepare for childbirth and the first weeks of parenting:

4-weeks of Childbirth Preparation

1-week Post Partum class

1-week Breastfeeding 101 class

1-week "The Cycle of Infant Needs"

SPECIALTY CLASS OPTIONS

EARLY PREGNANCY CLASSES

Childbirth education classes are taken in your third trimester. But you have two trimesters before that, we know that early prenatal education will prepare you for a healthy pregnancy. A low stress, healthy, active pregnancy leads to a safer birth.

If you are interested in taking my birth prep classes later on around week 27 to 30, this early pregnancy class will be covered in that cost.

However, this class can be taken on its own without any need to commit to future classes!

"I am pregnant! Now what?" - An Early Pregnancy Class is available to couples who want to know what to expect in the months to come.

Conversations focus on topics which cover your general health both physical and emotional as they pertain to pregnancy. Coping with morning sickness. Learning about good nutrition for a healthy pregnancy. Learning about daily exercise and a healthy pregnancy. And how exercise can help prepare your body for child birth.

Early Pregnancy classes are available as a private class. The class can be taken anywhere from when you find out your are pregnant,

up to 16 weeks, a later class is open for consideration.

A NEGATIVE, PAST BIRTH EXPERIENCE

"My last birth experience was very difficult and I felt I had no control, can I have a better experience with my next baby?"

A 3-Week Private Classes are offered to moms who have had a negative birth experience in the past and want to learn new skills, with the goal of improving their birth experience with her next baby. In the first class we discuss your previous experiences to help you discover what your learning needs are and to discuss the trauma you may have experienced in the past. Women can experience significant trauma whether physical or emotional or both from their labour experiences. It is important to understand what these are so you can heal and go forward with new found skills and courage. We will discuss informed consent and the pain cycle.

You will learn more about informed consent, birth planning, and a focus on how you can learn great skills to have a positive and more joyful outcome for your next labour.

TOLAC/VBAC

Talk to your doctor or midwife about the possibility of a Vaginal Birth after a

C-section.

Did you know that, "provided there are no contraindications, mothers who have had 1 C-section, with a transverse low- segment incision in her uterus can do a trial of labour after a C-section", also called a TOLAC?

Did you know that" 70% - 75% of women who have a TOLAC will have a successful Vaginal Birth after a C-section", also called a VBAC?

(Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist of Canada, Nicette Jukelevics MA,ICCE)

The class will focus on benefits and risks so you can make an informed decision for a TOLAC/VBAC
It is important to develop good labour skills as you prepare for a TOLAC/VBAC with a focus on physiological labour, non-medicated labour

Also, it is important for mothers and fathers to work through the emotional aspects of a previous unplanned C-section.

Some moms may have had a planned C-section because of a baby being in an unfavorable position, such as breech, but with this pregnancy your baby is in the perfect position...you may be able to have a vaginal delivery this time!

We will talk about building a strong support network with your doctor, midwife and doula to give you the best chance for success!

Lessons are custom designed to meet your specific need

3-DAY WEEKEND INTENSIVE CLASSES

Weekend Intensive Classes are available and can meet the needs of some moms or couples who have irregular work hours, live just outside of Calgary and would find a shorter class more convenient or have spouses that work out of town and have little time to attend birth classes.

The classes are run over a 3 hour Friday evening class, all day Saturday and a four hour class on Sunday. These classes are condensed and there is much to learn over a very short time frame! It is not the most ideal setting to learn due to the intensity, but it does allow some couples to get the education they desire.

Topics covered: Labour and Delivery, Positioning and Massages, Relaxation and Breathing. A brief overview of Medical Procedures/ Inductions etc. offered in Calgary hospitals. Postpartum, both physical care and emotional transitions after birth.

These classes may be a private or group class, depending on demand.

"MY LAST PREGNANCY WAS 7 YEARS AGO...I need some help to get ready for this baby!"

Another focus for private classes can be a Mom who gave birth years ago, who is expecting again and who would like to have a refresher to understand what to expect now, and new options for her birth experience. Lessons are custom designed.

ONLINE CLASSES

Online classes are available by request only. Please reach out for a consultation. Availability depends on how busy we are teaching various in-person classes.

4-WEEK LABOUR PREPERATION CLASS--- ONLINE CLASS

What we will cover? How to cope with pain in labour, tools for coping with labour, positioning and massage with hands on practice time. Use of the rebozo in labour. We will cover basic medical interventions. Epidurals, Induction and C-sections. The 4th class will include post partum care and some helpful tips for breastfeeding. But it will not be a full breastfeeding class

I WANT A BETTER BIRTH EXPERIENCE THIS TIME--- 3-WEEK ONLINE CLASS

The first class we discuss your previous experiences to help you discover what your learning needs are and to discuss the trauma you may have experienced in the past. Women can experience significant trauma whether physical or emotional or both from their labour experiences. It is important to understand what these are so you can heal and go forward with new found skills and courage. We will discuss informed consent and the pain cycle.

The following two classes are full of practical, hands on learning skills to help you prepare for your next labour experience. Mothers and their spouse or other support person will learn these skills together, developing a stronger support team.

Home: Our Services

"Women are empowered when they receive sensitive, respectful care."

Lamaze

Home: Quote

What Will I Learn at Get Ready Baby?
Private or Group
7-Week Class

Introduction to Mother & Baby-Centered Care

What is the Lamaze approach? Safe and Healthy Birth: Six Simple Steps

Informed Consent/Refusal

Communication with your birth team and health care staff

My Pregnancy

Symptoms of third trimester and warning symptoms of pregnancy

How my baby is connected to me while pregnant

How does my body change when I go into labour?

Introducing the Labour Process

"Pain with Purpose" getting from fear to hope and courage

How we can enhance relaxation

Controlled breathing techniques

Preparing mom and dad to work as a team for labour

Stages of labour and the harmony of birthing hormones

We Are In Labour...

When to get medical help while labouring at home

4-1-1: I have been in labour for many hours, when should I go to the Hospital? or free standing Birth Centre?

When to "Call the Midwife" for a home birth?

Comfort measures and techniques for labour

Positions for labour and pushing

Prolonged labour and short labour

How to use the Rebozo for labour

When Your Natural/ Physiological Birth Plan Changes OR If You Are Planning a Medicated Labour

Common medical procedures used in Calgary Hospitals

Preparing for a planned or unplanned Cesarean Section

Strategies to "Go the full 40"TM and beyond

How to plan for a late baby, navigating labour inductions

Labour practice games for a Natural/Physiological Birth and Medicated Labour Birth Scenarios

Post Partum: Caring for Mom and the Family After Birth

The baby is here...

Mom needs to recover

Physical care of mom

Emotional care of mom and the family

Breastfeeding 101

Introducing breastfeeding

Learning about the perfect "Latch", baby is properly attached to the breast

Common issues you may face

Problem-solving if you are struggling

Know when to get help from a breastfeeding consultant

Infant Care In a Nutshell

Learning Infant "CUES," the "Cycle of Infant Needs," Soothing your baby

Is my baby safe? Is my baby unwell?

What is the " PERIOD of Purle crying"TM? Managing colic

Quick review of Baby Care Basics

*If you want more information on Baby Care we recommend you take an extra class so we can go into some more detail. About a 1 hour class, included in the price of the class.

In-depth-childbirth-preparation-Class-in-person (2).png

CLASSES

Please contact Sylvia for dates and
class availability
Teaching locations are in NW Calgary

Cost of the class varies based on which class you are signing up for

Text Sylvia at 403.618.4095 for a consultation and cost of your class.

Or, email to sylvia.mealey@getreadybaby.ca for a consultation and cost of your class

Home: Opening Hours

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Get in Touch

WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO TAKE CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASSES?

A good time to come to class is when Mom is in her 28th to 30th week. This allows time to take the 7-week Childbirth Classes

WHO CAN I BRING TO CLASS WITH ME?

It is important to bring your Birth Partner with you — whether that's your spouse, partner, parent or friend!

HOW ARE THE CLASSES SET UP?

All classes come with a detailed, image-centered handbook binder which make note taking in class simple. It offers information as a review and practice for hands-on activities at home.
Plumtree Birth Review booklet and a Postpartum- Infant Care booklet
Also included are practical ring books on "How to give massages" , "The many positions to use in labour, including the rebozo", Back labour: " What can I do to encourage a posterior baby to turn", "Pushing positions". Ready-to-Go tools for the big day.
The classes are interactive, using many tools:
We play games, use many visuals, PowerPoint slides to reinforce learning, white boards activities, watch videos, listen to music, practice massages and labour positions and more!

WHY ARE GROUP CLASSES LIMITED TO 3 COUPLES?

I keep my group classes limited to 3 couples so that I can meet your specific needs. Each mom comes to the class with a different goal for her birthing plans. The need to custom fit classes around individual's specific needs can be done more effectively in a smaller classroom setting

Yes. Private classes are very popular. A private class can make the experience very personal
Private classes are focused on mom and dad or other support person
Private classes are great if you are interested in a home birth or Free-Standing Birth Centre
Private classes for moms who would like to have a trial vaginal labour after a C-section-TOLAC/VBAC
Mom had her first baby many years ago and wants a refresher
Mom and dad had a poor birthing experience during a previous labour and would like to learn skills to be prepared for a better, more positive, birth experience this time.
Classes are tailored around your specific needs

CAN WE HAVE PRIVATE CLASSES?

I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A HOME BIRTH. IS IT POSSIBLE?

It is safe to deliver your baby at home if you have a low risk, uncomplicated pregnancy.
You will need to make plans through a Midwifery Clinic in your location. (Whatever city or region you live in).
I have taught moms who have had successful, joyous, home deliveries, even as first-time moms.
This is not my first baby but, I want a home birth this time. Can you help?
Yes, if this is your first home birth and you want to learn more about how to enhance good labour then please contact me. We can talk about your needs and come up with a class that will specifically meet your needs to plan for a successful home birth!

WHAT ARE THE C-SECTION RATES IN ALBERTA?

"The C-section rate in Alberta is at 1 in 3 mothers."- Alberta Health, 2020

There are many reasons for having a C-section and it is a life saving surgery for many moms and babies!

However, it is important to try and avoid a C-section if you have a low risk pregnancy and labour, if there are no medical reasons for a C-section.

A C-section is a major abdominal surgery which can lead to complications in post partum, and with breastfeeding and in future pregnancies. Repeated C-sections come with increasing risks- especially if you want a large family.

One of the best reasons to take a good childbirth prep class is to develop the much needed skills to help avoid a C-section. There are a lot of things you and your spouse can do to help avoid a C-section. A thorough understanding of informed consent is vital.

Learning how to cope with labour for as long as possible without medical interventions is going to help decrease your risks. Having a partner who knows how to help you through labour and be a vital part of your support, physical comfort, and advocacy is very important. Mobility throughout labour in upright positions will also help promote a healthy labour and delivery.

But if you don't know what to do you may be unable to make good choices!

WHAT IS A DOULA, WHAT DOES SHE DO?

Also, consider a Doula for your birth.

"A Doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their client before, during and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible." - DONA International

"Research shows that people who use a birth doula are:

less likely to need Pitocin, Artificial labour hormone
less likely to have a cesarean birth
less likely to use any pain medication
more likely to rate their childbirth experience positively"

- DONA International

CONSIDER BUDGETING FOR A BREASTFEEDING COUNSELOR OR LACTATION CONSULTANT

Breastfeeding is the best for baby and the most natural experience for mom and baby
But, learning how to breastfeed can be a challenge for mom and baby. Moms and babies need to learn to breastfeed as a team
Except for some exceptions most mothers can have very successful breastfeeding experiences
However, if problems which come up in the first days and weeks are not dealt with, your breastfeeding can be put at risk
Persistence is vital and proper support is essential!!
Don't wait for a crisis, reach out for help
We focus on breastfeeding in my classes because it helps build a strong base which helps mom get started with breastfeeding.
And helps our moms to recognize when there may be a problem
There are breastfeeding clinics in Calgary and private Lactation Consultants
Mother's support: La Leche League Calgary

YOU MAY HAVE HAD ONE OR MORE PREGNANCIES THAT WERE UNCOMPLICATED BUT NOW YOU ARE FACING A DIFFICULT PREGNANCY WITH A POTENTIAL DIFFICULT BIRTH. WHETHER THAT IS ANTICIPATING AN INDUCTION OR A C-SECTION,

OR UNCERTAINTY ABOUT YOUR BABY'S HEALTH

It is so important that an expectant mother experiences the least amount of stress, and avoids frequent surges of fear driven adrenalin, during pregnancy. Both for the health of the mother and her baby.

Childbirth classes with the goal to prepare you physically, mentally and spiritually for this pregnancy, can help moms find the peace and hope they need to face this uncertain time.

Childbirth classes can provide a space where you feel safe, where you can talk about your concerns; throughout your pregnancy and as you prepare for the difficult birth.

Classes can help mothers and their spouses to face an uncertain time, with courage and confidence. Anytime from early pregnancy all the way to planning your upcoming labour and delivery.

You are having a complicated pregnancy but you can still have a Birth Plan. You can work in tandem with the medical team and experience some independence. A "gentle C-section", having your spouse stay with your baby, even if your baby needs to go to NICU, freedom of movement during an induction and so on...these are just some ways you can still feel in control even if things are complicated.

Home: FAQ

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

SYLVIA MEALEY CBE

My passion is to help Moms and their families gain the skills they need for a positive birth experience.

As a Lamaze-educated Childbirth Instructor, retired nurse, and mother of three, I’m committed to quality childbirth education.

My conviction is that pregnancy is a normal, natural--and monumental--life event.

Every time I teach a new class I see the life-changing, empowering effects!

Home: Team Members

CONTACT US

sylvia.mealey@getreadybaby.ca

Text or phone at 403.618.4095

Home: Contact

Home: Image