Education in the perinatal period is an essential cornerstone of informed and empowered parenting. It equips expectant individuals and families with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period confidently.

EXPLORE UPCOMING CLASSES >>

A woman in a yellow dress sitting on a fluffy rug, working on a laptop with a notebook beside her.

Learn


In-Person & Virtual Group Classes:

Medical model of a human pelvis with a fetus in a head-down position, made of silicone or similar material for educational purposes.

In-Person Childbirth Education - Weekend Intensive

  • Our in-person weekend intensive class is designed to give families the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to prepare for labor, birth, and the early postpartum period. This immersive format is perfect for those with busy schedules who want a comprehensive learning experience condensed into a single weekend. Partners and support people are encouraged to attend, as they play an important role in preparing for birth and beyond.

    Topics discussed include:

    • The stages and physiology of labor

    • Comfort measures and coping techniques (breathing, movement, relaxation, and positioning)

    • The role of partners and support people during labor

    • Understanding medical interventions, inductions, and cesarean birth

    • Pain relief options and informed decision-making

    • Immediate postpartum recovery for the birthing parent

    • Newborn care basics and the early hours with your baby

    • Preparing emotionally and practically for parenthood

    Our class is taught by Mary Kate, an experienced childbirth educator and doula. With years of experience supporting families through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, MK brings both evidence-informed information and a warm, supportive teaching style to the classroom. The goal is for every family to leave feeling informed, empowered, and ready to welcome their baby with confidence.

    $250 (Includes birthing person & support person)

    > Register for an upcoming class

A woman breastfeeding a baby, holding the baby close while seated.

Online Breast/Chestfeeding & Pumping Class with Alice Norris

  • Our online class focuses on teaching skills and techniques that prepare families for positive breastfeeding, chest feeding and/or pumping experience. We encourage partners and support people to attend the class.

    Topics discussed include:

    • Proper latch and position

    • Normal feeding expectations in the first weeks

    • How to determine if your baby is getting enough milk

    • Why skin-to-skin is so important

    • Resources for when you need help

    • The basics of pumping and storage

    • Tips for bottle introduction

    • What to expect if supplementation is needed

    • Benefits of breastmilk

    Our class is taught by Alice Norris, an internationally board-certified lactation consultant. Alice has been working with mothers and babies for over 20 years as a maternal-child health nurse and a certified HypnoBirthing instructor. Her mission is to help babies enter into the world in a calm and peaceful way, and then to help them bloom by providing families with evidence-based information and support. You can find more about Alice at Blooming Babies.

    $65 (Includes birthing person & support person)

    > Register for an upcoming class

Three women folding baby blankets over two infants lying on a changing table in a healthcare setting.

In-Person Newborn Care Class - Weekend

  • Learn the essentials of caring for your baby in the early weeks.
    This interactive class is designed for expectant parents and their partners who want hands-on guidance and confidence as they prepare to welcome their little one.

    You’ll practice and learn about:

    • Diapering and swaddling techniques

    • Soothing and calming strategies

    • Bathing and cord care

    • Understanding newborn sleep patterns

    • Feeding cues and basic infant nutrition

    • Safety at home and on the go

    • What’s normal (and what’s not) in the first weeks

    Who should attend:
    Expectant parents, partners, and support people—no prior experience with babies needed!

    Instructor:
    This class is led by [Instructor Name], a [certified postpartum doula / nurse / newborn care educator]. With years of experience supporting families through those first tender weeks, [Instructor Name] provides evidence-based information in a warm, approachable style. You’ll leave class with practical skills, increased confidence, and resources for ongoing support.

    $95 (Includes birthing person & support person)

    > Register for an upcoming class

Person performing infant CPR on training mannequin in a classroom setting.

In-Person Infant CPR Class with Kurt Poulin

  • Our two-hour Infant CPR Class is designed to help you feel prepared to respond to a medical emergency involving your infant.  You will learn the step-by-step actions required to assess an infant and perform CPR.

    Our CPR instructor will walk you through performing Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation and assisting a child/infant with a foreign body airway obstruction. After the class, you will be familiar with the signs of choking and the techniques to either clear an airway or sustain a small child until additional help can arrive.

    Kurt Poulin, our instructor from NEMSTA, is a professional rescuer and instructor who has years of experience along with a variety of skills and knowledge.

    This two-hour Infant CPR class is held monthly at the VDC Office in South Burlington.

    $130 for 2 participants

    > Register for an upcoming class

Woman smiling with a baby's head resting on her shoulder, standing in front of a brick wall.

Babywearing 101 with Bello Beginnings

  • Babywearing can bring ease, closeness, and confidence to your early parenting journey. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to choose the right carrier for your family and gain the confidence you need to begin using it safely and comfortably. 

    Topics covered include:

    • Babywearing benefits

    • Newborn safety

    • Positioning and comfort (for both baby and you!)

    • Demonstrations of each major wrap, sling, and carrier type, with pros/cons to help you choose what fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle

    • Hands-on practice with demo dolls so you can try carriers and build skills

    This class is ideal for prenatal folks (babywearing is one of the few early parenting tools you can easily practice before your baby arrives!). It’s also perfect for postpartum families who haven’t chosen a carrier yet or simply want guidance on best practices and troubleshooting. 

    The workshop is led by Meghan Bello, a local babywearing educator certified through the Center for Babywearing Studies. You can learn more about Meghan at Bello Beginnings.

    $80 per family (includes two caretakers) - As this course is primarily intended for prenatal families, we will have demo dolls available. However, if you have a newborn, you are welcome to bring them.

    This class meets at the Vermont Doula Company office located at 30 Farrell Street, Suite 100, South Burlington, VT 05403.

    > Register for an upcoming class

A woman with dark hair wearing a blue patterned sleeveless top and black pants, standing with her back to the camera in front of a colorful graffiti wall. She has a white hat hanging from her backpack.

Babywearing Beyond Newborns with Bello Beginnings

  • Whether you already enjoy babywearing or have found it challenging, this workshop teaches techniques that support closeness, comfort, and independence for both you and your baby as they grow. It is designed for families with babies 2-3 months and older who want to connect with other babywearing parents and explore techniques that provide comfort, safety, and ease.

    Topics covered include:

    • Choosing and adjusting wraps, slings, and carriers for growing babies and toddlers

    • Positioning for comfort and safety as your baby grows and becomes more engaged, including pros and cons of hip carries, world-facing options, and back carrying

    • Hands-on practice with demo dolls or your own baby to try carriers and refine your skills

    • Answers to common 201-level babywearing questions, such as wearing in hot or cold weather, transferring a sleeping baby out of the carrier without waking, and safe feeding in the carrier

    The workshop is led by Meghan Bello, a local babywearing educator certified through the Center for Babywearing Studies. You can learn more about Meghan at Bello Beginnings.

    $80 per family (includes two caretakers; babies welcome but not required)

    This class meets at the Vermont Doula Company office located at 30 Farrell Street, Suite 100, South Burlington, VT 05403.

    > Register for an upcoming class

Private Class Offerings:


"In the beautiful chaos of welcoming a new life into the world, remember that planning for the postpartum period is the compass that guides you through the profound journey of parenthood.

It's not just about preparing for the baby's arrival; it's about nurturing and cherishing the invaluable time of self-care, recovery, and bonding that follows. Embrace the significance of this planning, for it is the foundation upon which a thriving family is built."


Car Seat Installation & Safety Checks

Did you know that over half of all car seats are installed incorrectly? At Vermont Doula Company, we’re here to change that. Mary Kate, a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), offers car seat checks that go far beyond installation. These sessions are full education opportunities—whether you’re preparing for your newborn’s first ride home, adjusting a toddler’s seat, or moving into booster stage.

Three people standing in front of a yellow and green traffic safety vehicle promoting seatbelt safety. The vehicle displays the four stages of seat safety and a message to be seat smart.

We’ll walk you through proper installation, harness fit, and everyday use so you feel confident and safe every time your child is in the car.

  • Drop-in checks available once a month on Sundays

  • By appointment at our office or your home (home visits available for new parents)

  • All ages welcome: infant seats, convertible seats, and boosters

  • Always free of charge

Your child’s safety matters most. Let’s make sure you’re set up for the road ahead.

Book an Appointment