Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains Now Offering Childbirth Preparation

For Immediate Release: Jan. 30, 2014

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Classes available for underserved expecting mothers

DENVER – Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains is proud to announce that it is offering affordable childbirth preparation classes at its Central health center located in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.

PPRM began offering childbirth preparation classes in 2010 to participants in our Prenatal Plus program (in conjunction with Rose Midwifery at Rose). We are pleased to expand this program to the broader public. A review of the services available in the Denver area found that teen moms and same-sex couples were not accessing birthing classes at the same rate as other groups of pregnant women. That review found that the price of most childbirth preparation classes presented a financial barrier for many low-income families. The cost of the PPRM classes are based on family income; attendees can pay as little as $10.

“We welcome and honor all family structures. Whether you are planning to parent or making an adoption plan, we are here to help families of all ages, sizes, and sexual orientation because every family should have the opportunity to have a healthy, joyous birth experience,” said Rebecca McKanna-Koon, childbirth preparation instructor certified by the Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association.

PPRM’s trained instructors provide current, evidence-based information of the full range of maternity care options.

“Our classes are offered in a really intimate setting with small class sizes that ensure all questions are answered and that participants have the opportunity to practice the skills and comfort measures they are learning to allow for a more satisfying birth experience,” said McKanna-Koon.

Currently, we offer two different types of childbirth preparation classes: express classes held on a single Saturday and a series class held in the evening over a period of four weeks. All classes are held at 921 East 14th Avenue, and are designed for women in the third trimester of their pregnancies (we suggest that you complete your class by your 37th week), but all pregnant women are welcome to attend.

“The instructors were so knowledgeable. They actively engaged us in the learning process so my partner and I were fully prepared and knew what to expect when it came time for our son to be born. We were so grateful for that,” said Danny Moritz, class participant.

Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains’ childbirth preparation classes encourage parents to play an active role in their birthing experience by providing medically-accurate information on risks, benefits and alternatives to common medical interventions during labor, as well as teaching a decision making model that helps families make decisions about their care.

Planned Parenthood is committed to empowering individuals and families in the communities we serve to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health, including childbirth; these classes help families to advocate for themselves and improve their labor and delivery experiences and outcomes.

For more information about our class schedule and for pricing please contact us at 303.813.7716 or e-mail [email protected].

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Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains empowers individuals and families in the communities we serve to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health by providing high quality health services, comprehensive sex education, and strategic advocacy. More than 123,000 women, men, and young adults annually visit our 28 health centers throughout Colorado, New Mexico, Southern Nevada, and Wyoming. Since 1916, we have been the region’s most trusted provider of reproductive health care. For more information about Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, call 1.800.230.PLAN or visit pprm.org for the health center nearest you.