FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT BINI BIRTH
We are an education and support center for expecting parents, new parents, and birth professionals. We offer many classes ranging from childbirth preparation to doula trainings, and host a variety of partner classes for mom & baby, toddlers and everything in between.
The Bini Birth team teaches classes on childbirth education, doula training, and childbirth education training. All other classes are hosted at our beautiful space and taught by professionals we know and trust.
Regular office and store hours are 9:00 am to 2:00pm, Monday through Friday.
Our class times are listed on the calendar.
These classes only rent space from Bini, so to sign-up, please contact the teachers directly. Their contact information is on their class page and on the calendar.
CHILDBIRTH CLASSES
Our classes are designed with many years of experience and knowledge in order for couples to feel informed and empowered to make decisions.
Our weekend workshop is the most complete curriculum, with more time for questions and hands-on practice.
Our One Day workshop covers all the important topics about childbirth and postpartum, only in a more condensed version and taught in a faster, fun pace. It is ideal for busy parents or if your due date is fast approaching.
The price for our in person childbirth education class is $475 per couple for the weekend workshop, and $425 per couple for the One Day workshop. The online workshop is $95.
Most couples take childbirth classes during their second trimester, and yet we have participants that choose to come earlier in their pregnancy in order to make decisions in their care. On the other hand, sometimes people don’t hear about us until last minute, or they prefer to come later to have the information fresh in their minds.
We will welcome you at any stage.
Ana Paula Markel has been teaching and facilitating childbirth workshop for the past 16 years and works very hard to make sure our classes are current and up to date. We are constantly updating our outlines and presentations based on feedback from past participants, current research and medical/midwifery trends.
In addition to all of their professional experience and qualifications, our instructors are smart, funny and warm creating a safe environment for expecting parents to learn, share and ask questions.
Our space is unique and extremely spacious. Couple sit on comfortable couches with lots of pillows, floor chairs, blankets, and yoga props available.
Our building is a gorgeous historical monument in Sherman Oaks and it is kept in prime condition. It is a beautiful space that provides a charming backdrop for your memories (and photos!).
Our philosophy and approach is based on current scientific evidence in the field of childbirth and is non-judgmental and friendly. We embrace different choices expecting and new parents make based on cultural, religious and personal history and backgrounds. We love to explore different approaches together, from birth location (home, hospital or birth center), natural birth or curiosity about “the epidural," and who will be with you during birth, to differences in baby care, baby sleep or diapering , etc… Everyone deserves information and support!
We believe in options, support, and informed decision making.
Yes, absolutely. In all of our formats we explore different styles of breathing and coping with labor and devote time for practicing them.
We do not take insurance. However, depending on your insurance provider you can get reimbursed for childbirth classes. We are happy to provide you with any specific receipt your insurance company may require, including a detailed class outline.
DOULA TRAININGS
Yes. This is a basic doula training. We include an “Intro to Childbirth for Coulas” in the curriculum.
It is recommended that you read The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin before attending the course.
This workshop is DONA Approved. You will be ready to start working as a doula after the training, though if you want to be a DONA certified doula there are a few more steps.
We go through the certification process with DONA International in detail during the course.
We will also provide you with certification support after the training.
The training costs $575 per participant.
It includes a DONA International manual, resources and hand-outs.
One of the biggest benefits of our program is the support we offer doulas after the training. It sets our program apart from others. This includes mentorship from Ana Paula and other experienced doulas, a closed email list, and monthly meetings at BINI.
Absolutely. We welcome lap and breastfeeding babies in our training. We have plenty of space and loving arms to help you.
CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR TRAININGS
This training is for anyone interested in becoming a childbirth educator. No experience is required.
ICEA stands for International Childbirth Education Association.
It is an international childbirth organization founded 55 years ago.
It is an accredited organization, and accepted by all hospital programs.
No!
You can certainly start teaching after this training, though the certification process takes a few more steps beyond the training. We will discuss the certification process during the ICEA training.
We will also support you during the process.
The training is two days.
The price is $445 per participant and it includes: ICEA manual, handouts, full breakfast and snacks throughout the training.
We also provide mentorship and support during the certification period.