A Woman-Centered Approach

We are unique in our approach to prepared-childbirth. Through our training and experience, we provide you with the confidence, support and knowledge to pave the way for a joyous and memorable birth experience. We are mothers teaching mothers, sharing our expertise as well as our experiences, and we are parents supporting parents, providing you with information and resources as you make your journey into parenthood.

We believe that the laboring woman is the center of the birthing environment and strive to give you confidence in your ability to give birth. We encourage parental participation in birthing decisions and advocate a high standard of personalized maternal and newborn care with minimal medical interventions. As alternatives in childbirth are explored, we include a discussion of your rights and responsibilities as a consumer.

We emphasize the role of the labor team - which can include spouses, relatives, friends and instructors - and positive communication with them during labor.

The History of FCEA

Foothills Childbirth Education Association (originally called Poudre Valley Childbirth Education Association) was formed by a group of local area families who were frustrated with the lack of childbirth education opportunities in Larimer and Weld Counties. There were no labor preparation courses offered, and families were having to drive to Denver to take Dr. Bradley's classes. At the same time, Poudre Valley Hospital did not allow fathers in the birthing rooms.

This group of families sat down and made a comprehensive list of what they wanted for their own childbirth experiences, and then they took the radical steps needed to make that happen. FCEA has been a registered 501-3C non-profit organization, teaching classes since 1968.

From the beginning FCEA was positively influencing the labor and delivery services available to local families. FCEA was the first organization providing doula (labor support) services in the area. In the beginning support people were not allowed in the birthing room, and they had to provide our support and guidance from a distance. As more and more people were educated by FCEA they began demanding changes to the way the local doctors and hospital delivered babies. They got these changes, and now Poudre Valley Hospital provides some of the most leading edge childbirth care available.

Dian Sparling, one of FCEAs first instructors, was inspired to become a midwife. She was the first midwife in Northern Colorado, and now is internationally recognized and respected in her field.

Our Continuing Mission

There are very few people now in their childbearing years that remember a time when fathers were not allowed in birthing rooms. And more and more sources of childbirth education are available to new families. Still, FCEA stands unique among these new competitors in that we are unaffiliated with any hospital, doctor, or specific philosophy. Our mission remains to provide the most comprehensive education possible, empowering families to make the best decisions for themselves. It is in this role as a source of unbiased consumer information on pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and early parenting, that FCEA still remains an invaluable resource to our community.

We do not discriminate in the clients we serve on any basis, and we never turn anyone away based on their inability to pay for our services. Our instructors provide caring, informative support that fills the gap between family and friends, and professional health care providers. In these ways, FCEA stands above other similar services.

Effective Methods for Positive Outcomes

Using a variety of approaches from popular and successful prepared child birth methods, we teach:

• Varied comfort and support techniques
• Breathing and relaxation as a comfort tool
• Birth planning
• Informed consent
• Compromise and flexibility to ensure healthy outcomes
• Benefits and risks of medical interventions
• Breastfeeding

Small, Personalized Classes

Experienced FCEA-Certified instructors teach classes limited to 10 couples to facilitate personal attention, informal discussion and opportunities to make new friends. We provide a non-judgmental environment of support and respect and invite clients to discuss the powerful feelings which accompany an expected birth.

Group discussion, labor rehearsals, films, slides, and basic anatomy provide expectant parents with the tools they need to labor and birth normally. Books from our extensive collection are available for check-out.

Support people are active participants in our classes in preparation for their role in the labor and birth environment. FCEA also provides experienced labor support for women and their families who need or desire our assistance.

Our Educators

We are Childbirth Educators, well-respected for our ability to cater tothe family's social and psychological experience of birth. We require our instructors to complete the FCEA certification program which requires:

• A 4-month interview process
• 28 weeks of classroom experience
• Intensive obstetrical nursing course work
• Practical exam by Review Board
• 1-year provisional certification
• Continuing education 8 hours per year
• 3 labor assists or observations per year