The Philosophies Behind Our Classes

Facilitating Community
This is an introspection-based approach that Birth Roots has pioneered since 2002 that fosters personal growth and development. There is no one right way and these classes support participants in decision making, resource finding and community building along the way.

Community Supported Parenting
Community Supported Parenting is how we bring Facilitating Community into the perinatal experience.  A unique collection of pre and postnatal classes that help parents create support networks and bridges from one framework and context to the next as they encounter all of the milestones of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting. Birth Roots facilitators create a container where parents can question and try out new ideas and possibilities and group source options and ideas for the many unknowns of the evolution of being a parent.

Hand in Hand Parenting
The Hand in Hand Parenting Approach supports parents through all the milestones and experiences of parenthood.  This is a flexible, connection-based approach that helps parents understand how and why emotions and behaviors happen and how to work with them.

In our classes, we provide parents with the resources, tools, and the listening they themselves need so they can remain steady when their children most need their support.

When To Take Your Birth Roots Classes

In our experience working with families, we recommend registering and taking classes based on the schedule outlined below. We always encourage people to register as early as possible. Please reach out with questions. We’re here to help.   

Welcoming Pregnancy:
Register: As soon as you know you’re pregnant
Attend: During your first or second trimester

Newborn Care Class:
Register: During your first or second trimester
Attend: During your late second or third trimester

Feeding Your Baby Class:
Register: During your first or second trimester
Attend: During your late second or third trimester

Birth Class Series:
Register: During your first or second trimester
Attend: This class should be completed three weeks prior to your due date. 

Birth Class Intensive:
Register: During your first or second trimester
Attend: This class should be completed three weeks prior to your due date. 

The Bridge Package:
Register: During your first or second trimester. This is a discounted bundle of our core classes. 

Buds – The Newborn Class:
Register: Even though this is a postnatal class, please register during your first or second trimester of pregnancy. Register for the session that begins the month after your due date (Ex. If your due date is May 10th, register for the session that begins in June. Adjustments can be made due to earlier or later than expected arrivals).
Attend: As early as possible after birth

Sprouts – The Baby Class:
Register: 1-3 months before class begins
Attend when your baby is 3-9 months old 

Little Siblings (for 2+ time parents and their babies):
Register:  Register: Even though this is a postnatal class, please register during your first or second trimester of pregnancy. Register for the session that begins the month after your due date (Ex. If your due date is May 10th, register for the session that begins in June. Adjustments can be made due to earlier or later than expected arrivals).
Attend: When your baby is 0-5 months old

Hand in Hand Parenting: Toddler Parenting Essentials
Register: 1-3 months before class begins
Attend: this class is for parents with children who are 1-3 years old

Payment Options

Online Payment – You can register and pay online by visiting our registration page.      

Mail a payment – Checks can be made payable to Birth Roots and sent to 16 Vannah Ave, Portland, ME 04103.

Insurance Reimbursement – some insurance companies reimburse for part, if not all of your childbirth class fees with proof of your payment.  If you need a receipt, please contact the office.

Scholarships – If our class fees are prohibitive, please fill out our scholarship request form. We are able to offer full and partial scholarships to families. Questions? Email us at info@birthroots.org.

Gift Certificates – Gift certificates are available and make a wonderful shower gift! Click here to purchase a gift certificate. 

Cancellation Policy

Birth Roots is a small nonprofit run by a part-time staff.  Our class sizes are intentionally small to increase quality, but are also an essential part of our annual budget.  Many of our classes sell out; last minute cancellations, therefore, are lost revenue for us.  Please email or call us at your earliest convenience if you know you need to change or cancel your class. so that we can let you know what options are available to you. 

Payment in full is expected at the time of registration unless other arrangements are made.  This applies to single and series classes.  

Course Cancellation & Refund Policy

Please notify us as soon as possible if you are ill, put on bed rest, or have another reason for missing your scheduled class.  Refunds for classes are generally not offered.  If there is room in a subsequent class, you may request a reschedule and apply your balance toward a future class.

However, if Birth Roots must cancel a class due to low enrollment, we will refund your class registration fee in full and will also happily recommend other class options for you upon your request.

Exceptions for an Earlier than Expected Birth

If you miss your class due to an earlier than expected birth before your class series begins, we will refund your class payment in full.  No refunds or reschedules can be provided if you have attended 2 out of 4 class sessions.  In this case, a prorated amount less the late cancellation fee may be provided as a credit toward postnatal classes.