BIRTH ESSENTIALS CLASS

Build your knowledge and confidence for labor and birth — in one engaging class.

Cut through the overwhelm and focus on practical tools and techniques to stay more comfortable during labor - without committing to a four-week series.

Our Birth Essentials Class is a 4.5-hour, in-depth crash course to help you prepare for birth. In one engaging session we break down the essentials in a way that’s easy to understand, practical, and fun. You’ll leave feeling more prepared, less overwhelmed, and better able to navigate labor and birth with confidence.

  • Understanding Labor & Birth: Know what’s happening in your body, what’s normal, and how to make informed decisions throughout labor and birth.
  • Comfort Strategies: Learn simple, effective techniques including: breathing, positioning, massage, and hands-on support to help you cope and stay grounded.
  • Boost Partner Confidence: Practical ways your partner can confidently support you
  • Know Your Options: A better understanding of your options and how to make choices that feel right for you
  • Helpful Resources: Your Preparing for Birth Book to take home and reference anytime
Birth essentials class at Buddha Belly Doulas center in Tampa Bay, FL

Upcoming Class Dates:

Saturdays 1 - 5:30pm

  • June 6th
  • July 11th
  • August 15th
  • September 12th
Register Now(opens in new tab)

LOCATION: Buddha Belly Doulas
13049 W. Linebaugh Ave, Unit 101
Tampa, FL, 33626

FEE: $250 per couple
Includes your Preparing for Birth Book.

What Parents are Saying About Our Birth Classes:

“Great class with a knowledgeable, insightful and very charismatic instructor! This is my second class with Amanda and both times she was fantastic, engaging with the audience frequently and covering the topics with empathy.”

- Andrea
Tampa, FL

“First and foremost the venue where the class was held was beautifully designed and intentionally curated. Our instructor was prepared, engaging, knowledgeable, personable, great hospitality and wonderfully kind. Although such a vast amount of information, the material was taught in a way that was easy to understand, digest and retain. We learned a lot and absolutely was glad to have had the opportunity!"

- Brittany
Tampa, FL

I loved the class!

“I learned so much, but it was taught in such a great and casual way that the 4 1/2 hours seemed to fly by. I look forward to taking more classes with Buddha Belly Doulas!”

- Diana
Tampa, FL

I feel so much more comfortable and informed.

“Amanda was absolutely phenomenal—so knowledgeable, kind, and experienced. My husband and I learned so much about the stages of labor and how he can support me throughout the process. Thank you for being an incredible resource.”

- Julia
Land O' Lakes, FL

Having set aside the time together to take this class was the best thing we could have done to prepare ourselves.

"The Birth Essentials class was so helpful for my husband and I. Being in a group setting was an amazing experience. We could hear questions that other people were asking that we had not thought of yet! Taking this class relieved so much of my anxiety about what to expect. My husband and I feel well equipped and more comfortable going into the unknown."

- Whitley
Tampa, FL

“We loved the class with Paige! We had previously taken a birth class at the hospital we are delivering at and this was so much better. The way she presented information was very informative, approachable, and nonjudgmental. I especially enjoyed how she interspersed personal stories from her own recent births and her clients, showing a wide variety of experiences in how birth can go. I appreciated the opportunity to practice different position/techniques with her feedback as well. Thank you!”

- Emily
Tampa, FL

Questions about our Preparing for Birth class series?

How is Birth Essentials different from your four-week Preparing for Birth class?

Birth Essentials condenses the most practical, need-to-know comfort techniques into one 4.5-hour session, so it's a great fit if your schedule doesn't allow for a four-week series. Preparing for Birth covers more ground over four weeks including postpartum preparation and life with your baby (which is not included in the Birth Essentials class.)

Can my partner or birth companion attend?
When should I take this class?
Do I need to bring anything?
What if none of the upcoming dates fit my schedule?
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Why families love this class:

  • A condensed, high-impact alternative to longer childbirth classes
  • Perfect for busy schedules or last-minute planners
  • Taught in a relaxed, conversational style that keeps both parents engaged
  • Led by experienced, knowledgeable doulas and educators who make learning feel approachable

Choose from 10+ Tampa Bay Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Care Classes & Support Groups

Birth essentials class at Buddha Belly Doulas center in Tampa Bay, FL
Birth Prep

Birth Essentials

This 4.5 hour class equips you with an understanding of the physiology of labor and birth and the tools to make you more comfortable. Through evidence (and humor), we’ll explore the emotional and physical experience of giving birth.

comforting hands supporting each other at a support group
Postpartum / Pregnancy

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group

Losing a baby is one of the most difficult experiences a family can face. Whether your loss occurred during pregnancy, at birth, or during infancy, you don’t have to navigate your grief alone.

Bumps and Babies New parent support group
Postpartum

New Parent Support Group

Have you heard the saying “It takes a village”? Join us in a welcoming and supportive space designed just for you in pregnancy and as a new parent.

Baby Care

Infant CPR

Learn the life saving skills of Infant CPR in order to assure the safety of your baby. Skills are taught in a dynamic group environment using the American Heart Association’s technique.

pregnant couple practice swaddling at Tampa newborn care class with Buddha Belly Doulas
Baby Care

Newborn Care Class

This 4 hour class prepares you for life at home with your baby using life sized weighted dolls for hands-on practice.

infant in car seat outside

Car Seat Safety

Our certified Tampa technicians provide in-home car seat installation checks and education, teaching parents proper installation, fit, and use to keep your baby & older children safe on the road.

pregnant woman in yoga class stretching
Postpartum

Pelvic Floor Yoga

Join us for a gentle 45-minute pelvic floor yoga class designed to help you reconnect with your body, supporting pelvic health, core strength, and deep relaxation.

Home space with 'let's stay home' sign
Birth Prep

Private Birth Classes

All Buddha Belly classes are available in the privacy of one’s own home at a mutually convenient scheduled date and time.

Preparing for Birth class at Buddha Belly Doulas center in Tampa Bay
Birth Prep

Preparing for Birth

This four-week group childbirth class sets you up for success as you prepare for labor and birth. In a relaxed and comfortable setting, evidence is presented, options are discussed, and personal philosophies are developed.

new mom breastfeeding on couch at home
Baby Care

Breastfeeding Your Baby

This 3 hour breastfeeding class prepares you for your infant feeding journey by arming you with the fact based information that leads to your success.

Meet our Growing Team of Birth & Baby Educators

Amanda Ruiz teaches classes with Buddha Belly Doulas

Amanda Ruiz
Certified Childbirth Educator & Certified Lactation Counselor

Amanda Ruiz brings warmth, humor, and real-world experience to every class. Inspired by her own birth journey, she is passionate about helping families feel informed, confident, and supported. A longtime Tampa resident and mother of two, Amanda loves creating welcoming spaces where parents can learn and connect.

Amanda
Paige Diaz with Buddha Belly Doulas

Paige Diaz
Certified Labor Doula, Postpartum & Infant Care Doula

Paige Diaz has spent more than a decade caring for children as a nanny, childcare provider, and doula. Her own experience as a NICU mom inspired her commitment to supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. She is trained in birth, postpartum, birth education, and lactation support, bringing warmth, compassion, and a natural ability to connect with families.

Paige
Justine Brown teaches classes with Buddha Belly Doulas

Justine Brown
Client Care Director, Certified Childbirth Educator & Doula

Justine believes communities thrive when parents are supported from the very beginning. A Tampa Bay native, certified childbirth educator, and Client Care Director at Buddha Belly Doulas, she combines her Public Health background with a genuine passion for helping families navigate pregnancy, birth, and life with a new baby. 

Justine
Josette Sanchez teaches classes with Buddha Belly Doulas

Josette Sanchez
Certified Labor Doula, Advanced Postpartum & Infant Care Doula, Lactation Counselor, Placenta Specialist and Childbirth Educator

Inspired by her own journey into motherhood, Josette is dedicated to helping families feel supported and confident as they welcome a new baby. Warm, patient, and empathetic, Josette brings both compassion and reliability to every family she serves.

Josette
Melissa Planzo, Childbirth Educator with Buddha Belly Doulas

Melissa Planzo
Certified Labor Doula, Advanced Postpartum & Infant Care Doula, Lactation Counselor, Placenta Specialist and Childbirth Educator

With more than 24 years of parenting experience, Melissa brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge to her work supporting mothers and babies. Melissa is known for her compassionate, encouraging, and dependable nature. Melissa enjoys helping breastfeeding families and loves spending time with her family, traveling, and exploring the outdoors.

Melissa
Bianca Taylor teaches classes with Buddha Belly Doulas

Bianca Taylor
Advanced Postpartum & Infant Care Doula, Postpartum Placenta Specialist, Certified Labor Doula

With more than 10 years of experience caring for infants and children, Bianca provides compassionate, knowledgeable support to growing families. She has experience supporting premature infants, twins, children with special needs, and feeding challenges. Bianca is known for her calm presence, patience, and dedication to helping families thrive.

Bianca
Maleena Henry teaches classes with Buddha Belly Doulas

Maleena Henry
Advanced Postpartum & Infant Care Doula

Maleena has a passion for supporting families during the early weeks with a new baby. Compassionate, dependable, and eager to continue learning, she is also pursuing certification in lactation counseling. When she's not working, Maleena enjoys saltwater fishing, ballroom dancing, and spending time outdoors.

Maleena
Dinah Cooper Infant CPR Instructor with Buddha Belly Doulas in Tampa Bay, FL

Dinah Cooper
RN, Adult & Infant CPR Instructor

Dinah Cooper, RN, brings more than 44 years of nursing experience, including pediatrics, pediatric and adult ICU. A longtime American Heart Association instructor, she has trained healthcare professionals since the 1980s. Known for making complex topics easy to understand, Dinah is passionate about helping others build confidence in lifesaving CPR skills.

Dinah
Sujata Martin teaches classes with Buddha Belly Doulas

Sujata Martin
Pelvic Floor Yoga Instructor & Pelvic Floor Therapist

Sujata Martin is a Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist, yoga instructor, and founder of Pelvic Soul. She is passionate about helping individuals feel strong, confident, and connected to their bodies. Sujata specializes in trauma-informed pelvic care and was recognized with the New York State Occupational Therapy Association's Merit in Practice Award.

Sujata