PREPARING FOR BIRTH CLASS

Q: Can my partner or support person attend with me?

Yes! Your partner or a birth companion is included and will learn how to actively support you during labor and postpartum.

Q: Do I need to bring anything?

Just yourselves! We’ll provide everything you need for class including snacks and refreshments and your Preparing for Birth Book.

Q: How many couples are in each class?

We keep our groups intentionally small so you get personalized attention, real conversations, and a space where you actually feel comfortable asking questions — not just another face in a crowded lecture hall.

Q: What if I'm having a C-section or high-risk pregnancy?

This class welcomes all birth paths. Whether you're planning a vaginal birth, a scheduled cesarean, or navigating a high-risk pregnancy, you'll leave with information and tools that are relevant to your specific situation.

Q: What if I miss one of the four sessions?

Life happens! Reach out to us directly and we'll make sure you don't fall behind — whether that means connecting you with materials from that week or helping you find a solution that works for your schedule.

Know what's coming, and feel ready for anything with our comprehensive 4-week Preparing for Birth class.

This four-week childbirth class is designed to help you feel informed, confident, and truly prepared for labor, birth, and life with your baby.

In a relaxed, supportive environment, we walk you through what to expect, explore your options, and give you practical tools you can actually use. Along the way, you’ll learn from real conversations, shared experiences, and the questions other parents didn’t even know they needed to ask.

And yes—you’ll learn a lot… but we also promise you’ll actually enjoy coming each week.

Understanding Labor & Birth: Know what’s happening in your body, what’s normal, and how to navigate the decisions that may come up along the way. Feel greater confidence in your birth preferences and options. No more Googling at 2am!
Comfort Strategies: Learn hands-on techniques, breathing, movement, positioning, and other effective tools to help you cope, stay grounded, and work with your body during labor.
Life with Baby: You'll have a realistic, supportive foundation to prepare for postpartum recovery and life with your newborn baby including infant care, feeding, sleep, recovery, and what you really need to feel supported.
Plus: Keep learning with our Preparing for Birth Book to reference anytime, and enjoy our thoughtfully curated goody bag with hand-selected items for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

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

Upcoming Class Dates:

Thursdays 7 - 9pm

June 4, 11, 18, 25
July 9, 16, 23, 30
August 6, 13, 20, 27
September 3, 10, 17, 24

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

FEE: $300 per couple
Includes all four classes, your Preparing for Birth Book, and a curated goody bag.

What Parents are Saying About Our Birth Classes:

My husband was skeptical at first, but he ended up loving it and didn’t miss a single class.

"We both felt so much more prepared for our baby’s arrival. The birth classes we took completely exceeded our expectations. We learned so much information we couldn’t find anywhere else. The instructors didn’t just teach—they built our confidence and helped us release our fears about childbirth."

- Melena

Dover, FL

Highly recommended if you want to become more educated, confident, prepared, and EXCITED for the birth of their little one!

“My husband and I had an amazing experience at Preparing for Birth. Our instructor Amanda was enthusiastic, passionate, and so helpful. There was never any judgment and we all left much more prepared for labor, delivery, & postpartum. Through each class, my anxiety and fear started to slip away and I have more confidence and excitement. My husband also gained a better understanding of the birth process and is more confident in his ability to support me.”

- Olivia

Tampa FL

I started out absolutely terrified of labor and delivery and now feel empowered, informed and actually excited for it!

"The birth class was sooo helpful! I started out absolutely terrified of labor and delivery and now feel empowered, informed and actually excited for it! Amanda is a wonderful teacher.

Becky

- St Petersburg, FL

"Excellent content, great environment, and a kind, well-prepared staff. Highly recommended!" -

- Maria

Tampa, FL

Questions about our Preparing for Birth class series?

When should I take the Preparing for Birth class?

We recommend taking this class in your second or early third trimester so everything feels fresh and relevant.

Can my partner or support person attend with me?

Do I need to bring anything?

How many couples are in each class?

What if I'm having a C-section or high-risk pregnancy?

What if I miss one of the four sessions?

Why families choose our classes:

Small group setting (not a crowded hospital lecture)
Led by experienced, certified doulas and educators
Real-life, practical guidance - not just textbook information
A space where partners feel included, confident, and prepared
A supportive, welcoming environment where no question feels silly (we promise!)

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

comforting hands supporting each other at a support group

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
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