I have an eclectic non-judgmental style of teaching the “nuts and
bolts” regarding what to expect as you labor and give birth. My
offerings are based on what I have seen work at the hundreds of births
I have attended as a doula and midwifery apprentice, and from my
personal experiences as I labored with each of my sons many years
ago.
Myriad styles have influenced my classes and include Birthing from
Within, Lamaze, Hypnobirthing, Bradley and others. Classes cover
basic anatomy and physiology, pre-labor signs, recognizing the
progress of labor both physically and emotionally, when to transfer to
the hospital or invite your midwife to your home, communicating with
care providers and how to make decisions that will allow you to follow
your own path to birth in your unique way. You will learn how to create
a peaceful “laboring space” in your home as we practice comfort
measures, massage options, labor positions, partner support,
breathing and sound techniques. Decision-making, variations,
medications, complications and technology will also be explored.
Classes are suitable for those birthing in any setting.
During and following this four-week series I will offer suggestions on
how to practice on your own time. Your introspection, envisioning and
communication will begin to reveal your own personality, style and
birth vision and will enhance your support relationships which are so
important as you work towards giving birth.
Four-week series, 6:30-9pm weekly, $250. Price break ($50 decrease)
for placenta encapsulation services when enrolled in childbirth
preparation series. Visit www.birthgarden.com to enroll or with
questions. Pacifica classes limited to four couples to enhance individual
attention and sharing of ideas.
I look forward to meeting you!

Bio - Anna Hurty
Anna has been active in the birth community for almost thirty
years. She began her work in Berkeley where she helped start the
volunteer doula program at Alta Bates Hospital while working as a
childbirth educator, tour guide, lecturer and certified doula, and
serving on several birth-related committees. After moving to Palo
Alto, she founded the non-profit Blossom Birth Services (now
beginning its twentieth year - www.blossombirth.org) and served as
its Executive Director while continuing her doula work, becoming a
Dona-approved doula trainer, and teaching prenatal classes at
Stanford and Palo Alto Medical Foundation. At Stanford she created
and taught the first “Natural Birth Prenatal Series” and taught halfday
trainings entitled “Non-Medical Pain Management” to third-year
residents. While at Blossom, she created and taught several doula
trainings, attended Elizabeth Davis’ midwifery training and was an
invited guest at Midwifery Today’s "Charting the Future" conference
in Seattle. After moving to the midwest Anna became nationally
certified as an EMT and worked in the trauma center at Trinity
Hospital in Illinois.
Now back "home" in Oakland, Anna spends her time teaching
private and group birth preparation classes, encapsulating
placentas, and occasionally offering support as a doula. She is the
wife of Mark and mother/in-law of two grown sons and their wives.
In her spare time she enjoys dancing, painting, knitting, walking
and hanging out with her grandchildren whose amazing company
she enjoys whenever possible.