One thing parents consider as they prepare for the birth of a child is to take a childbirth education class. Luckily, or maybe unfortunately, there are so many to choose from that it can be overwhelming. My recommendation is taking a class by childbirth educator Charity Wright. She teaches Your Empowered Hospital Birth classes and private birth classes in Utah County and surrounding areas.
Photo by Alisa Crawford
Meet Charity Wright
“I paused my work as an educator of adolescents at the end of my first pregnancy. I had discovered a deep hunger for learning about pregnancy and birth – I was utterly amazed at the beauty and wonder of these processes. After I gave birth for the first time, I knew I needed to pivot my educator career from adolescents to adults – pregnant ones (and their partners). I felt deeply called to help empower women through knowledge of their bodies and their options and possibilities in birth. I went on to experience two other unique births – one at home and one of twins! – that each deepened my desire to learn more about birth and share my learning with others. After seven years of devoting my professional life to the incredibly grueling and joyful work of being the full-time caretaker of four children born in just four years, I completed an advanced doula and childbirth educator training. I absolutely love supporting women and families in the transformative and miraculous journey of pregnancy and birth.
“Before moving to Utah in 2021, my family lived in London for six years. We love to travel and I have been to over 80 countries! I enjoy being outside in nature (especially the mountains), practicing yoga, podcasting with my three sisters, and taking pictures. I am obsessed with babies and just thinking about snuggling a newborn makes me weak in my knees! I am always seeking to deepen my knowledge of pregnancy and birth and hope to practice midwifery one day in the future.
“Learning about your amazing body and your options in birth is exciting and empowering, and I would be thrilled to be a part of your journey!”
Q & A with Charity
Why should expecting mothers take a childbirth class?
The old adage “knowledge is power!” is so true when it comes to preparing for birth! Understanding how birth works physiologically, how to make informed decisions and advocate for them, and how different tools can be used to cope with the intensity of childbirth dispels fear and paves a path towards a positive, joyful, incredible birth experience.
What’s awesome about the class you teach and why should people take it?
My class is so interactive and engaging! Couples tell me all the time that in addition to the class being very informative, it is also just a lot of fun! We learn about the uterus and the cervix with playdough, ping pong balls and balloons; we practice lots of different labor positions and comfort measures; we do a little art project and mini research projects; students participate in an illustrative and captivating birth story role play; and much more! I also love that this class isn’t mired in one specific methodology of birth preparation, but draws from many.
Can you share a success story from someone who’s taken your class?
I had a pregnant client recently who was so fearful about giving birth. The anxiety of this upcoming event and how it might pan out for her almost oozed out of her in our first session! It was amazing to watch her whole aura and attitude transform throughout the class series. Here’s the review she left after we finished our last session:
“I feel so excited for my first birth after attending classes with Charity at Summit Birth Utah. Before taking these classes, I was really afraid of the idea of giving birth. I didn’t know anything about birth or labor and I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to do it. After educating myself through classes with Charity, I feel confident and prepared to meet my baby boy!”
I love that her fear had turned to excitement and confidence!
Do you learn anything when you teach your class?
Always! I am constantly educating myself and adding more knowledge and tips into my lesson plans, and each client couple comes with unique questions and insights that help me dig deeper into certain topics or scenarios.
What’s something that you wish people who take your class would do or know ahead of time?
Nothing. I love meeting clients where they are and helping them chart a positive course on their unique journey to welcoming their baby to the world. I’ve had students super well-versed in birth books and that have watched a hundred birth videos, and I’ve had students that are completely clueless and just ready to learn. Wherever you are on that spectrum, I’m ready for you 🙂
You can reach Charity on Instagram @birthwithcharity or sign up for her classes at https://www.summitbirthutah.com/group-birth-classes
