Knowledge-Based Birth לידה עם ידע
by Lea Reichel, MA, Birth Educator, Doula, B.O.T.
Congratulations & b'shaa tova!
I'm Lea, a doula and birth educator, offering this in-depth course to guide you through every step of your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey in Israel. This course is specifically designed to ensure that expecting parents like you can feel fully prepared and empowered as you navigate through this exciting chapter of your life.
Reimbursements are available through your Kupat Cholim & several hospitals!
Comprehensive Package for Personalized Preparation
Deluxe Package offers thorough preparation, personalized support with a private session, direct communication with me via WhatsApp, and a supportive package delivered to your home. All expectant parents I support as a doula in Jerusalem receive the deluxe package!
Self-paced online course
2-hour private session (online or in Jerusalem)
Private WhatsApp support
WhatsApp & Facebook group access, with additional tips and tricks every other week.
GIFT BASKET: A home-delivered package including a birth ball, course notes booklet, affirmation cards, printed materials, and a room spray for birth
Costs: 990NIS
To join, simply click on the button below, fill out the form, click 'PayPal,' and then choose your preferred payment method (credit card or PayPal). For bit, paybox, or bank transfer, please contact me. After registration, I'll send a form to you to choose the ball color and personalize the room spray.
Online Course for Self-Paced Learning
Ideal for self-directed learners, this package allows you to prepare at your own pace, ensuring thorough readiness from the comfort of your home.
Self-Paced Online Course (9 months access)
Self-Printable Materials / Online Resources
WhatsApp & Facebook group access, with additional tips and tricks every other week.
Availability for Questions via Facebook group & comments in the course
Costs: 590₪
To select this package, enter the code 'Essentials' as the discount code during checkout. Once you click on 'PayPal,' you will have the option to pay by credit card or through PayPal. If you wish to pay via bit, paybox, or bank transfer, please contact me.
You can preview some of the lessons. To do so, click on the '+' icon in the list of the chapters below and then select 'preview' on the right side, which will appear next to some of the lessons.
Welcome to Knowledge-Based Birth! I am thrilled that you have found your way here. Let's get started with preparing for the birth of your little one!
This chapter serves as a brief introduction to birth and birth culture. As a historian, I believe that history can provide us with valuable insights into ourselves and our society. Birth is not just a biological process; it encompasses so much more. That is why this birth course begins with a short history of birth before delving into the actual birth preparation.
Study time: 27 minutes of video and audio content + additional written content
This chapter is designed to help you understand the biological and hormonal processes that occur during birth for both the mother and the baby. This knowledge will increase your confidence and serve as the foundation for comprehending how the tools and techniques you will learn later on work.
Study time: 49 minutes of video content
The tools of relaxation and orientation are essential in supporting optimal physiological processes during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, as learned in the previous chapter. These techniques facilitate muscle relaxation and, most importantly, help you feel comfortable, relaxed, and confident. In this chapter, you will discover relaxation techniques that can be utilized during any type of birth, empowering you to handle any challenges that may arise with confidence. They can also help to feel more confident and comfortable during birth. Later in the course, we will also discuss how to use these techniques during different types of birth such as c-sections, inductions, etc. In addition, you will learn more practical tips for comfort in chapter 8.
Try these techniques for around 2 weeks and then decide which work for you!
39 minutes of video and audio content + exercises / summaries
This chapter aims to address all your questions about the actual birth process, including: How can you tell if you are in labor? When should you consider transferring to your birthplace? What are the indications that birth is imminent? By the end of this chapter, you will have a clearer understanding of the process of birth.
Study time: 62 minutes if video content + exercises
Please be aware that this chapter, as well as the next, might be scary, or triggering for some. If you experience any stress, take breaks, and consider using the resources or anchors that you already know.
Remember, knowledge is power! Many women are unprepared for situations when things do not go according to plan, and they may feel disempowered or even guilty when interventions are necessary. By learning about possible interventions, you can make informed decisions that are right for your individual situation and feel empowered, regardless of how the birth unfolds. Additionally, this chapter will cover the benefits and risks of medical pain relief options.
Study time: 60 minutes video content + exercises / summaries
The focus of this chapter is to empower you to navigate your birth journey with confidence. You will gain knowledge about how to make informed decisions, effectively communicate with healthcare providers, and what actions to take if you feel disempowered. Furthermore, you will become aware of your rights as a patient, ensuring that you are informed and equipped to advocate for yourself and your baby if needed. By the end of this chapter, you will feel confident and prepared to advocate for the birth experience that you desire.
Study time: 41 minutes of video content + exercises / summaries
It is important to recognize that birth is not just a physical process but also an emotional one. Emotional preparation is vital in understanding how language and mindset can influence our birth experience. Preparing your mind for birth, acknowledging and learning from fears, rather than suppressing them, are all essential aspects of emotional preparation. In this chapter, you will gain insights into how to approach emotional preparation, ensuring that you are mentally and emotionally prepared to experience the transformative process of birth.
Study time: 46 minutes video content + exercises
The focus of this chapter is on providing you with a range of comfort measures and practical tools to support you and your birth partner in achieving a positive birth experience. You will discover various techniques such as movement, different birth positions, breathing exercises, non-medical pain relief, and more. In addition, you will receive a practical tool table and summary, allowing your birth partner to have quick and easy access to the information they need on the big day.
It is recommended that you not only watch the instructional videos but also try out each technique for yourself. Toward the end of the chapter, you will find a labor rehearsal exercise that will help you and your partner practice and prepare for the big day. By the end of this chapter, you will feel confident in your ability to utilize these comfort measures and practical tools during labor and delivery.
Study time: 68 minutes of video content + exercises and summaries
While the birth of your baby is a significant milestone, it is essential to remember that birth does not end there. The postpartum period is also a critical aspect of this transformative experience. Unfortunately, many new parents fail to adequately prepare for this phase, often feeling pressured to "bounce back" quickly.
This chapter is dedicated to helping you think ahead to the fourth trimester and postpartum period. You will learn about the practical and emotional aspects of preparing for this stage. By the end of this chapter, you will feel empowered and equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the postpartum period with confidence and ease.
Study time: 103 minutes of video content + exercises and summaries
Congratulations, you have come to the end of this course, and you should feel proud of yourself for investing in your birth experience. The last chapter contains the final lessons, and you can also find the course booklet, which serves as a helpful resource to refer to during your birth journey.
As you move forward, remember that birth is a unique and personal experience. It is essential to approach it with an open mind and trust in yourself and your body's abilities. Remember the tools and techniques you have learned throughout this course, and feel empowered to make informed decisions that align with your individual needs and preferences.
May your birth experience be everything you hoped for and more, filled with love, joy, and empowerment!
Study time: 8 minutes of video and audio content + summaries and written content
The Story
MA, doula, birth educator, B.O.T.
Embracing the awe and wonder of the incredibly powerful journey of birth, I also recognized the limitations of birth education options in Israel. This motivated me to create a truly special course - one that provides comprehensive, inclusive, and accessible birth education. I'm particularly proud of combining centuries-old women-led wisdom with modern, evidence-based knowledge, that my academic background allows me to do. I even make sure to include links to research when discussing medical aspects of birth.
In 2015, I moved from Germany to Jerusalem where I live with my husband and two sons. Here you can learn about me, my qualifications, and my fascination for birth.
You did the KBB course in the past and are pregnant again? Bshaa tova! The second time around you receive the course for only 300₪, the deluxe package for 600₪. The second time you join you receive lifetime access (as long as I offer the online course). Send me a message to receive a coupon code!
Firstly, I am available for questions through the Facebook group of the course and in the comments section under each lesson for all participants.
If you opt for the deluxe package, I am also available via WhatsApp for one personal meeting that can be conducted either online or in person in Jerusalem.
I also offer group courses, private and semi-private courses, birth processing, personal preparation for survivors, and more.
The "YOU-METHOD"
With so many approaches and methods available to pregnant women, it can be overwhelming to choose a birth preparation course and doula. Using one specific approach may help some but not others. Many of these organizations use pyramid schemes and sell their "unique methods", teachers often have to pay fees to be on a list, have to sell certain books, etc.
Instead, I recognize that every expecting parent is unique, and I am committed to supporting you in finding what works best for you. I do not believe in imposing a particular method on you and blaming you if it does not work.
This course does not limit itself to a single method. Instead, it draws upon the best aspects of different approaches and guides you on a journey of self-discovery to determine what suits you best. The course is independent and will help you transform your intuition into knowledge through discovery, learning, and practicing.
The "YOU-METHOD" means that I support you in identifying what you need.
Two widely known methods that are partly integrated are hypnobirthing and active birth.
One of the central principles of hypnobirthing is the connection between the mind and body. The practice assumes that the mind and body are intimately linked, and that the mental and emotional states of the mother can affect the physiological processes of labor and delivery. By using hypnobirthing techniques to promote relaxation and focus, women can work with their bodies during labor, rather than feeling like they are fighting against it. The most central parts that teach hypnobirthing are videos about hormones during birth (2.9.-2.11.), relaxation techniques from hypnobirthing (3.1.-3.3. & 3.5.-3.9.), the mind-body connection, and positive reinforcement (7.1., 7.2. & 7.5.-7.10.).
Active birth is an approach to childbirth that emphasizes the mother's active involvement during labor and delivery. It encourages women to move around, change positions, and use non-medical techniques to manage pain and facilitate birthing. Active birth principles are based on the idea that by working with the physiological processes of labor, women can have a more positive childbirth experience. The course also includes an explanation of how to use the techniques associated with active birth alongside medical pain relief such as an epidural. The most central chapter for active birth methods is Chapter 8.
No, I am not affiliated with any hypnobirthing organization. However, I do believe that many parts of hypnobirthing are really amazing. I am certified in hypnobirthing, so I have incorporated many elements of it into the course.
Hypnobirthing emerged as part of the natural birth movement, which opposed the prevailing trend of medicated births where women were often unable to recall their experience, and forceps were frequently used. Understanding its historical context helps to acknowledge its legitimacy, but it is important to recognize that some aspects of hypnobirthing are outdated, but are anyway taught in many of the "original" hypnobirthing courses. The following are some problematic aspects:
1. In older hypnobirthing books, there are statements suggesting that birth only hurts if a woman fails to follow hypnobirthing techniques correctly. This implies that any pain experienced during childbirth is the woman's fault. Such claims are not conducive to a supportive and empowering environment.
2. Some medical aspects of hypnobirthing are not evidence-based. For example, there may be claims in certain books that consuming enough leafy greens ensures sufficient vitamin K levels in breast milk to prevent Vitamin K deficiency bleeding. However, research contradicts this claim.
3. In my opinion, acknowledging and discussing pain is important. Some hypnobirthing methods completely disregard the topic of pain. While it is beneficial not to fixate solely on pain, omitting its discussion may lead to inadequate preparation, especially for first-time mothers.
4. Hypnobirthing sometimes falls short in providing practical tools like movement, use of voice, and being active, which many women find crucial during childbirth.
5. The notion that a calm birth and being quiet during birth are desirable is problematic. Some women find it helpful to vocalize and make sounds during birth, and it can be a valuable coping mechanism. Women should feel empowered to express themselves in whatever way feels right to them. The idea that women must always be quiet and conform to societal expectations of being a "good girl" should be a thing of the past.
6. Importantly, I do not appreciate that most hypnobirthing courses claim to be suitable for any type of birth but then use language in their relaxation techniques that exclusively focus on natural birth. For instance, phrases like "you will have a natural, calm, and serene birth" can induce guilt or inadequacy in individuals who prefer or require a different birth approach because of preferences or due to medical reasons.
Despite these concerns, there are numerous exceptional doulas and birth educators who teach hypnobirthing. I believe that many aspects of hypnobirthing are valuable, which is why I have integrated them into this course. One of the central principles of hypnobirthing is the connection between the mind and body. The practice assumes that the mind and body are intimately linked and that the mental and emotional states of the mother can affect the physiological processes of labor and delivery. By using hypnobirthing techniques to promote relaxation and focus, women can work with their bodies during labor, rather than feeling like they are fighting against it. The most central parts that teach hypnobirthing are videos about hormones during birth (2.9.-2.11.), relaxation techniques from hypnobirthing (3.1.-3.3. & 3.5.-3.9.), the mind-body connection, and positive reinforcement (7.1., 7.2. & 7.5.-7.10.).