Bethany is a Registered Nurse in Austin Texas with experience in Childbirth Education Classes, Labor and Delivery, Post Partum, and Breastfeeding consultation.
I have been a Registered Nurse for 12 years, working on the hospital floor of Labor and Delivery and the Mother Baby units, with new moms and families. I have also attended births at a free standing birth center. In those years I have assisted Nurse Midwives and Doctors in managing the labor and delivery of many babies.As you will soon find out, your hospital Nurse will be there with you every step of the way during your labor and delivery, and is your best advocate. She is the one who may suggest to you different positions or when the best time would be to get your epidural. Your doctor is a phone call away, and will come when your Nurse calls, either to deliver the baby, or if there is something of concern that the MD needs to be aware of.
Your Nurse is also the one who is looking after you and your baby before she/he comes out by checking the heartbeat of the baby and your vital signs. Afterwards, she is there to make sure that breastfeeding is going well and that the baby looks healthy. While we are doing all of this we are constantly teaching and giving you options about your care to make you feel more empowered and aware of what is happening to you. In the last 12 years I have seen about 5000 wonderful babies come into the world! I would like to share this overall experience with you.
With the birth of my son, Eli in 2005, I cut back on my hospital nursing hours to spend more time with him and started teaching classes at Avista Hospital outside Boulder, Colorado. I have taught the Baby Care class to about 17 couples per class. While this has been a great experience, I craved the personal touch I was able to give my patients in the hospital setting.
When my husband, Tim, took a job in Austin, I decided to bring my knowledge of the birth process, baby care, post partum and breastfeeding support to the Austin community.
I will also be continuing my work as a Labor and Delivery nurse in the Austin area to keep up with the current practices.
My personal birth experience has been very helpful in creating my courses. My first son, Eli, was breech and I had a scheduled cesarean section. With my son Noa, born August 2007, I was able to VBAC (Vaginal Birth after Cesarean). Now I can speak first hand about both experiences.
For the Baby Care class, I will bring not only the knowledge gained from years in the hospital with newborns but also the time spent with my own newborns. Eli and Noa are my best teachers! I will be teaching the same course I have taught in many group settings, but the great part is, it will be taught to you one on one and we can practice right in your home!
Many years of assisting women Post Partum has given me an understanding of what you may need. Breastfeeding may seem daunting if left to struggle alone. I can help with support and suggestions. During post partum visits, I may be able to recognize problems that may need follow up with your OBGYN, Pediatrician or a Certified Lactation Consultant. Such health concerns would be referred to your doctor or specialist.
Many of my patients in the past have said:
"I wish I could take you home with me."
Now, YOU CAN!
