Beyond The Bump Education/Empowered Birth FREDERICTON - Jan 14-Feb 11, 2026

  • $350 or 2 monthly payments of $190

Empowered Birth FREDERICTON - Jan 14-Feb 11, 2026

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  • 180-day access

Hosted at 530 Brookside Drive Unit E (my office inside East Coast Chiro), Wednesdays, 7-9pm. One registration for you and a partner / support person!

NO CLASS OCTOBER 8TH

Ready to kick off your parenting journey with confidence? 

In this 5 week in-person prenatal class, we're diving deep into all things birth! With online videos to compliment and add to the in-person class, we will cover everything from labour stages to comfort techniques to new baby care and feeding, all while surrounded by a supportive community of other parents in your shoes!

Lara is here to walk you through the rest of your pregnancy, birth and into postpartum with confidence! Let's debunk myths, learn the facts, and boost your birth confidence together!

Secure your spot now for an empowering, in-person experience that'll leave you ready to embrace parenthood head-on!

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What is Included In

Empowered Birth?

Hint: everything you need to rock your birth!

Prenatal Prep

Prepare your body and mind!

We will cover everything from getting your questions answered to ways to move your body and position baby to the mindset work you need to know to ensure you have your best birth!

Labour

A to Z

From late pregnancy to the moment your baby arrives there is so much for you and your partner to know and prepare for. We have left no stone unturned in this section so you are fully ready!

Postpartum

Healing and Baby Care

It's not small feat to keep a baby alive and thriving! Feel prepared with everything you need to know about your own healing journey, your partners role, and the in's and out's of feeding your baby! (plus much more)

Online Modules

15hours of online materials you will go through as "pre-class prep"! Not only does having this info ahead of time help you to be able to prepare for class but you can go back and reference it at any point!

What Else Do We Cover?

Included in this program is 6 months unlimited access to:

  • What you need to know to help confidently bring your baby into this world all at your finger tips - watch the core videos at your own pace, on your own time then...
  • In addition to the core Prenatal Course, inside the Online Classroom You Will Find: 
    • Exclusive Video Interviews from Maternal Health Specialists
    • Downloadable Workbooks, Posters, and Helpful Info To Bring With You To Your Birth
    • Bonus Classes 
  • Life-Time Access To A Moderated Parent Support Group On Facebook
  • & So much more!

*Please note: Once paid, there will be no refunds issued for this course.
"The Empowered Birth Prenatal Course was legitimately a life saver! 
...
Not only eased my mind, it was SO much more than I could have ever expected! It is modern and up to date, so realistic but does not scare you like I have heard other prenatal classes can do sometimes. Nothing was biased, the information is just simply given so you feel you have choices for YOUR birth...."

Megan - Empowered Birth Parent

Meet Lara

BN RN, IBCLC

Lara Proud is a Registered Nurse (NANB), IBCLC Lactation Consultant (International Board Certified), and Mom. She has always had a passion for working with young families throughout her nursing career.

After helping hundreds of Canadian families, Lara is bringing you the info parents always wish they knew before giving birth! 

Lara is committed to empowering parents with evidence-based information and education through their journey into parenthood. 

Frequently asked questions

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.

What is the difference between the online only, in person 5 week class, and the one day class?

In the Empowered Birth Online class you will have all of the videos, handouts and access to the exclusive EB Parents Facebooks Group for community! There is no 1:1 support or personalized information in this class as it is completely self-paced and online. A really great option for anyone who doesn't live near one of the classes or wants to just get the info they need!

Our 1 Day In-person/Online Hybrid class is for anyone who can't make it to the 5 week class but still wants to have some personalization. In the in-person portion we cover all of the labour prep, moves, and pushing info you need to feel confident when you start having contractions! You'll be practiced and know what you need to do to prep your own body before labour! In the online portion you will have access to everything mentioned above.

The In-Person 5 Week class is the most extensive class that we offer! You get everything listed above plus 5 weeks of 2 hours classes to really deep dive into the skills, communication tools, and support you need! This class is tailored each group to suit your needs - all of your questions answered, all of the mental and physical prep you need to be able to have your Empowered Birth!! Plus, we have so much fun together!

Will I be able to ask you questions?

This course is designed to be exclusively delivered online at your own pace, however, if you ever need anything I am an email away!

If you have questions about your personal health circumstances, specific diagnoses, and medical information may be redirected to your primary health care provider or you can book a 1:1 appointment with Lara to help you navigate your personal circumstances. 

You also have access to the Private Beyond The Bump Parent Support Group on Facebook where I moderate and answer questions alongside some super-experienced parents! 

Will you cover all of the info from other local birth education classes?

Yes, absolutely! This is a complete childbirth course with the information you really need to know that is regularly not covered in your hospital prenatal classes. 

I have made sure to go above and beyond anything I have ever found - this is the course I wish I had even after working in Labour & Delivery!

This course is relevant to all Canadian parents!

I know I want an epidural (or C-Section). Will I still benefit from this course?

Definitely! You need this course just as much as a someone choosing an unmedicated birth. You need to know your options even with medication (there are a ton) and typically you will still feel some contractions before you can receive your epidural. This course will benefit you greatly! 

Also, that baby still has to move down to come out - I can show you how to do this even while you're napping with an epidural.

When is the best time to take this class?

It's never too early to prepare! The information provided in this course will set you up for success through your pregnancy by giving you things you can do to prepare yourself now.

Also, if you are just finding this at 38 weeks, that's ok! You are able to binge watch all of the videos at your own pace. The best part? You will have access to all of this for 6 months. So, pregnant or postpartum you have a place to turn to for reliable answers and support.

Will my partner benefit from this course?

Absolutely! I highly recommend your partner join in alongside you when going through the course. They’ll be there when you are going through labour, so it helps if they also remember and repeat a lot of the training in those moments! There is so much information devoted to helping partners understand their support role in labour and postpartum.

This is my second baby. Can I still gain knowledge from taking this course?

YES! Maybe you want your second birth to go differently than your first? You need preparation for that. This course will help you become well informed to make the best decisions that are right for you. This course will review your birth options - preparation and support are key factors in how your birth experience will go the second time around!

What is your refund policy?

I am pretty certain you will love it. In fact, this course is tailored around what parents told me they wanted and what they wish they knew.

If you have done all you can as a participant and been actively engaged but still find you have questions, let me know and I will make sure they are answered. I am here to help!

There will be no refunds issued for this course once you register as you have immediate access to all course materials.

Contents

Welcome To Empowered Birth!

I can't wait for you to get started!
Your welcome info will be available on Monday for you to take a look at and fill-in the forms before getting started.


Let me know if you have any questions by typing in the chat box (bottom right corner).
Welcome To Empowered Birth!!
Empowered Birth in-Person Pre-Class Work
Getting To Know You - MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE CLASS STARTS
Waiver and Privacy Release Forms
Our Private Parents Facebook Group
Book a 1:1 Appointment With Lara
Body Ready Method Exercise Program

Handout Package

Everything you need to supplement the videos!

There are handouts for (nearly) everything in here and some I'm in the process of making. But, there are handouts for things not discussed even!

Its a little book of pregnancy treasures :D 
All of your EMPOWERED BIRTH HANDOUTS
Printable Birth Affirmations
What To Do When Labour Starts OR Your Water Breaks
Pregnancy Stretches Handout.pdf
Decision-making Framework- Considering Elective Induction.pdf

Intro, Reliable Information, & Helpful Links

This section is a little bit of a mix-match of information that I want you to know well ahead of time. Most is discussed in the rest of the course too but certain things tend to happen before you get a chance to watch.

If you are having your Baby Shower or creating a registry, make sure you understand the types of pumps, bottles, and car seats that you really need - these are all tools with a very specific purpose and need to be chosen specifically for your needs.

Finding Reliable Information
Please Make Sure You Watch The Specialist Interviews
The Nutrition Info You NEED for Pregnancy
Find Your Perfect Car Seat
Gentle Birth App
Amazing Info and Podcast about Plus Sized Bodies Birthing
Tour of Saint John, NB Maternity Program
Count The Kicks - app
Baby Registry Must Have's

Informed Consent, Your Team, & How To Talk To Them

You have a lot of people in your corner, let's talk about all the ways they support you on this journey.
Who Are Your Care Providers
Informed Consent
Talking To Your Providers
Scenario for Talking To Your Provider - Baby Measuring Big

Pregnancy & Your Body

There are so many things changing inside of your body, you can feel it, you know its happening! Did you know that understanding these changes can directly impact your pregnancy and birth??
Learn about the hormones in your body and how they impact labour and birth based on your mood!
Conception to birth -- video
Fear Tension Pain Cycle
Hormones Of Pregnancy
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Safely Laying Down And Turning Over While Pregnant

Common Issues & Things You Need To Know

Let's talk about some common issues that creep-up during pregnancy, what tests are done and why, and what choices you have through it all.
Common Issues and Tests In Pregnancy
Top 5 Questions About Ultrasounds - Blog
Guide To Prenatal Screening Tests
Gestational Diabetes
Kick Count Tracker
Fetal Kick Counts - Blog
Gestational Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) & Preeclampsia
Group B Strep Infection
ECV - What if baby is Breech?
Aspirin in Pregnancy
Umbilical Cord Around Baby’s Neck - What You Need To Know

Preparing Your Body & Mind for Labour

Avoiding Drops In Oxytocin
Due Dates - What You Need To Know
Movements To Do Starting at 34 WEEKS
Positioning Baby Part 1
Positioning Baby Part 2
Baby Mapping Fetal Positioning
Birth Ball Sizing
The Way You Stand Will Impact Your Birth - The Piriformis Muscle
Birth prep - Pelvic tilts
Birth prep - Hip circles
Birth prep - Side-To-Sides
Ice Bucket Challenge - Labour Edition
The Miles Circuit
Spinning Babies - Movements to Add To Your Day For A Smoother Birth
Perineal Massage - Lamaze International Website
Gentle Birth Workbook

Inductions- The Good, Bad, and Ugly

There are a lot of different ways to induce labour and we will break it all down and know what to expect if it happens to you!

If You're Being Told You Have A Big Baby and Need An Induction
Induction Handouts
What are Inductions & Bishop's Score
Natural Labour Induction Techniques
Stretch & Sweep (with short intro to others)
Scenario for Talking To Your Provider - Cervical Check
Balloon Catheter
Prostaglandins- Gel & Cervidil
New guidelines on cervical ripening (2023)
AROM
Pitocin
Important Factors In Inductions and FAQ's
Decision-making Framework- Considering Elective Induction.pdf

Partners & Support People - You Have A Big Job To Do

Nope, I don't buy it. Partners, labour and birth is not a 1 person party. You helped start this process and I'm going to teach you how to be part of the ending. You have a huge role and are an essential part in the success of this birth story!
Partners - This is for you!
Partners Handouts
The Birth Partner book Recommendation

Labour Day (or Days)

There are 3 Stages of Labour and multiple phases. We are going to discuss in detail how these all look, how to cope, and what you can do to get through them!

From the first contraction to delivering your placenta. This is the biggest section!
Fetal Monitoring In Labour
This is what happens to your body in labour! (Balloon Demo)
Stages of Labour Handout
The 5 Components of Cervical Change
Pelvic Checks & Pelvimetry
Early Prodromal Labour
Early Labour
Prodromal & Early Labour Movements
What To Do When Labour Starts OR Your Water Breaks (New Handout)
Side Lying Release
Forward Leaning Inversions
Active Labour
Active Labour Movements
Coping Techniques
Hip Squeezes for Comfort in Labour
Eating, Drinking and IV fluid in Labour
Transition Phase
Video of pelvic Movements
Pushing- Positions
Pushing- Breathing & Pushing
Late Labour & Pushing Positions
Using a Squat Bar on the Labour Bed

Mid-way Check-In

Please complete this little questionnaire so I can better help you through this process!
Midway Check-In
Write a review?

Pain Medications In Labour

We will break down your options for medical pain options in labour!

Pain Medications - Intro & Sterile Water Injections
Pain Medications - Entonox
Pain Medications - Narcotics
Pain Medications - Epidurals

Tearing & Surgical Vaginal Births

Tearing In Birth
Episiotomy, Forceps and Vacuum Births

C-Sections - Watch These Videos Even If You Don't Want A C-Section

With 1/3+ of people having a C-Section (planned and unplanned) this is an important section to watch!

C-Sections - What Are They? What Happens?
Types of C-Sections
C-Section Options

Your Birth Experience Preference Guide

Birth Preferences
Birth Preferences
C-Section Graphics Birth Plan
Graphics Birth Plan

Postpartum - You Have A Baby!!

Healing is a process, but let's help you to do it as well as you can!
Day 1 PP Baby
APGAR Scores For Newborns
Antibiotic Eye Ointment For Newborns
Newborn Hepatitis B Vaccine
Vitamin K Injections for Newborns
What Is Normal Baby Poop?
Diaper Change.mp4
What Is The NICU?
PP Day 1 Mom
Day 2&3 PP
Delayed Bathing Info
Baby Bath.mp4
Getting Dressed.mp4
A Dad's Perspective
Day 4+ PP
Weird Things To Know About Babies
Baby Blues & PPD Fact Sheet
Postpartum Planning Resource #1: Postpartum Prep List
Postpartum Planning Resourse #2: The Postpartum Plan
Sleep Plan - Happy As a Mother
Perinatal Mental Health Support Resources
Newborn Circumcision
Handouts For Common Baby things

Feeding Baby

We will discuss breastfeeding, pumping, bottle feeding, and formula!
Infant Feeding Workshop
Handouts for Infant Feeding Section
Feeding 1hr Postpartum Sets you up for MORE Milk Later
Hand Expression Video
Using a Haakaa Breast Pump

Specialist Interviews

There is a LOT of info in this section but so worth watching! 
These specialists are specially trained in their fields. This information is here to show you want you need to look for when seeking out help from these services. I do not endorse or recommend any specific person, but I do urge you to use this information to find someone trained and specialized in these fields.
Disclaimer: Please Read (It's Quick)
1) Prenatal Nutrition - Essential Nutrients: Noelle RD (@noursihedbeginnings.pregnancy @motherhoodandmeals)
2) Prenatal Nutrition - Kristen Brown RD (@prenataldietitan)
Choosing and Installing Your Car Seat
What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Pelvic Floor Physio - Lynn Sweeney Guest Expert Live Class Recording
Changes To Your Relationship During Pregnancy and Postpartum
New Grandparent Essentials (@morethangrand)
Chiropractic Care In Pregnancy
Foundations of Prenatal Exercise
Pre/Postnatal Exercise - Martine Chiasson
Pooch Parenting - Preparing Your Dog For Baby
Coping With Pregnancy After Experiencing A Previous Loss
How Pregnancy and Postpartum Affect Your Mood
When Pregnancy or Birth Isn't What You Thought It Would Be
C-Sections and Recovery Postpartum - Pelvic Floor
Maternal Mental Health with Guest Expert Nicole McRae
Intuitive Baby Sleep - What is Normal for Infant Sleep and Attachment Needs
Relationships After Having Your Baby: Sheina from @loveafterbaby -
Preparing To Breastfeed with an IBCLC
Breastfeeding Foundations - *Guest Expert* Sarah Hardy-Walsh - May 19
Gross Motor Development In Babies Age 0-6 months - Dr Marie Battaglia DC

Closing

YOU DID IT! But there is still more!
Final Survey

Book & Resource Recommendations

Here are some extra books and resources you might find helpful!
Book & Resource Recommedations
LGBTQIA+ 🏳️‍🌈 Birth
ADHD & Pregnancy YouTube Video Series
Book Recommendation - A Is For Advice: The Reassuring Kind
Book Recommendation: Ina May's Guide To Childbirth - Audiobook Link
Book Recommendation: Babies Are Not Pizza's - They're Born Not Delivered
Book Recommendation: Real Food For Pregnancy
Book Recommendation: The Womanly Art Of Breastfeeding
Book Recommendation: The Wonder Weeks
Book Recommendation: The Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety Workbook: Practical Skills to Help You Overcome Anxiety, Worry, Panic Attacks, Obsessions, and Compulsions
Evidence Based Birth Website
Gentle Birth App
Becoming a BIPOC mother

Birth Stories From Other Parents

I thought it might be really neat to hear from some other parents and their experiences of birth! 
Birth Stories
Birth Stories Night - All Empowered Birth Parents Sharing Their Birth Stories
michelle barclay Empowered Birth Story.mov
Erin's Birth Story - An Empowered Birth Parent
Maiya's Birth Stories
Tiffany's Birth Story - An Empowered Birth Parent
Katherine's Birth Story