Comprehensive, Independent Childbirth Courses
Created by Midwife Shelly Varelli LM, CPM
Prepare for birth with knowledge, confidence, and practical tools you can actually use.
Birth preparation is about more than learning the stages of labor.
Good childbirth education helps you understand your body, explore your options, recognize what matters to you, and feel prepared to participate in decisions throughout birth and postpartum.
You don't need to be planning a particular kind of birth to belong here.
Whether you are preparing for birth at home, in a birth center, or in the hospital—with or without pain medication—my goal is not to teach you the "right" way to give birth. It is to help you understand what is happening, know what options may be available, identify your own values and preferences, and feel better prepared for the experience ahead.
Shelly’s studies include clinical applied science, natural sciences, holistic medicine, extensive knowledge of anatomy & physiology, multiple modalities of bodywork, energy healing, and training as a professional midwife. She has been providing holistic integrated women’s health care and studying birth and female biomechanics for over ten years.
"You can have a meaningful, positive birth experience in any setting."
ChildBirth Education Options Available
All classes offered intentionally bring together physiology, holistic and traditional information, current evidence, practical experience, informed decision-making, and respect for the many different ways people choose to give birth. Autonomy and self-advocacy are important themes you will find consistently throughout these classes.
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One-One Coaching
One-on-one pregnancy, birth, and/or postpartum coaching with Shelly Varelli.
This is a great option if you want personalized education, help exploring options, preparing questions for your care team, or additional support navigating pregnancy and postpartum.
"I am looking for more individualized support"
$45/30 min
$85/60 min
$120/90 min
2
Hands-On Comfort Measures For Labor & Birth
In person Workshop
Practice positions and comfort techniques with a partner.
"We want the education AND want to practice it together with you in person."
Two Steps:
1. Pre-recorded lecture prior to attending.
2. In person practice
$115 per pair
Comprehensive Childbirth Education Program
Self-Paced / Instant Access / Unlimited Listens
Fee for All Courses: $240.00
Comprehensive, Structured Preparation.
Prepare for birth with guidance from a practicing midwife who supports families through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum every day. This comprehensive, self-paced program is designed to help you feel informed, grounded, and confident as you approach your birth and early days with your baby.
Whether you’re planning a homebirth, birth center, or hospital experience, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how your body works, how to navigate decisions, and how to approach birth with clarity instead of fear.
What You’ll Gain
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A clear understanding of the physiology of labor and birth
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Practical tools to cope with intensity and stay grounded
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Confidence in making informed decisions for you and your baby
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Preparation for postpartum recovery and newborn care
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Guidance your partner or support team can actively use
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This is not just information—it’s preparation you can actually apply.
How the Program Works
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Instant access to all lessons upon purchase
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Move through the content at your own pace
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Revisit any lesson at any time (no expiration)
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Each module includes:
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A recorded class taught by a practicing midwife
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Downloadable slides for easy reference
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Curated resources and handouts to support deeper learning
What’s Included
Six Core Classes:
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Anatomy + Physiologic & Clinical Phases of Labor
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Comfort Measures + Pain Relief Options
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Informed Consent, Shared Decision-Making & Interventions
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Postpartum Recovery + Healing
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Lactation
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Infant Feeding
Bonus Content:
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Normal Newborn Care
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Homebirth Preparation
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Nutrition in Pregnancy & Postpartum
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Creating a Birth Plan
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Understanding Birth Settings
Ongoing Support
You’re not doing this alone.
As part of this program, you’ll have access to midwife Shelly Varelli for questions, clarification, and support along the way.
Investment
$240 = Lifetime Access!
Fee is included for OHMI clients (Check your email for code to apply at checkout)
"Families who complete this program often share that they feel calmer, more prepared, and more confident heading into their birth experience.”
Comfort Measures for Labor & Birth
Class & Workshop
The next In-Person class offering is:
October 4th, 2026
Sunday, 10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Learn it. Practice it.
$115 per pair
Discover what works for you. Knowing about labor positions and comfort techniques is one thing. Practicing them with the person who will support you during labor is something entirely different.
This two-part course combines a recorded birth-preparation class with an in-person, hands-on workshop where you and your support person can practice movement, positioning, touch, coping techniques, and practical tools for labor.
The workshop is appropriate whether you are planning to give birth at home, in a birth center, or in the hospital
Two-part course:
Part One: Pre-Class Lecture (recording delivered via email after you register -watch the recording before attending the hands-on workshop)
Part Two: An intensive 3-hour, In-Person, Hands-On Workshop
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Wear comfortable clothing for light activity. Bring a yoga/exercise mat (or thick beach towel) and an inflated exercise ball that fits your body. We have a few we can share if you do not have one.
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Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. There will be a 15-20 minute snack break.
Schedule:
We typically offer the Comfort Measures for Labor & Birth Workshop three to four times each year, allowing each pregnant person the opportunity to attend at some time within their pregnancy window. Because the workshop is taught by our primary midwives, who remain on call for births 24/7, workshop dates may occasionally be rescheduled if we are actively attending a birth.
Enrollment:
In effort to provide a dynamic, interactive learning experience, workshops require a minimum of four enrollments. If the minimum enrollment is not met approximately one week before the scheduled workshop, participants will be notified.
In the Event of a Cancellation:
You will retain access to the pre-class educational recording and will be offered an option to schedule a personal ‘birth coaching and preparation meeting’, covering the same topics (or more based on individual needs) for the same cost as the desired class.
REGISTER FOR THE NEXT WORKSHOP
(You will be connected to the OHMI Midwives Booking page)
Individual Childbirth Education Courses
Available On-Demand / Instant Download / Self-paced
Comfort Measures For
Labor & Birth
Explore practical tools for coping with labor, including movement, positioning, touch, relaxation, partner support, and non-pharmacologic pain relief options.
On-Demand • Self-Paced
$40/each
This pre-recorded lecture is an independent offer. The hand-on, in-person workshop is not part of this offering.
It is included for those who sign of for the workshop.
If you choose this course and later decide to attend the workshop, reach out for a blended course offering.
Infant Feeding
Understanding newborn digestion, cycles, and more. Explore ALL the options for feeding your baby.
Homebirth Preparation
What does it look like to birth at home? This class covers everything from supplies, qualifications of your birth team, protocols, waterbirth, safety, transfers, set up & clean up.
Normal Newborn Care
This class goes beyond how to bathe your baby or change a diaper... you will learn to recognize what is normal vs NOT normal, sleeping patterns, bonding and attachment explore parenting styles, etc
Postpartum Mental Health
Postpartum planning & support. Information and signs for perinatal mood & anxiety disorders. Support and Resources.