Real Birth Knowledge LLC, owned and operated by Jayda Bryan, is bringing much-needed Lamaze childbirth education classes to the Virgin Islands, offering expectant parents a well-rounded, compassionate, and empowering approach to the childbirth experience.
Lamaze, a worldwide recognized childbirth method introduced by Dr. Fernand Lamaze in 1951, aims to ensure that critical information centered around pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum experience is accessible and easily digestible for participants. This method of childbirth builds its foundation through empowering women to trust the instinctual wisdom that their bodies carry in order to promote natural childbirth in conjunction with the knowledge of modern medicine, according to Bryan’s website.
Lamaze childbirth education classes advocate for evidence-based care that facilitates informed decision-making by expectant parents. “In my Lamaze childbirth education classes we focus on newborn procedures, lactation, skin-to-skin, delayed cord clamping and all of the evidence-based practices that encourage healthy bonding between mother and baby. We also discuss emerging research that offers insight into how specific medical interventions during labor may create long-term consequences,” said Bryan.
Bryan, who is a registered nurse and Lamaze certified childbirth educator, is passionate about maternal healthcare in the Virgin Islands and wants to make information and resources more available for expectant parents.
“A component of my business is creating a database of perinatal information, which we don’t already have in our community. It’s really hard if you are looking for an OBGYN, therapist, or pediatrician to get a comprehensive list of these practitioners in our area, unlike the states where a quick Google search can yield quick information such as the proximity, address, and phone number of the services you seek. I’ve created on my website a complete interactive perinatal directory, which includes approximate cost of visits, a list of compatible insurance plans, and information on each provider. I have also authored an e-book called Birthing Without Insurance, which is specific to the Virgin Islands and guides women on places they can go to receive affordable care,” she said.
Bryan’s e-book will be available in February. It is a free download from her website.
Another initiative Bryan is working on through her business, Real Birth Knowledge LLC, is a compilation of Virgin Islands birth stories in which mothers share birthing experiences in our community. “These stories are unique to us and much of the information that moves through our community is by word of mouth. Many women are unfamiliar with the services, resources, and groups that operate in our community intended to support a mother through her perinatal experience. One of the best ways to prepare for the experience of giving birth is by listening to other people’s positive stories and to bring forward stories that expectant and new mothers can relate to,” she said.
Bryan believes that bridging the gap of information for expectant parents in our community will create more empowered families. “Birth is a physiological process. We wouldn’t be here today if we weren’t already giving birth in nature. Since the beginning of human history, women have been giving birth to babies naturally. We need doctors who have the skill set to provide medical interventions in case things go wrong, and we also need to build the trust within ourselves to know that our bodies are capable of giving birth. By giving women all the information, we build their confidence,” she said.
Real Birth Knowledge LLC is set to begin its next installment of Lamaze childbirth education classes entitled “Giving Birth Confidently” in February.
For more information, visit their website at realbirthknowledge.com, email info@realbirthknowledge.com, or call 340-643-1069.
