Karen Wallace

Childbirth Educator
Hickory, North Carolina
28 years of experience
5.0
About me

I have had 9 natural beautiful Bradley® births, and every one of them was an incredible experience. When I was pregnant with our first child, we took Bradley® classes together. My husband learned how to be an effective labor coach. We gained a deeper understanding of birth and baby care—and things we did not even realize we needed to know, from the stages of labor to breastfeeding, to how to avoid unnecessary interventions. Teaching Bradley® classes is something we really enjoy. They are fun, interactive, and empowering for expectant couples. Jeff brings a bit of humor to the classes and draws from his experience as a father, husband, and coach. After 20 years of teaching in-person classes in four different states—Connecticut, New Jersey, California, and North Carolina—we transitioned to teaching online. Now, we have couples attending from all over the United States. Couples can take our classes from the comfort of their own homes—or wherever they are. Online Bradley® classes are so convenient. Over the years we have learned how to effectively convey information to expecting women and their partners so that they are prepared to give birth and know how to advocate for themselves if they need arises. Our classes include games, break-out rooms so you can interact with the other couples in your Bradley® series, positive birth stories, and ample opportunities to ask questions. Our classes our appropriate for those planning hospital births, home births, and freestanding birth center births. We also provide information to VBAC moms, couples expecting twins, and parents who already have one, two, or three children. I gave birth to my first child at the age of 24 and gave birth to my ninth child at the age of 48. I have given birth in a hospital, a freestanding birth center, and at home. My most challenging births were my sixth and eighth babies.

Education

Masters in Curricum and Teaching, Teachers College, Columbia Universtiy (1993)

Bachelor of Arts, Barnard College, Columbia University (1990)

Certification and training

Bradley® Certified Childbirth Educator and Bradley® Doula (2025)

DONA International PostPartum Doula Workshop (2021)

DONA International Birth Doula Workshop (2020)

Memberships and affiliations

DONA International Member

VBAC Facts® Professional Member

American Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth®

Credentials
BA MA
Specialties
Childbirth Education Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Home Birth Hospital Birth Relaxation Techniques
Languages

English

Service introduction

Childbirth education is my primary focus. My husband and I teach live interactive Bradley® classes online in a Zoom classroom. Our classes include designing your personal birth plan, the stages of labor, comfort measures, effectively navigating the hospital system, advocacy, the coach's role, and a labor rehearsal. Our couples report that they understood the interventions offered and how to truly work as a team during the birth of their baby. Empowering couples is our primary focus.

Packages
Birth-Empowered Bradley® Childbirth Classes
Ten week series of Virtual Childbirth classes which includes access to the Bradley Method® online workbook and resource center. Interactive classes taught by a husband/wife team. Class 1 – Introduction to the Bradley Method® Class 2 – Nutrition and Breastfeeding Class 3 – Gestation and Choices Class 4 – The Coach’s Role Class 5 – Introduction to the Stages of Labor Class 6 – Planning Your Birth Class 7 – Complications and Variations Class 8 – Advanced First and Second Stage Class 9 – The Labor Rehearsal Class 10 – The New Family Virtual Class Reunion about one month after the last couple has their baby.
$449.00
USD Flat rate
Upcoming classes
Bradley® Childbirth Classes Online
Online event
We are Karen and Jeff. Couples from around the country take our live, interactive Bradley® childbirth classes on Zoom. Our ten-week Bradley Method® classes prepare couples for their birth and newborn experience. Our interactive classes include information about childbirth, postpartum, and raising babies. Karen gave birth to all nine of our children using the Bradley Method® techniques that we teach. We help you understand what you may be faced with in the hospital or other birthing places and what you can say and do in response (and in preparation). If your goal is to have a natural birth unmedicated, or even if it is just to have the best experience you can with your birth, taking this class so much more helpful than any hospital or day long class. Our classes help couples get on the same page to prepare for their birth and realize what they need to prepare for the birth experience. Jeff speaks to the partners from his wealth of coaching and parenting experience. Karen and Jeff have been teaching Bradley® classes together for over 25 years. Turning on a zoom class is an easy, achievable thing your husband can do with you leading up to birth and he will feel so much more prepared for the unknowns of birth and postpartum, instead of just the moms! The games, breakout rooms, and opportunities to ask questions makes it seem like the classes are in person. They are just so much more convenient. If something comes up in your schedule you have a chance to watch the recording before it is deleted at the end of the series. If you want to learn how to design your own unique birth plan, birth advocacy skills, and how to avoid interventions sign up for our Bradley® class today. We have a series starting on Tuesday, September 23rd ending on November 25th. The ten week series meets from 7-9:30 Eastern.
$449.00
USD
Learn more
Ratings and reviews
Average
5.0
# of Reviews
4
5.0

Karen and Jeff's class was pivotal in our first birth last year. We had the home birth we planned, with my husband being my guide and protector the entire time. Our baby was born into his hands, which was such a precious moment. Both our doula and assistant midwife told us, in private, that we were the most prepared first-time parents they'd ever witnessed. Whenever I had questions pre or post-birth, Karen was always honest and helpful. Nowadays, there is so much unnecessary fear and pressure placed on parents when it comes to pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. So much. I don't think I would've made it through early postpartum had it not been for her reassurance and resources. Birth and babies don't have to be complicated!

- Sarah M.

5.0

Karen and Jeff are an excellent instructional team. They have decades of experience birthing children together and teaching others to do the same. Their classes are fun and engaging and will prepare you to advocate for the birth you want. They will also equip you with the physical and mental tools you need let go and birth your baby. The money you spend on birth education will benefit you for this birth and for every birth in your future.

- BettyJo K.

5.0

Karen and Jeff are great teachers. I learned quite a bit from the classes and felt I was well prepared for the natural birth of my daughter! Very informative and useful information provided in each session.

- Jen W.

5.0

Karen is an experienced educator and parent. She is kind and compassionate and it shows in every interaction I’ve had with her. I highly recommend working with Karen!

- Emily M.

Frequently asked questions
How does the online virtual class format work?
Do you record the live classes?
Are these childbirth classes just for hospital birth couples or just for couples planning a homebirth?
What is the ideal time to take childbirth classes?
What do husbands say about your classes?
What are your qualifications as Bradley® birth instructors?
I want to have a VBAC. Are Bradley® classes a wise investment for me?
I have already had a baby? Are these classes worth my time?
Do you provide information about prenatal nutrition?
Will my health insurance company pay for childbirth education?
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