June 30th, 2010
This is Me, Opening a Childbirth Education Business
Today was one of the most exciting, and terrifying, days of my life. As I’ve been finishing up my CAPPA childbirth educator certification process, I began searching for a place to teach my classes. I called all over my area pricing yoga studios, and found that most charge somewhere in the neighborhood of $25 per hour. If I want that space 3 hours a week, then that quickly adds up to around $300 per month, and nearly $600 per class session. It didn’t seem very economical.
So then I got the hair-brained idea of renting an office space with another educator or two. I asked around on the Chicago doula list, and immediately got responses from a few interested parties.
Fast forward a few weeks, and now I’m looking at spaces. A few more phone calls and emails, and I officially had 3 other ladies who wanted to go into a space with me. Now things were moving forward, but given the amount of space we needed, and what we hoped to pay, it was slim pickin’s in the Chicagoland area. Last week I found one storefront space that would have worked, but by the time I called the owner back to say I might want to take it, he had already rented it. Bummer.
So I drove and drove all over the areas I hoped to rent in, called a thousand different places, and finally found one little space that would have worked, but I wasn’t super excited about it. I felt it was really our last option though if we wanted to start our classes in August. Then I thought (for no particular reason), “I’m going to drive down one more street, just to see…”
And then – I drove by this…
I hopped out of the car and ran to check the window. It looked perfect size – actually slightly bigger than we hoped for. I immediately dialed the number on the For Rent sign, but it rang to the flower shop next door that was closed. I would have to wait until the next day to find out if the space was in our budget.
Other than my labors, that 24 hours of time passed more painfully than anything else I’ve ever suffered through. I wanted this place. I wanted it yesterday. I fell in love with it. In the words of the mouse Chrysanthemum, “It was absolutely perfect.”
When I finally got the owner on the line this morning, I found out that the place was just a bit beyond our price range, which I had expected. I couldn’t let it go without a fight though, so I immediately ran to the space and begged the owner to work with us. She did, and we brought the move-in price to something that I could swallow. By 4:00 pm today, my name was on the lease, and I became the proud renter of the space that will become West Chicagoland’s premiere childbirth & parenting education studio.
Between the four of us, we’ll be teaching comprehensive childbirth education courses, Hypnobirthing, prenatal fitness classes, breastfeeding classes, newborn care classes, sibling classes, and anything else that may come up. I’ve even talked to a photographer who may come in and do affordable maternity shoots once or twice a month for our students. We’re also hoping to work with local green parenting retailers to share business. The possibilities for our space are endless, and I’m feeling great about this decision.
Introducing….
Birthing Babes Childbirth & Parenting Education Studio
728 South Main Street
Lombard, IL
Classes start August 1st! More details coming soon!
Click to Leave a Comment
Congratulations!!! Really looks perfect. Now, (yawn) on that note, I’m off to bed! Yippee!
Jen´s last blog ..Cant we ask the right questions
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Awesome!! Great job. The classes sound like they will be great, I wish I lived close! I wish you success 
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Congrats on the space & the new business!
How about adding some intact care info to the educational list too?
I’d be happy to hook you up with some of the prepuce/circumcision/intact materials we use.
DrMomma´s last blog ..REAL MEN WEAR BABIES
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Would you also consider teaching about Intact awareness? I believe that is also something parents needs to learn about. A lot of parents I have come across did not know that circumcision is no longer medically necessary. No medical or health organization in the world recommends routine infant circumcision.
It is very important for parents to understand that and be given proper information for them to make the best informed decision.
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Oh wow that is SO EXCITING!! And I’m sure everyone wishes they had a similar business in their area – I know I do! Congratulations!
Ruby´s last blog ..Keeping Busy -amp 38 week Belly Pic
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Woohoo! You should definitely consider teaching about Intact Awareness. Let’s save the penises!
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Congratulations!
I’ve thought about doing something like that before. Have you considered a breastfeeding lounge and a boutique? Is the location near a lot of foot traffic or a shopping center?
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Cool!! I’m just starting my certified breastfeeding counselor training through Childbirth International. I hope to one start teaching classes. =)
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(Clicked on a link that surprised me and took me to this post)
You’re getting things together so you can make a difference in the lives of others… GOOD JOB!!! You should be proud of yourself.
Simple as that.
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It’s pink and so absolutely perfect! Congratulations.
I second Dr. Momma’s suggestion as well!
Jen @ Two Embrys´s last blog ..How Do You Raise More Than One Kid
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Fantastic! I’m sure you’ve thought of this but you could have new moms come together and meet in the space (to try and facilitate support when babies are little and playgroups when they grow up). I was part of a New Mom’s Support Group and it was a lifesaver! Mine was lead by a LCSW.
Emily´s last blog ..Distracted
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So exciting! Big congrats to you and your partners! I cannot wait to do something similar in my ‘hood! YAY!
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Congrats! We need childbirth education studios where I live! Ok, we’d take just about any childbirth education lol. I’m so happy for you!
MotherUnexpected´s last blog ..Doulas- Midwives- and Kentucky
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It *is* absolutely perfect! Congratulations!!
foxy.kate´s last blog ..Milkstained- Funny and Informative-
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Gina, you’re so inspiring. AND you kick ass. AND that space kicks ass. Way to go!!!
Kristen´s last blog ..Buffy vs Edward
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This is wonderful!! You will be able to touch so many lives. Congratulations!
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Congratulations! I think that pregnant women are really hungry for this kind of support, so I believe your business will be a huge success. And what a wonderful space! You had to know it was meant to be when this kind of just fell into your lap. Good luck with everything! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
Leslie´s last blog ..Fridays Photo Brothers -amp Sisters Edition
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Leslie – that is exactly it! I believe the Universe sometimes ushers us toward certain things. Perhaps the path of least resistance sometimes means What is Meant to Be. When I was having trouble finding a space, I told my husband I thought that was the Universe’s way of telling me it wasn’t meant to be. Once I saw that space, everything seemed to fall perfectly into place. The whole thing just seems so “right.”
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Congratulations!!
Katie´s last blog ..Way Back Wednesday-
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Congrats! I am totally jealous! This is something I have wanted to do out here in Connecticut for the longest time!
I am just going to live vicariously through your dreams right now. LOL
Danielle´s last blog ..Birth Advocates or Extremists in Disguise
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So excited for you! That space looks really nice.
I think you all will have a lot of business. Congratulations!
Darcel´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday- Father -amp Son
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CONGRATS!! how exciting!! And what a cute little space you’ve found! Good luck with your new business.
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This post gave me chills. The excitement, the promise of a bright future, the fact that everything just seems to be falling right into place for you is amazing.
I recently found your blog (BlogLuxe Award nominations) and actually mentioned it in my post yesterday. I love it! I feel like what you are doing, the awareness you are raising and support you are offering moms is what I was meant to do as well. I don’t know if it will ever happen for me, but I am so glad it is happening for you. I look forward to hearing more about your new project. Good luck!
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Awwe, thanks for the mention – that’s awesome!
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This is SO AWESOME! I’m so excited for you. And for all the ladies you’re going to help, too.
Amber´s last blog ..They all call it Canada
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How wonderful!
One of my aspirations is to be in some sort of baby-babymama-birthinig, supporting, etc. etc. etc. type business by next spring when I wrap up the studies (fingers crossed). I look forward to the posts about the business venture!
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I think this is such a fantastic idea, and I’m so happy that you found a place for you and the other educators! This is what women need, and many women don’t even realize that they need it! I know I didn’t.
Are you going to teach any VBAC prep classes? That is what I wished I had prior to my failed VBAC.
caramama´s last blog ..Question of the Week – You Be the Parent at Bedtime
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I got chills when I read this – your excitement is really infectious! Congratulations!! I can’t wait to hear how it goes.
Karen´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday- Sleepy
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What a perfect little space! You’re going to have such great success and help SO MANY WOMEN! Congrats!
We have a local baby store that offers all the classes you listed along with a cloth diaper info class, a babywearing class, and a breastfeeding support group. Maybe you could partner with a local shop to do the first two (free class with a commission on any resulting sales?) and offer the breastfeeding group as a way to attract moms. My bfing group is very laid back and open and it’s been priceless both in my breastfeeding success and in building a support network of other moms. I hope your area knows how lucky they are to have you.
Suzanne´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday- 15 weeks
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Congratulations Gina! I’m so excited to hear more as the process unfolds! Good luck
Kaitlin Rose´s last blog ..Maximize Nourishment -amp Minimize Toxicity for a Healthy Pregnancy
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HOLY SHIT, GINA!! YOU ARE PREGNANT WITH A BUSINESS!! YOUR DUE DATE IS AUGUST 1ST!!
p.s. I LOVE that it’s vagina pink. Too perfect!
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That is so great! Congrats!
Sheridan´s last blog ..Wondering Wednesday- Concerned about Conceiving
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OMG, this is AMAZING! And it’s so close to me–you make me almost want to get pregnant again just so I can take one of your classes. This is SO cool.
(And if you ever want a pre-natal–or post-natal, for that matter!–belly dance teacher, I’m your gal!)
Peace and ALL good things!
Jenn
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I’ve been debating if I want another child at my “advanced maternal age” of 40. Now I almost feel like I’m just going to have to in order to take your classes!
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Heartiest of congratulations! Have you considered renting hospital-grade breast pumps too? 
If you ever expand, Austin’s a good market for your kind of business.
Sadia´s last blog ..Gender roles
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Oh how incredibly exciting! Congratulations, and I can’t wait to see when it’s open!
Krista´s last blog ..The Halfway Mark
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I’m doing a happy dance JUST FOR YOU! I haven’t been on line much lately with my life being so stressful lately but I’m glad I read this – I’m totally stoked for you!! This is such a cool new path you’re on. Yay Gina!
Melodie´s last blog ..We Interrupt This Breastfeeding Post…
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Congrats! That’s awesome!! I LOVE the building, it’s perfect! I am so happy for you. I wish I lived just a little closer, I would love to make it to your open house.
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Sorry I’m so late on the official congrats!! Wow, Gina. This is such a FANTASTIC opportunity. Not only for you and the other teachers, but for all the expecting moms in the area. So excited for you!
Jill @BabyRabies´s last blog ..“I’m such a mom”
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Best of luck in your venture…this is my dream, too!
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Congratulations!! What a gift! You will do wonderful things there, I can’t wait to see how you decorate it.
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