Welcome to the personal web site of
BARB LINDGREN AAHCC

Congratulations on your Pregnancy!!!

Ever since that first positive pregnancy test, you are both thrilled about having a baby...and terrified of giving birth.

How ?

By completing my Bradley® classes, you can eliminate fears and anxieties about giving birth. Bradley® classes relieves this anxiety by answering your questions about birth so that once the day arrives, you can meet it without reservation.

Here are what women have reported after taking a quality childbirth class::

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  Having the fear taken out of childbirth
  
  
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  Learning how to minimize many common pregnancy discomforts
  
  
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  Reducing the unnecessary pain  in labor and learning techniques that  helped them with any discomfort they experienced in labor
  
  
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  Having a coach that was prepared to assist them in labor with the confidence, understanding and support they needed
  
  
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  Learning how to work with their birth team to get the kind of birth they were looking for
  
  
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  Having had a positive and enpowering birth experience

Bradley® classes can help you give birth feeling relaxed, confident and in control, so that your memory of childbirth is a positive one.

Don't settle for a quick weekend class or one that only prepares you for what to expect when you get to the birth place. You need a class that teaches the what, when, where, why and how to make birthing go as smoothly as possible, from the choices you make during your pregnancy to those during birth and beyond.

After completing the class, you will be an informed consumer who understands birth and is proactive in making the best decisions for your situation. You will have the knowledge and skills to achieve your desired birth experience, however that plays out. Remember, you are investing in the safest, easiest birth for both you and your baby. By being fully informed, you will be equipped to handle every aspect of your birthing with confidence.

I became a certified Bradley® instructor in 1990 after birthing my two children using this method successfully. My goal is to educate and give motivated couples like yourselves the "tools" to having the natural childbirth experience you are looking for. Each couple receives a workbook used in class, along with a binder I created and loan out full of information that supplements the class. I also have an extensive book and video library which couples can borrow from during the series as well as handouts in each class.

Where: Mundelein, IL in Lake County

Sign-Up Info: Contact me by phone or email (see below). Group classes are up to 6 couples and is on a first come, first serve basis. Private classes are occasionally available to meet individual needs.

Cost: The class fee is $350.00. I require a $50.00 non-refunable deposit to hold your place in class. The balance is due on the first day of class. Some insurances and/or Flexible Spending Accounts will cover childbirth classes. Class size is limited, so please register early.

~See class date at end of page below~

 **New! As a certified Bradley® educator, I am happy to announce that I also offer labor support services as a certified Bradley® Doula to couples.

Numerous studies revealed that having an additional labor support person there:

• results in shorter labors with fewer complications
  
• reduces negative feelings about one's childbirth experience
  
• lessens the need for medical interventions (forceps, pitocin, etc.)
  
• lowers the mother's request for pain medication and/or epidurals

 It has also been shown that parents:

• feel more prepared and secure
  
• better adapt to the experience
  
• experience less postpartum depression
  
• have less difficulty breastfeeding
  
• feel more self-confidence

Aren't you and your baby worth it?

Please contact me for more information.

Testimonials From My Students

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My husband and I decided to hire Barb as our Doula after taking her Bradley® Childbirth class. Barb was a huge help during the labor, delivery and postpartum! Her visualization and relaxation techniques helped me progress from being dilated from a 3 to a 10 in two hours. She was completely calm and had many ideas such as a rice pack for my back, using different  positions to ptogress labor, walking the halls, and the use of a labor ball to help me through the painful labor pains. When it came time to push, Barb was right by my side helping me through each contraction. I completely tuned out all voices other than hers and my husbands. After the baby was born, Barb stayed by my side and held my hand while my husband stayed with our baby. Her presense in the labor room allowed my husband the freedom to talk to family and confer with doctors and nurses when necessary. Barb was there to help with breastfeeding and also gave me some very helpful tips during that crucial time. I know that Barb's presence enabled me to have a medication free and very positive birth experience.   ~~ Jessica and Clisby J. (Bradley® students and doula clients, 2010)

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Barb helped us tremendously during pregnancy and labor, she was our “pregnancy and labor doula”.  

Before meeting Barb, we've already had the birth experience twice.  Both times we read books, took a standard (non-Bradley) birthing class and strived for a completely natural birth experience.  Yet, each time we did not get the desired birth experience and barely escaped a C-section (for different reasons).  We did not have support for a natural birth at the hospital and were not adequately prepared to deal with a number of situations that we've encountered. 

I was pregnant with my third child and this time around, we were determined to have a natural birth without pain medications.  We took Bradley® classes with Barb, she was very knowledgeable and patiently answered all of our questions about natural childbirth, dealing with tests, handling possible complications and other situations that could arise.  We were prepared really well and that proved worthwhile.  We again faced doctors who were determined to do a C-section - for new reasons, unrelated to previous births.  We had to switch practices late in the pregnancy.  During this difficult time, Barb helped me deal with the stress and handle the situation.  She helped me make the right decisions and taught me to trust my instincts.

And, Barb is wonderful as a doula!  I had to be induced with pitocin, and she stayed with me from the beginning of induction to the end of my labor (12 hours, ending at 5:30am).  She was walking with me, helped me be comfortable, and provided critical support during contractions, reminding to relax all of my muscles and telling me that I can do it.  Finally, I had a natural birth without pain medications, the experience that we’ve always wanted.  Thank you Barb, we could not have done this without you!!!  

~~Luba & Ilya B., 3 time parents (Bradley® students and doula clients) 2010

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Mick and I learned so much over the course of our Bradley® Natural Birthing classes.  The information and strategies allowed us to make the right decisions for our family.  Barb's lessons prepared us for labor, birth and life with our baby in those first days.   I can say without reservation that the natural birth of our baby was a success largely as a result of the time we committed to the Bradley® Method.  I would recommend that anyone interested in natural childbirth strongly consider taking this course! ~~Becky & Mick B. Proud parents of Theo, 2010

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"The classes with Barb helped us to feel prepared. We had an idea of what labor would be like, but weren't sure how to cope. We began class as a couple with the desire to have a natural birth, and are leaving as a couple who feel capable to have a natural birth. it is so much more than the mother's own strength and endurance. we are excited to have active participants alongside the mother with specific roles to comfort her. Thanks Barb! "~~ Alli & Jon C. , 2010

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"We enjoyed the class a lot! We highly recommend them to other expectant parents-to-be". ~~Luba & Ilya B., 3 time parents, 2010

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" I am so glad to have all the information that I have now. It will help me to make good decisions for labor and delivery. Also the labor techniques and positions will help us achieve our goal of a natural birth". ~~Samantha & Mike M., 2010

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"Barb was a great teacher. very open and learned about the Bradley Method® and willing to share her knowledge for the well beign of couples and the soon to be new additions to their familes. She made us very comfortable with her relaxed setting and method of teaching; as well as her openess that not all births are the same." ~~Elizabeth & Jacob C., 2009

" I just wanted to check in and say thank you again for your class and all that you're doing to help families get off on the right foot with natural and healthy births! Our daughter is 10 months old now and such a joy. I wanted you to know that your Bradley® class made such a huge impact on our lives - not only were we able to have a gentle, natural birth (even in the hospital!) but my husband and I became so much closer during the experience and I feel like we are  better team now than ever before. Also, now I am a total 'birth junkie' and can't stop telling other moms and pregnant girls about my experience! I really want to pursue becoming a doula and maybe someday a homebirth midwife, so over the summer I decided to start by becoming a childbirth teacher and see where that leads. Since Bradley Method® worked so great for us, I ended up going to the Bradley Teacher Training. Anyway, I wanted to thank you for your huge part in getting my family to where they are today. ;-) ~~Lisa M.

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"This class is an excellent resource to teach you how to stay healthy during pregnancy and how to prepare your body for childbirth. You will also learn what to expect in labor and techniques to help manage the labor pains thus maximizing your chance of a natural birth." ~~ Leanne & Adam D., Proud parents of Samuel, 2009

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"We are so excited with our pure unmedicated Bradley® birth experience! Everything happened just the way we dreamt about, and we trully enjoyed every second of it (and still do). Our wonderful midwife and my husband turned out to be the best coach on earth!!! Thank you so much  for all your precious time and information that you shared with us during the classes, we wouldn't be where we are right now if we haven't met you! You were so right, practice makes it perfect".~~ Dina & Michael F., Proud parents of Aaron, 2009

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"While my birth was not what I imagined, I am very pleased with how everything turned out. Thank you sooo much for the Bradley® class. I don't think I would have been able to do it without those classes and the advice we got from your class". ~~ Tiffanie & Ryan, Proud parents of Rylei, 2009

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"We couldn't have done it without the class and you were a fantastic teacher!  Thanks for giving us the oppertunity to tell our story, we really enjoyed it!"~~Ashley & Graham L., Proud parents of Maddox, 2009

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"Thanks for being such a well informed and great teacher".  ~~ Elizabeth & Jake S., 2009

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"Barb is very balanced in presenting what a natural birth looks like, honestly critiquing how modern medicine can hinder the birth process, yet can also help facilitate it." ~~Laura & Al E., 2009

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" I loved the intimacy in the size of the class. It was small enough we got individual attention." ~~Tiffanie & Ryan D., 2009

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"Once again, we would love to thank you for a wonderful class!!! This class was really a great combination of knowledge and activities!"  ~~ Dina & Michael F., 2009

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The Bradley Method® was exactly what I was looking for in childbirth education. My husband and I drove a full 60 minutes each way to take the course with Barb Lindgren, but we didn't mind the commute at all because she is such a terrific instructor. I had interviewed many Bradley® instructors before settling on Barb, but most of them had less experience and less maturity than Barb. I'm grateful that I chose to register for her class because we are completely satisified with her style and expertise. ~~ Tiffany & Robert B., 2009 Proud parents of Reese

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"Barb is a great teacher. this class is a wonderful way to bond with your partner and prepare for your labor and birth."                                                                      ~~Alicia & Jonanthan G. 2009, proud parents of Aiden

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"The Bradley® classes we attended taught by Barb were very informative and had us well prepared to deal with the labor and delivery process of our daughter Elizabeth. We had a good understanding of what to expect, what questions to ask and really didn't have much of a decision onanything at the time since we had discussed everything so thoroughly beforehand. to understand what the woman's body is capable of is enlightening rather than just going in and hoping for the best. " ~~ Kristen & Erik A. 2009, Proud parents of Elizabeth 

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"This class really helped me see I don't need an epidural for my panic attacks. I jusy need to breathe and not be in a hectic environment and when I began to dialate and go there in "pre-pre labor" I understood why and what was happening. ~~Destiny, 2009 Proud mom of Ryder

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"Bradley® classes is great information to help you have a healthy natural birth. It strengthens your relationship with your husband and helps him to be a part of your child's birth. Barb covered the information well and kept it interesting." ~~Laura E. Proud mom of Cyrus, 2009

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"Bradley® helped me feel in control. I was very nervous about birth but knowing the stages and what happens gave me the understanding and control that i was hoping for. It also allowed me to realize there are other ways to birth a baby besides going for an epidural. inwas informed and was able to make the best choice for me and my baby. " ~~~ Julie F. Proud Mom of Joel, 2009

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"Bradley® classes are the best way a father-to-be can participate in the birth of his child. Barb does a great job of explaining all the alternatives foa a decision so that you and your wife can make the best choice for your birth."  ~~ George F. Proud Daddy of Joel, 2009

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"Thanks for all your treaching. The classes made it so I really felt like I knew what was happening during the process." ~~ Rachel & Rob J. Proud Parents of Max, 2009

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"This class was wonderful. We loved how personal the class was because of the small group we had and because it was held in Barb's home. We loved the ability to ask any and all questions that were on our minds and that the setting was very honest and comfortable. Barb is very knowledgeable about the entire birth process and is a great teacher. The class includes a wide range of visuals and other techniques to help you become as comfortable knowledgeable as you possibly can for the big day!Going into the class, my husband and I knew we wanted a doula and actually had a doula in mind we were going to hire for the birth. After taking a few a few of our Bradley® classes, we knew that Barb was the right choice for our doula. We are very comfortable with her, she is very comforting to us, so we hired her!"  ~~ Ricki & Elliot W., 2008

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"My husband found this class to be very educational and helpful. There are a lot of other classes out there that only inform you of your medication options or non-natural methods. The Bradley Method® taught us a lot about the good and bad of all these methods. Mainly, it taught us to be informed. There are so many interventions that can occur if you don't know what is going on. This is due to a lack of information. We feel that this course was great in expanding the information every expectant couple should have. Our teacher, Barb, was excellent! She informed us without being biased. She didn't make anyone feel like only one way was right. It was more about taking the information we received and using our own opinions to proceed with what we feel is right for us. I think this class will definitely help us confidently proceed with a natural childbirth experience! Thank you Barb!" ~~Monica & David P. 2008

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"I was very happy that my husband was very understanding of the process and was able to work with me through each step, knowing exactly what to do. The classes were very helpful and made for an easier labor and delivery. We were prepared. We were ready. And we did it! Thank you again Barb!  ~~ Tom & Liz P. proud parents of Chamberlain, 2008

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"We both left the class having learned something new, and feeling a little more confident and comfortable. Barb did a wonderful job making the students a cohesive, supporting group".         -- Elizabeth & John Z. 2008

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"Barbara's classes provide not only information about natural childbirth, but how to thoroughly enjoy the entire process of being pregnant, giving birth and nursing. The classes really helped both my husband and I to strengthen our relationship and bond with our baby before giving birth."  --Jill & Michael W. Proud Parents of Alan, 2007

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"We are very happy to find this class and amazed with information that it provides for labor, delivery and caring for your baby. Barbara is really nice and knowledgeable person, who really cares about you and willing to help in every possible way. The atmosphere was very relaxed and friendly allowing you to talk and ask any questions freely without tension. We had no idea that this class willl change our whole idea about giving birth. Thank you so much, it was really a special experience."  --- Svetlana & Igor 2007

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" Barbara clearly is quite devoted to helping couples have the best possible birthing experience. Her knowledge, resources and enthusiasm make this a worthwhile class. Barbara pays attention to teach couples  individual needs and can offer suggestions and information. I would recommend the class to any couple starting a family together!"  --- Jill and Michael W. 2007

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"I feel that any woman and her husband could absolutely benefit from Bradley® classes to be able to have the knowledge about pregnancy, labor and childbirth and to truly understand the available options during labor and delivery which are invaluable. I greatly appreciated Barb's knowledge, teaching abilities, and her viewpoint of childbirth as a natural process and her extremely claming nature. Her knowledge coupled with her calming nature made me feel very reassured that I have selected her to have as my doula during labor and delivery!" .     -- Amy and Brady S. Proud parents of Jordan, 2007

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"The Bradley® classes helped alleviate the overwhelming concerns and fears of childbirth. After taking the Bradley® classes with Barb Lindgren, we feel comfortable and confident that we will have a positive childbirth experience".     -Winnie and Rachel D. First time parents, 2007

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"All of the information and techniques that we learned will be instrumental in helping us have the birth that we want. This class not only prepared us for the birth of our baby, but it also brought us so much closer together as a couple because we are working together towards a common goal. My husband feels so much more actively involved in the pregnancy and birth than he would have otherwise. Plus, we now have the tools and confidence that we need to know that we can do this, as opposed to just "trying". Barb's teaching style was very supportive and open. We thoroughly discussed all topics in the workbook and we were also able to discuss and obtain advice on our particular situations so we can learn from each other. We look forward to the baby reunion".    - Kristy and Jay K., First time parents, 2007

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"I am so glad that we were referred to the Bradley Method® and how lucky we were to stumble onto Barb's name. The classes were a huge help to us and so informational. Barb was an excellent teacher who made us feel confident that we would have a successful birth with the resources we learned in class. She was so encouraging and was not only a teacher, but a friend as well. I would definitely refer this class to expectant couples out there and absolutely try to take the class from Barb. Hopefully she'll let us come back for a refresher course for baby #2".   - Angie and Mike P. Proud Parents of Ethan born in 2006                                                                                

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 "Even though I ended up having to have a c-section because my baby was breech, the Bradley® technique/classes still applied.  I was very anxious about the surgical procedure so my husband stepped right up and started walking me through some of the relaxation and visualization techniques to help me through.  And because of the classes, we were proactive in requesting time with our baby once we were in the recover room to begin to breastfeed. The classes were very insightful and we hope to be able to apply the techniques more directly with baby # 2."    - Errol and Kari B. Proud Parents of Lindsey born in 2006

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 We can't say enough about the class, Barbara and the Bradley Method®. I (Heather) think that there are aspects of the class that I will use outside of L & D for the rest of my life. We will continue to let other expecting couples know about the method and if we ever have more children, we will be back!!

.     --Heather & Keenan L. Proud parents of Olivia 2006

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 I like that the class recognizes the mother and her coach as having the ability to be their best resources during the birth.

-Ann Marie & Mitch T., Proud parents of Joseph, 2006

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Barbara is a great Bradley® teacher. I really appreciate her balanced viewpoints and comments that kept the material more accessible. I had heard from a couple of friends that their Bradley® teachers sometimes were so extreme in their anti-medicine/medical establishment viewpoints that it pushed away their husbands. hearing a more balanced and logical viewpoint from Barbara also helped when I communicated my birth plans to my doctor and my dad (also an OB). The absolute best thing about the class is that I feel calm (most days) and prepared for childbirth.

-Jody & Igor R., Proud parents of Nathan, 2006

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Everything was wonderful. The information we learned in the classes helped to make my labor calm and relaxing because I knew what to expect as well as what to do. A+ Teach!

-Michelle & Aaron K. Proud parents of Selah 2006

"I'm so incredibly glad we took this class. It has brought us so much closer and we have both gained a tremendous amount of confidence in ourselves and our birth. I can't imagine how anyone could go into labor without taking a Bradley® course to prepare them".     -- Tienne and Dan M. Proud Parents of Kaden, 2003

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Please call me for details at 847-566-6511 or email me

"If you don't know your options, you don't have any." Korte and Scaer