Welcome to the personal web site of
ELLEN & CHRISTOPHER CONTARD AAHCC

If you are reading this, you are probably expecting a new baby to come into your life.  You may be the mother, father, relative, or family friend of that new life... Congratulations! 

Chris and I, like every expectant couple, wanted nothing but the best for our little miracle, and after much research decided that the Bradley Method® was the best way to achieve that!  Thanks in large part to our training, we gave birth happily and naturally to our first daughter, Jordan, in 2004.  Our hospital birth made me realize two things: 1) how much birth affects a woman's self-definition and a family's bond, and 2) how much education, preparation, and confidence can affect the outcomes of women and families giving birth, particularly in a hospital setting.  Seeking to spread the joy of the natural birth that I had and empower families to get that in any setting, I decided to become a Bradley® instructor. 

While preparing for the birth of my second child, I had the great privilege of sharing the journey of pregnancy with several students as I taught them about birth, culminating in a lovely homebirth that slipped quietly in between classes 10 and 11 of a Bradley® series!  I have seen a large range of what birth has to offer, from natural to surgical; I have absorbed a great deal of wisdom from mothers, midwives, supportive obstetricians and nurses, doulas, and my own birthing self; and I am thrilled to be privileged to share it with my students!   

This class will help to prepare you to have a wonderful birth in the setting of your choice, be it in a hospital, at home, or at a birthing center. It is best to start classes between the 20th and 24th weeks of pregnancy in order to leave enough time to complete the series.  We meet once a week for twelve weeks, giving you the opportunity to truly absorb knowledge, develop confidence, and train physically and mentally for the greatest work you will ever do!

Classes are taught in a comfortable, informal atmosphere. I teach on Monday evenings (see series information below).  Classes may fill quickly, so sign up early!  Upon payment in full, I will issue an official receipt that can serve as documentation - your insurance company or flex spending plan may reimburse you for part or all of the class tuition!  The course fee covers a great deal, including the Bradley® Student workbook, various handouts, videos, interactive teaching aids, access to my lending library (books and videos), and more! I also attend students' births as a Bradley® doula / assistant coach for an additional fee - ask me for details! 

If my set classes do not work for you due to your weekly schedule, time until your due date, or other concerns, I also arrange private series. Please contact me for details.

Finances should not be the only reason that you do not attend Bradley® classes - if you have difficulties, please contact me to discuss options. Remember that Bradley® classes offer value for life!

Weekend schedule to be announced!

Now accepting students due in October and November for late June classes!






Now accepting students due late December through February for September classes!






For more information or to sign up for my class, please contact me via e-mail (listed below), or at (303)949-0208.  Best of luck to you and your growing family!!!