Newborn care classes - Portland
Nurtured Path: Foundations of the Fourth Trimester
The early postpartum period—often referred to as the fourth trimester—is a deeply tender and transformative time. Our Foundations of the Fourth Trimester classes will help you feel ready for the realities of life with a newborn. From recovery and rest to feeding, soothing, and building your support system, these classes give you the tools, confidence, and community to step into parenthood with greater ease and care.
“In the quiet hours of the fourth trimester, your baby learns the world through your touch, your voice, your gaze. The simplest acts become sacred.”
The Nurtured Path:
Foundations of the Fourth Trimester
At Wildwood Birth, we believe that every family deserves to enter new parenthood feeling supported, informed, and empowered.
Our Foundations of the Fourth Trimester classes are newborn care and postpartum preparation classes designed to give you the tools, confidence, and grounding you need—whether you’re preparing for your first baby or adding to your family.
Preparing for life with a newborn requires imagining an entirely new life with a new set of needs. This class is about cultivating confidence, resilience, and support for your family’s unique journey. We explore the fundamentals of newborn and postpartum preparation, and beyond:
What to expect in the early days and weeks after birth
Tools for soothing, feeding, and bonding with your baby
Baby wearing and swaddling
Partner/support person roles and shared recovery planning
Gentle guidance for physical and emotional healing
Creating a system of supports that truly sustain you
We offer two unique class formats, so you can choose the learning experience that best fits your needs and schedule. Bundle with a Foundations of Birth class for the complete Birth & Baby preparation package.
Foundations of Fourth Trimester classes are taught by Wildwood newborn care educator and postpartum doula, Lakiah Olson.
2-part series on Thursdays
This option is designed for families who want to linger longer with their learning over the course of two weeks — preparing for life with a newborn, and for their own recovery in the weeks that follow. This class offers space for conversation that goes deep, hands-on practice, and real preparation. You’ll leave with a strong foundation in:
Newborn feeding basics, including breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and what’s normal in the early days
Understanding sleep patterns, soothing techniques, and baby cues
Postpartum healing, emotional adjustment, and planning for support at home
Building confidence in your ability to navigate when common newborn questions arise
This format is ideal if you want practical, evidence-based guidance before your baby arrives — so you can enter the fourth trimester feeling more prepared, supported, and steady.
Upcoming Dates:
Thursdays, March 12th and 19th from 6-8pm
Where: Fremont United Methodist Church
Who: Anyone expecting a baby! Each class registration includes attendance for two — you and a partner or other close support person.
Cost: $225 for families working with a Wildwood doula, $245 for those joining us just for the class. If cost is a barrier, please reach out — sliding scale and payment plans are available.
Saturday Intensive
This option is designed for families who want focused, practical preparation for the fourth trimester in a single, efficient session. Over four hours together, we’ll cover the essentials of newborn care and postpartum recovery, with plenty of time for questions and discussion. You’ll leave with a solid foundation in:
Newborn feeding basics, including breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and what’s normal in the early days
Sleep patterns, soothing strategies, and understanding baby cues
Postpartum healing, emotional adjustment, and planning for support at home
Building confidence in your ability to navigate when common newborn questions arise
This format is ideal if you prefer a one-day intensive that delivers clear, evidence-based information in a supportive and welcoming space.
Upcoming Dates:
Saturday, May 2nd from 1-5pm
Where: Fremont United Methodist Church
Who: Anyone expecting a baby! Each class registration includes attendance for two — you and a partner or other close support person.
Cost: $210 for families working with a Wildwood doula, $230 for those joining us just for the class. If cost is a barrier, please reach out — sliding scale and payment plans are available.
We also teach
Childbirth Education
Create a class bundle with Foundations of Birth and Foundations of the Fourth Trimester.