https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/blog daily 0.75 2020-04-15 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/blog/10-ways-to-create-connection-during-shelter-in-place monthly 0.5 2020-04-15 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/blog/a-letter-to-my-clients-during-the-covid-19-pandemic monthly 0.5 2020-03-30 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/blog/ambivalence-in-pregnancy monthly 0.5 2020-01-28 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/blog/freezer-meal-resources monthly 0.5 2020-01-16 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/blog/to-have-or-not-to-have-siblings-at-birth monthly 0.5 2020-01-16 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/blog/death-and-dessert monthly 0.5 2020-01-16 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/blog/elephant monthly 0.5 2020-01-16 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/blog/every-day-is-a-snow-day monthly 0.5 2020-01-16 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/blog/why-you-shouldnt-try-to-have-a-natural-birth monthly 0.5 2020-01-16 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/blog/tag/shelter-in-place monthly 0.5 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/blog/tag/date+night+idea monthly 0.5 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/blog/tag/Covid-19 monthly 0.5 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/blog/tag/date+nights+at+home monthly 0.5 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/blog/tag/caronavirus monthly 0.5 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/blog/tag/pandemic monthly 0.5 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/about-us daily 0.75 2025-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1578865990234-V5EBQW3Y1F8AQ8T6XVOQ/samanda.jpg About - Hi! I’m Samanda. I offer https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/event-registration daily 0.75 2020-01-12 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/testimonials daily 0.75 2020-01-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579196636146-GHNZA56A9F2PLABBOR9N/IMG_1965-1-1.jpg Testimonials “Samanda has been with us for Birth & Beyond Class for our first, and for Refresher Course and as our doula for our last baby. Her Birth and Beyond class is an in depth, down to earth, open, realistic look at natural childbirth. Our class was 5 couples, a mix of homebirth, hospital and birthing center. She won't be telling you breathe instead of yell; she'll be telling you how to follow your instincts and channel your energy. She gives you lots of resources and expects you'll do some homework. She was helpful with postpartum issues and giving opportunities to connect to new parents; everyone says it's a whole new world and you won't know it until you live it and it takes a village - that's all true and it is helpful to not start that village from scratch. The refresher course was great when we were expecting our last baby. A way to refresh on coping strategies for labor; reflect on previous births hopes, fears and realities; discuss expectations for this new baby and the transformation on your existing family. -Maddy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579139051765-ZE213B7E74WAS03TPQ2O/IMG952019060495075726-compressed.jpg Testimonials “I had a lot of fear about giving birth, and felt confident that I would do best in a hospital with access to an epidural. But my fear about labor was still overwhelming, so when a friend recommended I consider using a doula and referred me to Samanda, I was open to any help I could get. She had us take her class, and it was crazy how each week we both felt way less afraid. By the end of the course, we felt almost over-prepared and were totally at peace. When labor started, I felt confident and was equipped with tons of coping techniques, my husband was also prepared for how best to support me, and having Samanda's practical support, knowledge, and encouragement throughout labor was such a game changer, even with an epidural! I don't even want to imagine what pregnancy and labor would have been like without her!!” -Kelsey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1580077727005-ZQ26DPF4MYY09MY76Q8E/Documents-0005.jpg Testimonials Before we even learned we were pregnant, we knew we desired to have a natural birth. Fast forward to when we were 18 weeks pregnant and received our daughter's prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome and a Congenital Heart Defect, our team of doctors shared that our desire to have a natural childbirth could still be possible. We learned about Samanda's classes after searching for a natural childbirth class in the area and were immediately intrigued simply based on the number of times her Birth and Beyond class met. After leaving our first class, we turned to each other and said, "This class will be worth every penny!" The level of detail, care, and attention Samanda provides to couples is incredible. I (Matt) am an upper cervical chiropractor and while I felt knowledgable about anatomy and had a general understanding of the birthing process, I gained greater confidence in the process and how to support my wife, as we partnered together to bring our daughter into the world. The techniques Samanda taught throughout her classes were especially helpful during labor. Our birthing experience was so incredibly special and beautiful in every way. We'll never forget how full our delivery room was with our medical team and how our hearts were even fuller when we welcomed our beautiful, baby girl, Selah Grace into the world. There wasn't a dry eye in the room when she arrived. We entered into the birthing process feeling as confident and empowered as we could be as first-time parents and we owe that all to Samanda. We highly, highly recommend Samanda and her classes to anyone who is considering having a natural birth. -The Strazewski Family https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579133784217-1Q0RL117U64QW8J75J30/Baby%2BEdith.jpg Testimonials “Samanda does a great job of integrating the informational/educational piece with the experiential/practicing piece. And throughout the class she keeps a dialogue going to encourage us to ask questions and explore feelings and concerns that come up. The biggest positive in the class is that Samanda becomes your personal resource. She truly cares for her students and will help them in any way she can. Her homework exercises and her lessons on pain coping mechanisms and birthing positions helped me endure a long labor. Her class also devotes time to hospital transfer. She helped us realize that we shouldn’t fear a hospital transfer and that we can have positive birth experiences after a transfer. This was true for us!” - Janelle and Colin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1580049911790-5852M8W5NM8LDI7U6O3A/0M3B0053_websize.jpg Testimonials I am so thankful my midwife recommended Naturally Prepared as a birth prep class. It prepared me for much more than birth... it changed the trajectory of my family's life by teaching me to ask more questions, advocate for my own and my child's needs, connecting deeply with my partner on decisions, and trusting myself and my body. Samanda cares deeply about her clients as evidenced by her sacrifice of time and care. The classes are holistic in that they prepare both you AND your partner mentally, physically, emotionally... as a whole person ... for the big journey you are about to be a part of! I took refresher classes for my second and third birth, and they were just as valuable as the first. I have recommended her countless times over the years and each friend came back raving about how essential her class was to their birth. I am very thankful for the amazing gift that Samanda and Naturally Prepared are! - Allison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579196717405-KQX58N6X7RZ83RKCHZZE/12-ikin-12.jpg Testimonials Maddy (continued): “As a doula, Samanda was amazing. My biggest regret was not having her as a doula with my first. She was a support to me and my husband in making difficult decisions before labor, but her real magic is in labor. I felt so empowered and proud of myself and my daughter with her by my side. Whenever I felt like I maybe couldn't keep going, I just had to look to her and she knew the right way to help me, no words needed to be spoken. I just felt like she could read me. My second daughter's birth was everything I could have dreamed of. Our postpartum experience was really magical and I feel I owe Samanda a debt of gratitude for the key role she played in our journey. Her doula services were worth every penny and more ❤” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579213496688-AH60PPCB99I30GLOZLC9/110813+Leath-53bw.jpg Testimonials “Taking the Birth and Beyond class really got us prepared for our home birth. Because this was our first baby and birth class, we really didn’t know what to expect. After we attended our first class, we knew without a doubt that this was the class for us. Samanda was very welcoming and warm. She is very educated on the whole birth process, both in the home and in the hospital. She taught us everything from birth positions to freezer meals. She prepared us as a couple, reminding us that we still need to make time for each other when baby arrives. We even learned tips on how to set up the birthing pool (they came in very handy ;). We looked forward to class every Wednesday. I wish we could have had class every week until our baby was born! The best part about Naturally Prepared is that you are surrounded with like-minded people, in my opinion, that is the most important part. Samanda is the best!” – Erin and Jordan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579137603320-ZBXD3LXS1LM3E2YN39XA/stacey.jpg Testimonials “I took Samanda's class with my mom in 2011 in preparation for my twin homebirth while my husband was overseas. Not only did her class prepare me for the water birth of twin A and land birth of twin B but it also prepared me for the transfer of twin A after delivery due to respiratory issues and for the weeks of postpartum adjustment as a new mom of multiples with my spouse hundreds of miles away. Now 9 years later we are in another state and have added two more kiddos to our family and with each birth I have reviewed notes from that original class despite having attended another childbirth class with #3. The Naturally Prepared Facebook community is still my first stop for any questions or concerns as I journey through natural parenting from pregnancy to raising 9yr olds and everything in between.” - Stacey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579365110485-4HNHBVNE1LPYTJSHCPXA/IMG_1235-2%2B%25281%2529.jpg Testimonials “Samanda is a truly passionate and gifted educator and doula. My husband and I were fortunate to find her during our doula search for our first baby. Right away we knew we wanted her to be on this journey with us because we felt she genuinely cared about both of us, not just the mom. Her classes left us prepared to face unmedicated childbirth with knowledge and power and took some of the fear away. When it came time for the birth of our sons, Samanda was by our side for the duration as our partner and advocate, helping us move the births along with techniques and giving encouragement. Samanda’s care doesn’t stop at birth either. I so appreciated her postpartum visits and insight during such a tender time of total upheaval. In short, to be cared for as client of Samanda’s is to be loved!” — Ashley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579134141362-1PPCCJV0UNRP9KR0AQN1/014.JPG Testimonials “My husband and I took the Birth and Beyond class knowing already that we would have a hospital birth. The way that the class surprised me the most was the way that my husband became absolutely enthralled with the birthing process. He was the most amazing labor partner, responding to questions while I was in labor such as, “Why do you want to delay cord clamping” with confidence in his educated answers. I have no doubt in my mind that it is because of Naturally Prepared that we had an absolutely perfect natural hospital birth. Samanda’s truly passionate about her work and will make you even more passionate about your birth.” — Joanna and Maic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579144850965-8WVEMS53LE13WDGV914M/FullSizeR001.jpg Testimonials “My husband and I took Samanda’s class for both our first and the refresher for our second. We learned so much about what to expect, how to handle natural birth, and how to prepare ourselves to welcome our precious little ones. As an added bonus, my husband and I bonded through the exercises and he became the best support I could have asked for. I always recommend her classes to expecting families!” - Nicole https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579213807552-OBPPZM9RCIJW37ZGFK77/kate_and_jeff.jpg Testimonials “The Naturally Prepared class was awesome! Each session was packed with helpful info, great discussions/Q&A time, and really beneficial exercises and ‘homework’. The small class size, comprehensive handouts, and Samanda’s great personality made it a pleasure to learn about natural birth options and practices. Then, when I went into preterm labor and ended up delivering at a local hospital, Samanda was gracious enough to fulfill our last-minute request to be our doula. She offered amazing support, and between that and the “what happens if I transfer?” session of the class, we were able to cope with the sudden departure from our planned-for birth experience. Then Samanda offered lots of invaluable postpartum support as we navigated the foreign waters of the NICU. With so much compassion and expertise, I’m so, so glad that we were able to work with her during our birth preparation and experience!” – Kate and Jeff https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579138545156-18O5TKHVZIRJDV8J6P18/Caitlin.jpg Testimonials “In early 2018 my family found ourselves pregnant for the second time. Our oldest was born relatively easily at the Birth Center so we decided to do a home birth and needed a birth education refresher course that would cover basic refresher materials but also include education relating to the birth site change. We liked the idea of a refresher from a birth educator who was well known, and came with glowing recommendations by our midwives. Samanda's classes were in the evenings with availability that suited all three of the couple's in the class. Beyond how great Samanda herself was, and is, her class helped me quiet my fears about birth and family. I appreciated her hands on doula work experience because she had a calmly delivered technique for any situation we could hypothesize. In short, I'm grateful for Samanda and the services that she tailor makes for her clients.” - Caitlin https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/faq daily 0.75 2025-07-19 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/home daily 1.0 2024-07-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1578173664810-2XIEPKEK47QK0TBNL3QM/20191117_203925.jpg Home - Samanda Educator, community builder, guide, social worker and therapist, friend, mother, helper, storyteller and storykeeper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1578937029470-5GUPSLPLU7C20ERDLCU2/lackey.jpg Home - Naturally Prepared provides Empowering Education and Support for your Pregnancy, Birth, and Parenting Journey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1578174321814-AER2U9JE7LUWYJNDYGBC/20190222_201806%25252B%252525281%25252529.jpg Home - Confident Clients Naturally Prepared classes are enthusistically recommended by area midwives, birth centers, doulas, and parents. https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/schedule daily 0.75 2025-07-19 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/registration-form daily 0.75 2023-03-22 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/baby-and-beyond daily 0.75 2020-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579011392322-263H656M2C37J40T7F45/IMG_5629.JPG Baby and Beyond - Having a baby is one of the most wonderful things in your life, as well as the hardest thing in your life. Nuno Bettencourt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579013078327-O8RUCHOD94GH0KE3JLAR/IMG_5537.jpg Baby and Beyond This class is offered 3 times per year, typically between Birth and Beyond sessions. The class fee is $100 and is payable at the class. Birth and Beyond participants get a $25 discount on attendance. The class fee includes snacks, a postpartum goody bag, a binder full of information and resources, 1 class (5 hours). https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/services daily 0.75 2024-07-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1578931369454-5022RMZM8WT1GKIYE5N8/0M3B0067_websize.jpg Services https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1578931391970-CULLV1XOXS3JGHJ72LID/0M3B0070_websize.jpg Services https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1578931115559-EUMAGTLDEG2181EI4G1N/image-asset.jpeg Services https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1578931830249-VIF3CZPURWEK28F85E50/untitled-28.jpg Services https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1578931171880-39SQIEMW1P41INO0QA12/0M3B9998_websize.jpg Services https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/birth-and-beyond daily 0.75 2024-07-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1578949150231-74N12EH4687WIV6VRJQY/ice%2Bhands.jpg Birth and Beyond - “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” - Jon Kabat-Zinn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1578949394988-E2AS5GXMOC4JOQDWUY1H/20190516_204952.jpg Birth and Beyond Class days and times are arranged by participants, see more information on the Schedule. The class fee is $400 and is payable at the first class. The class fee includes a goody box full of tools to use in labor, a binder full of information and resources, class snacks (things good to eat in labor), 6 small group classes (3 in person and 3 virtual) and one private class (2 hours). https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/doula-services daily 0.75 2025-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579228566300-FFZ50NOU8RJ94JXM2ZCO/Robyn.jpg Doula Services - “Speak tenderly to them. Let there be kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile, in the warmth of your greeting. Always have a cheerful smile. Don't only give your care, but give your heart as well.” - Mother Teresa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579361291975-I5EH95VOAXTD0Q98Y29R/IMG_1090%2B%25281%2529.jpg Doula Services Post birth at Mercy Birth Center, with Ashley and Danny Elchert. Page Avenue Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579231633938-KQ2R50YKKNVQ0NX4YE7H/untitled-101.JPG Doula Services As a doula, my primary goal is to build a unique relationship with you that includes consistency and continuity of care so that you and your partner feel safe and well supported along the ENTIRE journey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579231393286-ZOFYNSPLOI6XVV0ZD95O/Rebekah.jpg Doula Services As a doula, I provide physical, emotional, and informational support to the laboring person and partner. The benefits to using a doula are well researched, including the decrease in use of interventions and cesarean rate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579139612715-6XOY2MZ462911BGPHZEU/image000000002.jpg Doula Services Due to my full time work, I am not offering doula services at this time. https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/contact-us daily 0.75 2020-01-16 https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/refresher daily 0.75 2020-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1578950228395-A2U45I8V6FEO3PX939TB/ice+hands.JPG Refresher - “No person ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and they’re not the same person.” - Heraclitus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1578951786333-TGHGIQU6C31D2HRGW95I/couple%2Bat%2Bclass%2B.jpg Refresher Class days and times are arranged by participants, see more information on the Schedule. The class fee is $200 and is payable at the first class. The class fee includes a goody bag for sibling(s), a binder full of information and resources, class snacks (things good to eat in labor). This class is offered in either 2 (4 hour) classes or 3 (2.5 hour) classes. https://www.naturallyprepared4birth.com/workshops-and-events daily 0.75 2020-02-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579127854583-HO1XQTAODZO60AH0NBNS/image.jpg Workshops and Events - Transfer Group: Saturday, February 22nd 9:15-10:30am If you planned a midwife assisted birth, and needed to transfer your care prior to labor, in labor, for baby, or postpartum, then this group might be for you. This is a peer led, safe space for those who wish to be surrounded by others who transferred their care and who have a variety of feelings about their experiences. This is a shame-free, judgment free opportunity to share your story and journey (if you wish to) and receive support from others. This event is hosted by Naturally Prepared but is open to the ANYONE who has transferred (hospital, birth center or homebirth midwife clients). Event takes place at First Step Family Wellness in Kirkwood. Registration appreciated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579128094807-WTXKO0PV5GGRBU1VY96A/20170410_104659.jpg Workshops and Events - Naturally Prepared Plays: Wednesday, 3/25 9:30-11am Naturally Prepared clients are welcome to bring their infants, toddlers and other small children for a morning of community. Enjoy adult conversation and tea while little humans sleep, eat, and play. Register/RSVP if possible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e10f12827e0945c43006528/1579128332187-OFCLI47M1LQVMNU5WJ3M/20190413_101156%2B%25281%2529.jpg Workshops and Events - Annual Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 4th at 11am It’s become an annual event and one that all of us love! Hosted at a local park, Naturally Prepared families are invited to hunt eggs along an enchanted forest path. This small, equitable hunt is fun for all ages. Registration required.