Our Story:

Loving Arms Childbirth Services was started in 1995 by Janaki Costello, Carol Shattuck-Rice, and Alice Elliott, East Bay birth doulas and mothers who recognized how important education was to creating positive and empowered birth experiences.

Over the years, our team of teachers has included midwives, lactation consultants, and other birth professionals. Our teachers are a collaborative group, working together to bring the full spectrum of our perinatal expertise into the classroom to meet the evolving needs of our families and local care protocols.

Our approach is always curious and always evolving. We follow the evidence and incorporate different techniques from various methodologies, with a focus on what really works for laboring folks, parents, and babies. We strive to connect families with experienced, kind professionals who excel at what they do. After all,as Janaki says: “Birth is birth: no matter if it happens at home, a birth center, the hospital, or the back of your car!”

Our Vision

  • We Believe:

    You know how to give birth, and your baby knows how to be born

    Birth can be a source of pride and power

    Every parent deserves to experience a safe and empowered birth

    Every parent deserves trusted, kind, knowledgeable support

    Being in community makes parenting more satisfying and joyful

  • We Aim:

    To give you the tools to birth your baby safely, with joy and confidence

    To provide evidence-based, non-biased information

    To be inclusive and respectful of all people and families

    To build community between families

    To prepare families for the ups and downs of new parenthood

  • We Offer:

    Respect for your vision

    Evidence-based education with experienced educators

    Information on local birthing practices & protocols

    Heart-centered, compassionate support

    Connections to community resources

    Collaboration with you and your family

Meet Our Team

of Educators, Cheerleaders,

and Baby Enthusiasts

  • Janaki Costello

    Founder & Advisor

  • Molly Brannigan

  • Anna Mahony

  • Jessica Christen

  • Katie Seifert

Our Space

Welcome to our bright, spacious, and warm office! Loving Arms has hosted classes and baby/parent meetups in many locations over the years, and this one is our favorite yet. We’re so grateful to be able to offer our families a clean, quiet neighborhood with plentiful free parking, cozy indoor seating for parents and babes, and a spacious, private deck for when the weather is nice.

Our space is also available to rent for your workshop, class, meeting, or community event: Take a look at the details, and email molly@eastbaylactationassociates.com

FAQs

  • Yes! Our classes are different from hospital classes in very important ways:

    • We do a deep dive into preparing for the mental, emotional, and physical work of birth; most hospital classes focus on just the stages of labor.

    • You’ll get lots of hands-on practice in comfort measures, labor positions, breathing techniques, birth advocacy, and more.

    • We include tips from experienced local birth workers & educators, whose insight can help you smoothly navigate both laboring at home and hospital protocols.

    And it’s not just about the education! Our classes create opportunities for parents to form meaningful, lasting connections with each other. Loving Arms alumni have gone on to meet weekly after their babies are born, text each other for midnight feeding camaraderie, meet up for holidays, do nanny shares together, and more!

  • Many insurance plans cover our classes. Depending on your plan, many people are eligible for reimbursement in part or in full for the following classes through their insurance plans:

    • Childbirth Preparation

    • CPR/Child Safety

    • Breast/Chestfeeding

    • Baby care

  • Compare our different classes - including fees and hours - with this handy overview.

    If you still have questions, please send us a note: we’re happy to provide recommendations based on your specific needs and goals.

  • If you cancel with at least two weeks advance notice, we will issue a refund, minus a non-refundable deposit of 25%.

    If we can fill your spot, we will issue a refund less credit card fees. If you cancel with less than two weeks advance notice and we are unable to fill your spot, we are unable to issue a refund. 

    Once the class has started, no refunds will be issued.

    Of course, please check in with us about extraordinary circumstances.

  • All our classes are held in person at our beautiful office in Emeryville. Our classroom has great ventilation and air purifiers. We follow the guidelines of local Alameda County Health authorities with regards to masking and distancing. Masks are welcome, but no longer requIred.

    If you feel ill, please stay home and contact your instructor to get caught up on what you missed that day!

  • It is cozy, and yes you sure can! For info, photos, fees, and scheduling, visit our classroom rental page.