Looking for a Prenatal Childbirth Class in the Mohawk Valley Region?

We will help you prepare for your life’s next chapter

Childbirth Class

If you’re looking for childbirth classes in Utica, NY, the Empowered Birth & Beyond Workshop offers a holistic way to prepare for labor, birth, and early parenthood.

Hosted by Ania Mroczek, RN, IBCLC and her team, this childbirth class helps expectant parents in Utica, New Hartford, and the Mohawk Valley feel confident, informed, and empowered for birth.

Imagine walking into your birth feeling calm and excited, not overwhelmed and scared

Imagine stepping into your journey of parenthood with unshakeable confidence, feeling empowered to advocate for your birth.  No more second-guessing or fear of the unknown—just the strength and knowledge you need to thrive. This is the transformation waiting for you.

One Day Workshop Session will be hosted April 25th in Person in Utica, NY

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Please Join Our In-person 

Empowered Birth and Beyond Workshop

Real Preparation for Birth and Breastfeeding

Our 6 hour Workshop will be hosted April 25th 2026

9:00 to 3:30 pm

We are excited to host all our workshop sessions at The Portal

A one-of-a-kind wellness and innovation studio in the heart of Utica’s Historic – Bagg’s Square.

 

Real Preparation for Birth and Breastfedings

Our 6 week workshop is planned in Fall 2026

 

I want you to imagine…

 

Birth Physiology

You walk into the delivery room radiating confidence, knowing exactly what to expect at every stage of labor. You understand the incredible process your body was designed to do — and that knowledge alone transforms everything.

childbirth

Comfort & Interventions

You feel prepared and empowered, equipped with practical tools to manage labor pain and navigate medical decisions with clarity. Whatever comes your way, you know your options and trust yourself to respond.

 

childbirth

Communication & Game Plan

You and your partner move through the hospital experience as a team — speaking up, asking the right questions, and advocating for your birth vision. You’ve transformed uncertainty into a confident, clear plan.

Hi, I'm Ania – I'm dedicated to transforming birth experiences for Families in the Mohawk Valley Families

My journey to creating this  workshop comes from over 14 years as a Labor & Delivery nurse and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

I’ve walked alongside countless families through the joys and challenges of pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. But I’ve also witnessed how the medical system often fails new parents, leaving them feeling rushed and unheard.

As a mother of four, I remember vividly—how I felt when decisions were made for me without my input, or how I struggled to find my footing as a new mom amidst the chaos of conflicting advice. I knew that mothers deserve to  have a voice and be heard. It was this realization that drove me to team up with my amazing colleagues, Anastasia  Brittney and Erica to create a childbirth class that is not just informative but transformative. We wanted to empower parents to discover their inner strength and navigate their unique journeys with confidence.

Meet Brittney Watkins

Doula, CLC

Seven years ago, when my daughter was placed on my chest for the first time, my entire world changed. I was euphoric after her birth, but as the days passed, something shifted. I found myself replaying moments that didn’t feel quite right. Why were there times I felt powerless, alone, and afraid? Why did my provider break my water without my consent? Why did the nurse question my desire for an unmedicated birth? Why was I told I had to push a certain way?

Why were my instincts telling me one thing while hospital policies dictated another?

Fast forward to my next two births—this time, everything was different. I had a new mindset, knowledge, and unwavering support. I was prepared and educated. I knew my options and found my voice. I surrounded myself with a team who respected my autonomy and honored my choices. I was able to experience birth as it should be – beautiful, powerful, and sacred.

Birth pushes you to your limits, but it also reveals your strength.

This is why I became a birth doula—to stand beside women in their most vulnerable, life-altering moments of birth. My mission is to help women replace fear with confidence, to remind them that however they birth their babies, they can trust their bodies, their instincts, and their strength.

Your voice matters. Your choices matter. And you deserve a birth experience filled with confidence and empowerment.

Meet Anastasia Kot

RN, Lamaze Instructor

I’ve been exactly where you are – scared and unsure about bringing a baby into the world. Through my own experiences with 3 natural births, I discovered the incredible strength that comes from understanding your body and trusting your instincts.
Currently, I’m a childbirth educator on a mission to help you transform your birth fears into confidence. My goal is simple: give you the knowledge, support, and tools to create the birth experience you truly want – one where you feel powerful, informed, and in control.

Meet Erica Ciccone

Birth Doula, CLC


My passion for supporting families through their breastfeeding journey has stemmed from my own experiences as a mom of four, I have had the great joy of breastfeeding, all of my children, and I love to help any other family get to experience that same joy.

Not only have I experienced the great joys of breastfeeding, I experienced many concerns and challenges from oral ties, latch difficulties, jaundice, low blood sugars, NICU time, breastfeeding while pregnant, and tandem nursing to name a few throughout each and every journey, which I realized the importance of support during this time.

As a mama of four with 3 VBACs under my belt, I’ve learned the power of support and empowerment in achieving a positive birth experience.

With a deep love for all things birth and breastfeeding, I’m here to support you in achieving your goals and creating an empowering birth and breastfeeding experience

Erica Ciccone CLC

This isn't going to be another dry, boring childbirth class

We're here to share our hearts, wisdom, and real-world experience to help you navigate this journey with confidence.

Because when you understand your options and have the right support, you can make choices that truly feel right for YOUR family.

But Wait, That's not all! Here are our Very Special Bonuses for you

Bonus

Free consultation with Brittney or Erica

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Get personalized plan for feeding your baby

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Meet before or after birth - your choice

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Virtual or in your home - whatever works best

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Real help from someone who gets it

Bonus

Optional 10% off a Doula Package with Brittney or Erica

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Save on continuous labor and birth support

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Prenatal, birth, and postpartum support

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Expert guidance from certified doulas

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Continues Support that helps you feel empowered

One Low Price = $200

Limited Time Offer

Early bird pricing until April 10th, 2026

$175

Next Workshop planned for Fall 2026
Space is limited so register early

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What My Clients Say

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5.0
Based on 63 reviews
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Mariah Geigel profile picture
Mariah Geigel
14:05 14 Mar 26
I cannot say enough wonderful things about my doula Erica and the incredible support she provided during my birth experience. She was right there with me in the birthing room, and I truly don’t think I could have done it without her. From the very beginning she was so attentive, supportive, and calming during such an emotional and intense time.
She helped keep me calm and focused throughout the entire process, always knowing exactly what I needed in the moment. Her presence brought so much comfort and reassurance to both me and my family.
Even after the birth, she continued to check in on me and offered guidance with breastfeeding, which meant so much during those first overwhelming days. Her care didn’t stop once the baby arrived, and that really shows how dedicated she is to the families she supports.
I am so grateful to have had her by my side. She is truly amazing at what she does, and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a compassionate, knowledgeable, and supportive doula
Tazz Hanna profile picture
Tazz Hanna
04:21 18 Feb 26
As a mother of two, I first had no idea about this program with my first born. I had a not so great experience from carrying to birthing my child the first time around, along with the aftercare, I had a traumatic experience... Once I found out I was expecting with my second.... I was happy, but more so scared due to the first experience and wanted to push for advocacy and voicing my concerns for not only my baby but myself as well... Erica, she was a huge help!! From, finding a new doctors office, to receiving the right care, pushing for whats best for me and my child and making sure I wasnt let down like the first time around. Erica provided me better understanding with the right tips and tricks on how to breast feed, and as a topic that seems a bit awkward for most to discuss its very important to understand how to do things as though a hospital refuses to show you, and or some times help you and tosses the formula at you for supplementing your new born without even giving you the opportunity to try things out. Erica was a huge mentor with the whole process... When it came time to prepare for the hospital on things I needed and to create a check list, Erica was the one to throw in some ideas and things that I'd benefit at the hospital.. A check list on ways to advocate for myself and pushing for what I wanted not what the hospital wanted for me, and when I say fight for what I wanted, I mean literally WHAT I WANT for my plan to be while I am at the hospital preparing for my little one to arrive, the care prior and the care afterwards.... Erica always checked up in on me, every day, every couple of hours, and every night when I was in the hospital, and after I had my second born, she always checked in to see how nursing was going, how things were working for me , ways to do better and she just never stopped reaching out!!!! I am beyond thankful for Ericas help through the process, and the outcome of having my second born, because of her help, her caring and understanding my second time around went wayyyy better than the first time around and I was rather much so prepared for this pregancy then the first.

Its not looked upon much but if you are going to have a child and need help on understanding things and or ways to make things more comfortable for yourself, Mohawk Valley Lactation is where youll find your help, between Erica, Brittany, Ania, They are all awesome, and wonderful ladies who are so encouraged with seeing you all succeed!!! Don't feel awkard and or freaked out by the discussion its so real, and these topics are normal, we are woman who deal with it all....

From finding the right doctor, to making sure you are prepared to being ready and feeling ready to having all the divided support and advocating for what you want, it all matters and its worth it for your little one
Danielle Lawrence profile picture
Danielle Lawrence
16:30 12 Feb 26
Ania and her team are so thorough, patient, and encouraging. They were a pleasure to work with. I reached out to Ania after discharge from the hospital and had my first appointment with her at 2 weeks postpartum. My baby was having trouble latching and Ania indicated it was likely due to oral/body tension the baby was holding on to from the pregnancy and birth. She introduced me to body work specialists that have helped my baby come such a long way and she continued to work with me multiple times a week to get my baby to latch. By week 5 we were nursing full time! Ania supported me in proper pumping technique, she supported me through a stint of mastitis, and everything else! She provides you in depth follow up care instructions after every visit and will go out of her way to make sure you succeed and achieve your goals. Forever grateful!!!
Mackenzie Anna profile picture
Mackenzie Anna
01:31 10 Feb 26
In having a successful breastfeeding journey with my first, I thought the second would be a cakewalk. After delivery however, I was met with a quite humbling alternative. Noah had every kind of tie imaginable and a Laryngomalacia diagnosis to boot. I was "encouraged" by his doctors (more or less pressured) to use bottles as it would be easier for him, even though it wasn't what I had imagined my breastfeeding journey to be, or wanted for it either. I felt so defeated and let down by the healthcare system. I reached out to Ania for help and she went above and beyond for us every single time. She pointed us in the right direction of an osteopath to try and alleviate some of Noah's symptoms, helped find an occupational therapist that would support his feeding goals. She had essentially built a care team for him from the ground up and made sure to stay in contact with each one for progress so we functioned as a well oiled machine. I've never felt more supported, heard or seen... even when my fears and doubts seemed like they'd take over. We owe it to Ania and everyone that she put in our path for making it this far (and hopefully further yet). I'm forever grateful for her support in making my last breastfeeding journey one I am proud of and will cherish forever.
Melissa Smith profile picture
Melissa Smith
15:35 07 Feb 26
Ania is great and extremely knowledgeable. She played a huge role in my breastfeeding journey and I wouldn’t be exclusively breastfeeding without her help. When I first met Ania I was pumping, breastfeeding, and supplementing with formula. I’m proud to say I am now exclusively breastfeeding. She first helped me find the correct flange size so that I could pump efficiently while working towards a better breastfeeding experience with my newborn. She was able to help with my baby’s latch and ability to transfer more milk. She also made me more confident in my ability to breastfeed. I would recommend her to anyone that needs support in their breastfeeding journey!
Daniella Yozzo profile picture
Daniella Yozzo
15:53 18 Jan 26
Anna was a savior during my breastfeeding journey! It was a very stressful experience to start with and with her help and corrections it took the stress and pain out of breastfeeding! She taught me how to bond with my baby and make it an enjoyable experience for us both. Grateful for Anna! Thank you!
Samantha Hozanovic profile picture
Samantha Hozanovic
13:24 11 Jan 26
Ania has helped me feel more confident in breastfeeding and to just trust the process. She has provided feedback with any and all of my concerns making me feel heard and comforted when needed to help me continue on with my breastfeeding journey. If you want to be confident in breastfeeding and need help I would highly recommend Mohawk Valley Lactation.
Gianna Iacone profile picture
Gianna Iacone
23:20 16 Dec 25
Joined Ania and her team for their 2-hour breastfeeding course and would highly recommend! It was an open, judgement free space where they touched on all of the basics around feeding - breastfeeding dos/donts, pumping, burping, adjusting to returning to work and so much more! They were kind, professional and extremely knowledgeable. Thank you Ania and team!
Hadyn Weakley profile picture
Hadyn Weakley
23:16 24 Nov 25
Ania got us through the first 8 weeks with our newborn. She first showed me how to use my pumps and fit me for flange sizes that worked for me. If it wasn’t for her helping me with them I would have gave up and switched to formula because my supply wasn’t coming in due to wrong sizing. During that time she never once made me feel uncomfortable or out of place. Ania also showed us a different way to feed our baby as well as a different way to burp him as he was spitting up every feed. She also showed us stretches to do with our baby to help with his gas. Ania is very easy to open up to. I will forever be grateful to have found her. Her knowledge on just about anything you have questions on is remarkable. She is respectful of your wants and needs, listens to your concerns and never pressured me into anything I wasn’t comfortable with.I would recommend her to anyone who needs a little help starting out!!
Kiara Whitaker profile picture
Kiara Whitaker
18:18 28 Oct 25
Ania is the absolute best. I wanted a to quit breastfeeding all together when I went to her for pain nursing and a fussy baby. I have a happy baby and I breastfeed with ease thanks to her guidance, I would recommend her to any mother I know.
Lily profile picture
Lily
15:22 29 Sep 25
Ania played a huge role in my breastfeeding journey with my second child. First one went smooth for the most part. But with my second I had a challenge with latching, reflux, & coughing. Ania answered all questions, encouraged to try new things, & helped with positions. After 1.5 weeks, I saw a huge improvement in all symptoms. In addition, she was easy to talk to & made it comfortable to address all concerns. Thank you!
Jenna Hurley profile picture
Jenna Hurley
18:38 05 Sep 25
Ania is the absolute best and extremely knowledgeable at what she does. She makes you feel so comfortable and confident in any of your breastfeeding needs! She helped me with my first child when I was having trouble to get him to latch. He was also able to make sure that my pumps were the correct sizes. With my second she was able to make sure he was latching properly as well as help us navigate taking care of his oral ties. She was able to point us in the right direction of what we needed to do, as well as give us great referrals! She really made me feel very confident in my breastfeeding journeys. And I’m very grateful to her. She also is very clean and sanitary and has a bunch of tips and tricks! And her breastfeeding class is great too!
Juliea Hindmon profile picture
Juliea Hindmon
00:12 06 Dec 24
Ania was super helpful and got my baby to latch for the first real time since my baby was born! Love her!
Kaity Stewart profile picture
Kaity Stewart
22:26 22 Nov 24
Ania is incredibly experienced and knowledgable about a wide variety of issues and questions. She is empathetc and direct, providing support and encouragement, while also addressing the reality of your situation and struggles with professionalism and competence. She provides excellent service and gives you plenty of time to really talk through things and practice/demo/learn hands-on with her. I feel very fortunate to have had her support in my breastfeeding journey.
Kelsey Ross profile picture
Kelsey Ross
20:43 22 Oct 24
Ania helped us to be successful with breast feeding without the use of a shield (we had previously relied on the shield since we were in the hospital and for days after discharge). She is so knowledgeable and made us feel so comfortable. I can't say enough about how grateful I am for her help!
Heather Rand Cirelli profile picture
Heather Rand Cirelli
01:05 11 Jun 24
Ania has been such an amazing resource to help me have a positive breastfeeding experience. She is so patient and positive I felt so much more confident after our first appointment. Ania has helped me to improve latching, find different positions, get the right fit for flanges, and work through introducing bottles to my son. I am so thankful to have her as part of my support network!
Annie Aaroe profile picture
Annie Aaroe
02:54 17 May 24
Ania’s encouragement, plus the facts, and just a couple tips, literally saved my breast-feeding journey, because it saved me, and empowered me to literally save my daughter.

She was in the failure to thrive zone for weight when I first came in at 4 1/2 weeks. We bought formula to have on hand because her inability to transfer milk had tanked my supply. I wa so scared and sad for her. She was sooooo scrawny. (But still bright eyed and hopeful) Some nights we were down to the last bag of pumped milk in the freezer and it felt like my breasts were soft and empty… but the plan Ania suggested for me worked and I started to wake up mornings with breasts full of milk for my little one. We never did open the formula. Then we addressed the continued issues with her breast feeding until she was nursing normally finally at 10 1/2 weeks. Now she is 15th percentile and nursing is a joy for us both.

She is my third, and I never had issues with my first two so I was not expecting to struggle. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t found Ania.
denise nicole profile picture
denise nicole
00:28 23 Apr 24
We had our first lactation appointment with Anna today. She was so wonderful and really took her time addressing all of my emotions, questions, and concerns. She had so many wonderful ideas to try to get my baby back to breastfeeding as I was away from him for several days due to emergency surgery. We will continue to see her as long as we can to help with our breastfeeding journey. Thank you so much Anna
Nadya Mower profile picture
Nadya Mower
04:14 04 Feb 24
Fourth baby and I still needed help! I had a great experience with Mohawk Valley Lactation Consulting. Ania is very knowledgeable, caring, kind and compassionate. She answered all my questions. Showed me best possible positions that suit me and my baby in our feeding chair. It was awesome to have her come to our home and assist me to a better understanding of breastfeeding/clogged ducts/positioning/supply. Thank you so much Ania! Highly recommend!

P.s even if you’ve had children before (breastfeeding experience), never be afraid to reach out for support/advice/help from a lactation consultant.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How is this different from other childbirth classes?

A: Unlike other classes we focus not only on supporting your birth vision while honoring your values and goals but preparing you for postpartum period.  Our small-group workshop dives deep into practical tools, hands-on practice, and personalized support. You’ll learn not just what to expect, but exactly how to handle each stage of birth and early parenting. Plus, you get the unique perspectives and expertise of three birth professionals – a Labor & Delivery nurse, childbirth educator, a doula, and an IBCLC.

Q: What if I end up needing a C-section? Is this workshop still valuable?

A: Absolutely! We cover all types of birth scenarios, including C-sections. The communication tools, advocacy skills, and postpartum preparation you’ll learn are valuable no matter how your baby arrives. Plus, our feeding and newborn care information applies to all parents.

Q: When’s the best time during pregnancy to take this workshop?

A: Most families find it ideal to start the workshop between 20-32 weeks of pregnancy. This gives you enough time to practice what you learn and feel prepared, but not so early that you forget the information before birth.

Q: I’m nervous about practicing birthing techniques in front of others. How does that work?

A: We keep our groups small and create a supportive, relaxed, judgment-free environment. All practice is optional, and you can choose to participate as much or as little as you’re comfortable with. Most parents find they quickly feel at ease with our casual, friendly approach.

Q: Do you offer payment plans?

A: Yes! Contact us to discuss payment options that work for your budget. We want to make this workshop accessible to all families who want to feel prepared for birth and beyond.

Q: What happens if I go into labor during the workshop series?

A: If you miss any sessions due to your baby’s arrival, we’ll provide you with all the materials and resources from missed classes. Plus, as a workshop participant, you’ll have access to our support even after your baby arrives.

Q: I’m planning to deliver at a specific hospital in the Mohawk Valley area. Is this workshop appropriate for me?

A:  Our workshop is designed for all expectant parents in the Mohawk Valley region. Our clients deliver at all local hospitals including:

We’re also delighted to support families planning home births!

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