Looking for a Prenatal Childbirth Class in the Mohawk Valley Region?
We will help you prepare for your life’s next chapter
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
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
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.

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.

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
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
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
Get personalized plan for feeding your baby
Meet before or after birth - your choice
Virtual or in your home - whatever works best
Real help from someone who gets it
Bonus
Optional 10% off a Doula Package with Brittney or Erica
Save on continuous labor and birth support
Prenatal, birth, and postpartum support
Expert guidance from certified doulas
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
What My Clients Say
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.
Copyright © 2024-2025 Mohawk Valley Lactation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy | Terms & Conditions | Contact














