Birth Classes in Bossier City, LA- Birth classes with Vanessa!

Birth Classes in Bossier City, LA

Today we’d love to introduce you to one of our incredible Louisiana childbirth educators: Vanessa Stepan. She is one talented lady! She teaches birth classes in Bossier City, makes some gorgeous items she sells on Etsy, and does incredible work as a photographer too. You will love this sweet lady!

Table of Contents

Introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your birth experiences.

I’m Vanessa Stepan and my family is currently stationed at Barksdale AFB where my husband is an Electronic Warfare Officer on the B-52. We have a 2 1/2 year old son, Bradley and a 2 1/2 month old daughter, Arlyn. The birth of my son was a complete whirlwind.

I woke up in labor (the day before my due date) and after a few short hours of laboring at home, I arrived at the hospital 8cm dilated and he was born 45 minutes later. My daughter decided to be fashionably late, arriving at 41+2 weeks. I began having contractions in the morning, went to my scheduled appointment and was found to be in active labor.

Tiffany Robinson Photography

I was able to contact my doula and photographer and set up my birth space before hitting transition. Within four hours, my little girl arrived. I feel so blessed to have experienced two completely natural and amazing births.

What first got you interested in birth work?

After taking a childbirth class while pregnant with my son, I felt called to share this amazing information with other moms-to-be. It completely changed my perspective on birth; instead of being fearful, I felt empowered!

Virginia Lee Photography

Do you have any particular passions concerning birth?

While I love all of my students (most of whom are first time moms), I really enjoy working with couples who have had previous births and are looking to have a different or more positive birth experience.

Why did you choose Birth Boot Camp as your certifying organization?

I chose Birth Boot Camp because I love their up-to-date materials and comprehensive training. I not only felt prepared to teach but ready to launch my business!

Tell us a little about your Birth Boot Camp training experience- what did you like about it, where was it, who was your trainer?

I attended the May 2015 training in Dallas, TX with Donna, Sarah and April. I really enjoyed the in-depth childbirth educator training and building connections with other new instructors.

Tell us about your birth classes in Bossier City, LA, and what you most love about teaching.

I just started teaching my first series since taking a brief maternity break and it’s been a blast. Every class is my favorite group… until the next series! I just love their eagerness to learn and enjoy being a small part of their journey through pregnancy and birth.

Nessa Nicole Photography

How did your training help prepare you for teaching?

Training really gave me the confidence to teach. I also love the ongoing support provided… any questions that I get from students that I don’t have the answers to, I have great resources in my back pocket.

Tell us about your students and how classes are helping them.

Even students who end up not having an unmedicated birth are always so grateful they took my class. Being able to make informed choices allows them to still have a positive experience even when things don’t go exactly according to plan.

Here is what one of Vanessa’s students said about her:

“This class with Vanessa was crucial in allowing me to have a natural birth. My husband and I were able to be better prepared and a lot less stressed for my daughter’s birthday. I can not begin to compliment Vanessa enough for all the help and support she has given my family before, during, and after delivery. I didn’t know Vanessa before but I will forever call her a friend and be thankful for her. She does not judge but helps you decide what is best for you and your family. Even if you don’t plan on having a natural birth, I would recommend Birth Boot Camp with Vanessa to anyone!!”

– Makensie Moore