LISA HIGUCHI

Hello and welcome! I’m Lisa Higuchi, MS, EMT-P, AAHCC.  I’m so happy you’re here! Pregnancy is an exciting yet SUPER busy time, so kudos to you for taking the time to explore your options for childbirth education.  If, after reading through the information here, you are interested in taking classes with me, I would be honored to be part of your journey.  It’s been my privilege to have worked with expecting parents for 32 years now!

What information will I learn in class?

In a nutshell, we will cover:

• Anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and birth
• Medical terminology
• Nutrition guidance and exercises to help you feel great and stay low risk
• Training the husband/partner/support person to be a highly skilled birth “coach”
• Interventions that you may be offered during your pregnancy, labor and birth: their risks and benefits
• Pros and cons of pain relieving medications during labor
• Creating a Birth Plan
• Recognizing the stages of labor
• C-sections and other variations / complications
• Breastfeeding basics and newborn care

Can you tell me a little about the format of your classes?

I am currently offering virtual Bradley Method classes live via Zoom in a group class format, so you are welcome to join no matter where in the country (or world!) you live. I keep my classes small (no more than 3-6 couples) to keep that personal touch, and to encourage camaraderie / interaction between students. Each class session lasts approximately two hours, depending on the size of the class and how many questions everyone has.

When does your next class start?

Here is a list of my upcoming classes: (more to be added soon!)

• Tuesdays at 7:00 pm, starting 10/21/25
• Tuesdays at 7:00 pm, starting 11/13/25
• Sundays at 1:30 pm, starting 12/7/25

If you don’t see a day and time that meets your needs, please get in touch with me – I will sometimes add additional classes based on interest / demand.

I’m actually looking for an in-person class. Do you offer those?

Yes, I offer in-person private classes in Southern California (Riverside and San Bernardino counties) for a limited number of clients at any given time. If this option interests you, please get in touch with me to discuss details.

When should I start classes?

Most people start classes in their second trimester, but you are welcome to start as early in your pregnancy as you like. There is a ton of information that will help you even in that first trimester, such as exercises to increase your comfort level in pregnancy, and nutrition guidance to help ensure you and your baby are getting everything you need.  If you’re already in your third trimester, don’t worry! I do have options to help get you “caught up” with a class that’s already in progress, as well as private class options to ensure you get all the classes done before the big day.

I’m not sure whether or not I want to do “natural” birth ….should I take your classes even if I think I might want an epidural?

Although most people take Bradley Method classes because they desire a natural / unmedicated birth experience, I don’t believe there is a “right way” or “wrong way” to have your baby.  Whether you’re giving birth in a hospital, birth center or at home, my primary goal is that any choices you make are informed choices, rather than the default ‘ “assembly line” process at your birth place, or what someone else tells you you should have.  That said, if you know for sure that a natural birth is what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place! The Bradley Method has an overall 87% unmedicated birth rate, and my own personal statistics (since 1993!) mirror that as well.

How much do your classes cost?

• Please email, text or call me for specifics as we are not permitted to list pricing here.  birth@lisahiguchi.com or 951.757.8154.    I do offer discounts for “early bird” enrollment and for active duty military / first responder / law enforcement. I also occasionally run promotions that include special pricing or additional options.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes.  I do not charge extra fees or interest for payment plans.  Text or email me for details!

How do I sign up?

Send me a text or email with the class you wish to enroll in (start date), and I’ll send you the link to my enrollment form.  I accept debit / credit cards, Venmo, Apple Pay, and PayPal.

I want you to know that my classes aren’t just about imparting information. Yes, of course that’s vitally important; knowledge is paramount during this amazing journey of pregnancy and birth.  But becoming a parent is so much more than that.  It’s about surrounding yourself with support and community; it’s about stepping into the unknown; and it’s about building your confidence in yourself and your abilities. Your baby needs you to be the best parent(s) you are meant to be, and to make sure his or her time before, during, and after birth is safe and joyful for all of you!

Of course, most of us would agree that parenthood is the most important thing we will ever do, which is why all of this can feel a bit overwhelming at times! But let me reassure you:  I’m not here just to dump a bunch of facts and techniques into your head and send you on your way. My goal is to give you the tools, ongoing support, and encouragement to help you have the birth experience you desire, and to be the best parent you can be for your baby.  None of this happens by chance, and it definitely doesn’t happen without effort. It DOES require a willingness to learn, a commitment of time and energy, and an unwavering desire to give your baby the best possible start. You’ve got this!

A little bit about my background: I have been blessed with five amazing kids and six beautiful grandbabies (with #7 on the way!) I was fortunate to be a full time, stay-at-home mom for over a decade when they were little, and it was during that time that I first became a certified childbirth instructor.  I later became an EMT, and then a Paramedic, delivering handful of babies myself “in the field.” I have spent the last ten years as the area clinical / training manager for the largest private ambulance company in the United States.  In total, I have 20 + years of EMS / healthcare education experience, and have taught a variety of medical subjects to EMT’s, Paramedics, RN’s, and medical students. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Medical Care from Loma Linda University, where I am an adjunct instructor and have a great passion for clinical quality improvement and evidence-based medicine, and a Master’s degree in Biomimetics from Arizona State University.  I am also certified as a Health Coach, specializing in expectant and new mothers, through the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute.

Having said all that, my role in teaching childbirth classes is quite simple: to help you learn about the normal, natural processes of pregnancy and childbirth.  To that end, I believe my greatest asset as an educator is my own personal background: I have had normal, healthy pregnancies, and one high-risk one; had difficult, challenging birth experiences, and medication-free, peaceful, joyful ones; bottle fed and breastfed; and been a married, homeschooling mom and later a single, working mother. I’ve experienced birth and parenthood from pretty much every perspective you can imagine, and I am happy to share both my successes and my stumbling blocks with my students, in order to help you achieve the safe, fulfilling pregnancy and birth experience that you desire.