Current Course Offerings
The courses I've designed have been inspired by my personal experience and rigorous academic training in developmental psychology, public health, and lactation education. I have synthesized some of the most valuable lessons into recordings, which will be made available here.
1
Breastfeeding During Pregnancy and Tandem Nursing
Do you find yourself currently pregnant and breastfeeding, and are you curious to learn more about the nuances and pros/cons of doing so? Or perhaps, you are wanting to know what tandem nursing would entail and if this would be a good fit for you and your family. As a tandem nursing mama myself with a Lactation Education certification, I walk you through many of the components under the umbrella that is "Tandem Nursing." [Launching Summer 2026]
2
Preparing Young Children for a Home Birth
One of the greatest unknowns in preparing for the home birth of our second child was anticipating our first daughter's experience and how to birth in a setting where I, as her mother, would likely be called upon. How do you prepare very young children for the sounds, visuals, and pace of labor? How do you stay in the "zone" of a birthing mindset when you are requested to do everyday tasks by your young child? What are some strategies and tools that you can implement ahead of time to create more ease and fluidity while in labor? These are some questions we will explore in this course. [Launching Summer 2026]
Previous Courses
Below are two courses I have designed and taught for UCLA's Institute of Society and Genetics.
Stephanie Kiesow-Edoh
Biological and Social Aspects of Maternal-Fetal Health
This course introduces students to the biological and social study of reproductive health in the contemporary United States. Students will be introduced to the basic biomedical concepts framing our understanding of fetal and child development, as well as the study of biological markers indicating environmental exposures that shape pregnancy and women's health. At the same time, students will learn about the ever-changing environment of maternal and child health and also consider recent developments relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will ask: Are women of reproductive age disproportionately at-risk from particular social factors or commercial practices? How might in-utero exposure to environmental toxins affect health later in life? In what ways does COVID-19 influence current policies in relation to women's health? Topics covered include: reproductive justice, media representations of birth, pregnancy and health, biological markers, environmental exposure, and developmental pathways.
Stephanie Kiesow-Edoh
Global Perspectives: How Are We Defining Empowerment for Women?
Utilizing a global lens, students study what it means to be "empowered" across cultures as well as analyze how empowerment is currently being measured and defined in health research. We compare and contrast gender gender ideals and household experience across locations and cultures for women and girls. Topics include recent developments in reproductive health, menstrual health, gender-based discrimination and women in the workforce. Assigned readings and in-class discussions draw upon the disciplines of public health and psychology, incorporating diverse kinds of media ranging from scientific literature to film in order to engage with experiences from around the world.
Interested in designing a course together?
If you are interested in working together to design a course, contact me at info@petalplumdoula.com.