Birthing Basics Introduction
Welcome to Birthing Basics, LLC. Washington DC’s first “Mother-Friendly Nurse”, Lisa-Marie Sasaki Cook is a “Mother-Friendly” birth advocate, an experienced childbirth educator, labor and delivery nurse and doula with 38 years of childbirth experience. She teaches the most recent evidence-based childbirth and newborn educational information available. You will learn how to have the easiest birth possible and the healthiest baby at home! With so many books, blogs, and birth stories out there, it can be confusing to figure out what information you’ll need to know for your big day–look no further! In a concise, information-filled class, you will learn everything you need from your last few months of pregnancy to the first week that you are home with your baby. Thank you for visiting the Birthing Basics (https://www.birthingbasics.com) website and allowing us to be part of your birth journey…
Welcome to Birthing Basics, LLC
Empowering Families Through Education, Confidence, and Compassionate Care
Every birth is unique, and every family deserves to feel informed, confident, and supported as they prepare to welcome their baby into the world.
Founded by Lisa-Marie Sasaki Cook, Washington, D.C.’s first recognized Mother-Friendly Nurse, Birthing Basics brings nearly four decades of labor and delivery nursing experience, childbirth education, and birth advocacy to expectant families.
At Birthing Basics, we believe knowledge is one of the most powerful tools you can bring to your birth experience. Our evidence-based childbirth classes combine practical education, compassionate guidance, and real-world experience to help you understand your options, make informed decisions, and approach childbirth with confidence.
From pregnancy and labor to comfort measures, medical interventions, newborn care, and the early days of parenthood, we provide the information and skills you need to prepare for your baby’s arrival. We also offer individualized education for families navigating high-risk pregnancies or unique circumstances.
With so much conflicting information available, preparing for childbirth can feel overwhelming. We’re here to make it easier.
We believe a positive birth experience isn’t defined by how your baby is born, but by feeling informed, respected, supported, and empowered throughout your journey.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of one of life’s most extraordinary experiences.
Your Birth. Your Baby. Your Journey.
Welcome to Birthing Basics, where informed families begin their birth journey with confidence.
How Birthing Basics Began
In 2008, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at GWUH approached Lisa about a patient on bed rest who wanted childbirth education but couldn’t attend traditional classes.
That single request inspired the creation of Birthing Basics, LLC.
Lisa recognized that families navigating high-risk pregnancies often had unique educational needs that traditional childbirth classes did not address. She envisioned a program where every family, regardless of pregnancy complications or birth preferences, could receive individualized, evidence-based education and compassionate support.
Today, Birthing Basics welcomes families preparing for physiologic, unmedicated childbirth as well as those anticipating medical interventions or High-Riwsk deliveries.
As a certified childbirth educator through the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA), Lisa embraces a family-centered philosophy that recognizes birth as a significant life event, respects individual choices, and encourages informed decision-making.
Lisa believes that every family deserves to feel heard, respected, prepared, and empowered, no matter how their birth journey unfolds.
Because every birth matters, and every family deserves compassionate, knowledgeable care.
Our customers love us!
Lisa’s class was so informative and helpful as we geared up for our first child. The ability to watch the training videos online was great for our busy schedule, but mixing it with the Zoom allowed us to have that personal touch and time to ask whatever questions.
– Ben K.
Northwest Washington, Washington, DC
Lisa-Marie was a fabulous teacher. Her comfort measure class was engaging, packed with resources, and tangible for anyone walking through birth with someone or those expecting for the first time. Highly recommend her classes.
– Sarah B.
Northeast Washington, Washington, DC
Lisa covered many contingencies and helpful techniques for our daughter’s birth. Her counter pressure techniques were particularly valuable, but most importantly we felt prepared to work with the doctors and nurses to make the best decisions.
– Jonah B.
Arlington, VA
I’m due to have my first baby in 7 weeks and my husband and I loved Lisa’s class. We feel prepared and supported for the birth of our child. Due to COVID the class was virtual but was really impactful and helpful. Well-produced materials and a supportive Q&A Zoom session capped of the weekend.
– Anita N.
Laurel, MD
Lisa’s wisdom, knowledge, and experience was invaluable!!! we really didn’t know what to expect as first-time, soon-to-be parents and our anxiety and fears were very much put at ease by Lisa throughout her course.
– David M.
Herndon, VA
Lisa gives great amount of knowledge which is really helpful for all The amount of information we get from the class which no one would even tell us 🙂 Super happy with the class and Lisa She is a wonderful person and very helping and knowledgeable
– Jahnvi M.
Vienna, VA