A Time to be Born

Shelley C. Snyder, CD, CBE, AAHCC
Bradley Method® Instructor · Doula

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven, a time to be born..."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a
Click here for my current Bradley Method® Class Schedule

I am now working at the Family Birthing Center at Manchester Memorial, check out ECHN's FBC Facebook page to learn all about me!

About Me

It is my pleasure and privilege as a Childbirth Instructor and Doula to educate, equip, encourage, and empower couples to achieve their best birth experiences.

I have been working with women and families for over two decades. I am a certified Bradley Method® Natural Childbirth Instructor through the American Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth (2007) and a certified Birth and Postpartum Doula (2004). Also, I am an aspiring Birth Photographer when opportunities arise. I have supported over 100 births in 7 states, in hospitals, at home, and birth centers. I have taught hundreds of students across the country.

I am a West Coast girl, born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. I graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies, Psychology & Communications (2001). My social work career began in Florida in adoptions as a birth parent counselor, then as a family caseworker for the hospital’s developmental center. Here, I completed my Doula certification. Then our three children were “Bradley borned," and I was pregnant and/or nursing for the next eight years! Our firstborn (3/06) at the Toledo, Ohio Hospital and our second via water birth (10/07) and third (6/10) born at home in Michigan with a CNM. In the Midwest is where I trained to become a Bradley teacher and birthed A Time to be Born, LLC (2009). From 2010-2018, we lived in Pennsylvania, where my birth work grew and flourished serving the greater Philly area and marks the place we lost by miscarriage our fourth child (4/15) . In 2019, we relocated to Connecticut where my husband of nearly twenty three years and the love of my life Will and I live with our three teenagers. Our oldest is at CT State Community College Manchester and we homeschool our younger two through Classical Conversations, a Classical Christian Community. I joined ECHN's perinatal staff at Manchester Memorial Hospital as a Childbirth Educator and I am a certified (2024) A.C.E. Group Fitness Instructor and the hospital's newest teacher for Fit for Delivery classes. We are blessed to minister here in New England and I am so grateful for and look forward to the opportunity to serve our local birthing community!

My Services

Services and Fees Document ➱

Bradley Method® Natural Childbirth Classes ($100-$375)

ECHN Bradley Method® Childbirth Classes ($325, includes a tour of the Family Birthing Center)

Norah's Handcrafted Uganda Africa wooden jewelry and woven baskets

Labour Doula Services ($1000-$2100)

Various custom packages available

Birth Photography Services ($525-$1500)

Fit For Delivery exercise class, 4 week series Saturdays 11:30-12:30 at Manchester Memorial Hospital

I accept credit cards, Square, and Venmo, HSA/FSA

Class Schedule

The Bradley Method® at The Family Birthing Center

at Manchester Memorial Hospital, 6-8:30pm

Friday March 7, Tuesday March 18, Friday April 4, Tuesday April 15, Friday May 2, Tuesday May 6 (6 classes)

Every other Friday August 1, 15, 29, September 12, 26, October 10 (6 classes)

Every Tuesday October 10 - December 16 (10 classes)

The Bradley Method® Group/Private in-home (Vernon, CT)

Tuesdays 6-8pm

May 27, June 3, 17, July 15, 29 (5 classes)

*note: in-home class dates are subject to change

Fit for Delivery Exercise at Manchester Hospital

Saturdays, 11:30am-12:30pm

See upcoming sessions in 2025

Here is the class info and how to register...

We are excited to launch a new prenatal exercise class designed for expectant mothers. Taught by an A.C.E. Certified Group Fitness Instructor and experienced Childbirth Educator. Classes will include a warm up, pregnancy specific exercises, low impact cardio workout, circuit and strength training, stretching and relaxation techniques.

Benefits of exercise during pregnancy include:

  • Relief of daily stress and tension
  • Increased strength, stamina and energy
  • Relief of common pregnancy discomforts
  • Less pregnancy-related back pain and improved posture
  • Promotes healthy weight gain during pregnancy
  • Increased odds of a natural birth
  • Decreased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean surgery
  • Faster postpartum recovery
  • Helps baby weight loss
  • Improves overall fitness and strengthens heart and blood vessels

No exercise experience is necessary. Exercised can be modified based on individual needs.

Medical clearance is required so ask your Doctor or Midwife to write a note saying it's OK to exercise and either email it to ecrayton@echn.org or bring it with you to the first class. We are sorry but without a note, you will not be allowed to participate.

Register here

What people are saying!

Shelley made such a positive impact on my pregnancy and delivery. She was an amazing resource, kind, and always made me feel comfortable, supported, and empowered.
 — First time mom & elementary teacher Alyssa

Having Shelley as a doula was a decision we do not regret! Upon meeting her, you experience both her calm spirit and warm presence which really helped us in our first birthing experience.

Shelley also served as an advocate for us with the hospital staff. Due to some medical complications our birth was nothing like what we expected on our birth plan, but Shelley assisted us in communicating our wants and needs to the hospital staff. This was so helpful! She reassured us every step of the way and it is so special that she was a part of our firstborn's birth.

Thank you, Shelley, for all of your love, care and support through the pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience!

 — First time mom & pastor wife Bethany

Show more testimonials...

Get in Touch!

I am currently offering childbirth classes in Vernon, CT, and Manchester, CT

(407) 341-0624 shelley@atimetobeborn.org

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