Nine Week Childbirth Course Description

Session 1: Classes 1 & 2 - Exercise and Nutrition

It is a time to get to know us and the members of your class. During this class we will cover Bradley Method® goals and things you can do to keep yourself healthy and low risk during pregnancy. We will introduce important pregnancy exercises and the three types of relaxation we learn: physical, mental and emotional. In addition to how to handle pain and your greatest fear. Plus discuss good nutrition during pregnancy so that you will understand which nutrients are important and what quantities are necessary. We will also discuss: sex during pregnancy and begin to cover breastfeeding.

Session 2: Classes 3 & 4 - Pregnancy and Coaching

We discuss the many changes your body goes through during pregnancy. We will focus on anatomy and physiology as well as common discomforts and how to handle them naturally. This is helpful for the coach as it makes him more aware and therefore more understanding of these changes. We will also begin to discuss some of the many choices you face regarding labor and birth. We focus on pregnancy and childbirth from the coach's point of view. In this session we will discuss: coaching during pregnancy, the importance of natural childbirth, bonding, and the father's role in breastfeeding. We practice physical relaxation: tense/relax, muscle observation and progressive.

Session 3: Class 5 – 1st Stage Labor (Pre-Labor, Active, NAP, Transition)

How your body works in first stage labor. We will cover anatomy and physiology of first stage, stressing our respect for the natural process and teach basic coaching techniques and instruct you on how to practice together. We practice physical relaxation: tense/relax, progressive and massage/stroking.

Session 4: Class 6 – 2nd/3rd Stage of Labor (Pushing/Birth & Placenta Delivery)

How your body works in the second and third stage of labor. We will cover the anatomy and physiology of second stage labor stressing our respect for the natural process. We will discuss the importance of the natural alignment plateau and the fetal Heimlich maneuver. Basic pushing techniques and second stage positions, as well as the coach's role, will be covered. Plus what to expect in third stage will also be discussed. We practice mental relaxation: music, poems, stories, prayers, mediations, affirmations, etc.

Session 5: Class 7 & 8 - Planning Your Birth and Variations & Unexpected Situations

This class covers consumer information and how to make a birth plan. We discuss: what your choices are, the importance of evaluating your feelings and listing your priorities, and meeting with your medical team to discuss your choices in a positive way. We cover various complications including cesarean surgery discussing: how to avoid these problems if possible, how to evaluate whether it is necessary to intervene, and how to handle interventions that become necessary. Review unmedicated birth and medicated birth. We practice mental relaxation: simulating contractions and using positive affirmations.

Session 6: Bonus Class - Breastfeeding and Postpartum Care

The goal of this class is to review the breastfeeding basics to help prepare parents for breastfeeding the new baby. We also cover information on taking care of yourself after your baby is born. We practice emotional relaxation: warmth/colors.

Session 7: Class 9 &10 - Review Stages of Labor

We will review the Stage of Labor Study Guides so that you can be sure you are well-prepared. We will also do some games and role playing with the info. We practice mental relaxation: visualizing a special place releasing fears-worries, etc.

Session 8: Class 12 - Baby Care and Family Life

We will also cover: newborn care, mothering, fathering, breastfeeding, how to handle a crying baby, and adjusting to the many changes you will face during this time.

We practice relaxation.

Session 9: Class 11 - Are You Ready? Being a Great Coach/Birth Rehearsal

At this point we will go over the B.E.S.T. techniques for labor and birth as a comprehensive review of the most important points you will use while in labor. Covering information for coaches on how to handle the challenges they will face in labor. Also we will have our Birth Rehearsal practicing positions, timing contractions and all three types of relaxation. Plus reviewing the most important outcome – healthy baby, healthy mom!