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We follow the Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth curriculum, which is an intensive twelve week course. Studies have shown that it takes about three months of practice for your body become accustomed to doing something instinctively or out of habit. We look at labor preparation as similar to training for a marathon: you need regular exercise, good nutrition, realistic expectations, and a foundation of confidence in order to increase your odds of success.
One thing to remember when trying to decide which childbirth preparation classes to take is this: hospital classes give you around half as much instruction as our Bradley Method classes. The extra time you get from the Bradley Method classes means more information, more practice, more preparation -- and more confidence going into your delivery. If you have questions about the specific benefits of Bradley Method childbirth instruction, please contact us. If you're ready to register, or if you need early bird information, just let us know. Now is the time to save a spot!
Here's a detailed agenda for our childbirth preparation classes:
| Unit 1: Introduction and Exercises | Class overview, exercises (regular and prenatal), introduction into relaxation. |
| Unit 2: Nutrition | Introduction of prenatal nutrition components and breastfeeding benefits. |
| Unit 3: Gestation | Fetal gestation, managing discomfort during pregnancy, things to avoid. and coaching challenges. |
| Unit 4: The Coach's Role | Coaching qualities, mental relaxation, myths about drugs, review activity. |
| Unit 5: Introduction to First Stage Labor | Introduction to first stage labor, how to minimize pain, what to expect, coach's role, birth video and first labor rehearsal. |
| Unit 6: Introduction to Second Stage Labor | Introduction to second stage labor, most effective pushing positions, coach's role, birth video and labor rehearsal. |
| Unit 7: Planning Your Birth | Consumerism, birth plan, informed consent, hospital protocol, review activity and labor rehearsal. |
| Unit 8: Variations and Unexpected Situations | Variations to a normal labor, cesareans, complications, postpartum preparation, breastfeeding questionnaire, and labor rehearsal. |
| Unit 9: Advanced First Stage Techniques | First stage strategies, coaching, relaxation techniques, birth video and labor rehearsal. |
| Unit 10: Advanced Second Stage Techniques | Creating a positive environment in labor, second stage strategies, coaching, relaxation techniques, birth video and 30 minute labor rehearsal. |
| Unit 11: Being a Great Coach | Labor readiness, coaching characteristics and final labor rehearsal. |
| Unit 12: Preparations for Your New Baby | Preparing for your new family, newborn procedures, breastfeeding suggestions and labor discussion. |