Childbirth Class Series

(Each class will utilize discussion and videos.  Homework will be given at the end of each class to enrich each couples' learning and application)

Class 1--Birth Today

• Introductions

• Images of birth in our culture and the media

• Cross-cultural influences on birth

• Comparisons of  the technocratic and holistic models of birth

• Is birth SAFE?

• Consumerism--what can we do?

• The current state of birth in North America and its rising Cesarean rates

• Cesarean Prevention

• Video contents ("media birth" and unmedicated homebirth)

• Passive Relaxation Exercise

Class 2--Pregnancy: Growth and Decision-Making

• Birth options and decision-making

• Choosing your labor support team (partner, family, friend, doula)

• Nurturing yourself and your baby

• Fetal Development

• Nutrition

• Prenatal Care and Testing

• Making yourself comfortable in your pregnancy

• Increasing communication with your partner, enriching your relationship, emotional changes, and sexuality

• Video contents (preparing for natural birth in hospital, home, and birthing center)

• Touch Relaxation Exercise

Class 3--The Process of Birthing

• Understanding the process of normal labor and delivery

• Understanding the pain of labor

• How long will my labor last?--contributing factors

• Why active birth is better for moms and babies

• Cesarean Sections and "Failure to Progress"

• Signs of Labor

• Stages of Labor

• What is prodromal labor?...and why YOU need to know about it

• Video contents (The Birth Process and an unmedicated hospital birth)

• Visualization exercise

Class 4--Creating Your Birth

• Routine procedures and interventions

• Pros and Cons of these intervention

• "Domino Theory" of interventions

• Medication Options

• Using informed consent (Use your B.R.A.I.N)

• Cesarean Process

• Transforming a cesarean birth into an empowering experience

• Birth Plans

• Video contents (Natural births / the effect of pain medication and bonding on breastfeeding)

• Touch Relaxation exercise

• Breathing exercises

• Vocalization exercises

Class 5--Comfort Measures During Labor

• Labor Rehearsals

• A look at breathing in labor

• Overcoming the pain in labor

• Fear-Tension-Pain cycle

• Ways to facilitate and shorten labor

• Position options during labor

• Position options during the pushing stage

• Aromatherapy/hydrotherapy/massage

• Communicating your needs during labor

• For partners:  meeting the needs of the laboring mom

• Video contents (Understanding comfort measures)

• Active Relaxation exercise

Class 6--The Newborn, Postpartum, and the Family

• Welcoming and bonding with your newborn

• What to expect the first hour, day, week

• Newborn exam and concerns of the first week

• Breastfeeding and concerns

• Nurturing yourself:  health, nutrition, exercise, getting help, etc.

• Recognizing postpartum depression

• Routine newborn procedures during hospital stay

• Video contents (Bonding with your newborn / the class finale!)

• Visualization of Birth exercise

• Other questions from class series

Course material will vary depending on your personal needs and desires.  Please feel free to call (977-3726) or email me with any questions.   kristen_tt@yahoo.com     Blessings as  you embark on this exciting new venture!