Classes
What I Teach
Taking childbirth classes is a valuable way to prepare for the birth of your baby! Whether this is your first baby or you have others already, each child deserves the time it takes to get your body ready and mentally prepare for birth. Every birth is different, and taking childbirth classes will help you be ready for the various scenarios your labor and birth may involve. During the process of taking classes you will be able to understand your options for birth and be more educated about your decisions. Your confidence in your body’s ability to give birth will grow and you will feel prepared and confident when the big day arrives!
An independent class, like this one, is especially a benefit for today’s mothers and fathers. No matter where you choose to have your baby, I can provide you with the current and evidence based information you need, and not simply prepare you to be a “good patient” with all the routines of the hospital. I work for you, the client, since I’m not employed by a hospital. Having choices and feeling in control of the decisions that are being made are crucial to having a positive birth experience, no matter what the birth turns out to be like. I will also give you assistance in finding a birth attendant who is a good fit for you and is supportive of the kind of birth you desire.
I teach the Bradley Method ® childbirth classes, which are 12 weeks in duration. These classes are very comprehensive. The following topics are covered:
- How to avoid complications in pregnancy and birth by staying low risk
- Extensive information and guidance in exercise and nutrition
- Your baby’s growth and development and natural ways to care for your body during pregnancy
- Relaxation techniques for natural birth (physical, emotional, mental)
- How to avoid the pitfalls that create unnecessary pain in labor and comfort measures to use
- How your body works in first, second and third stages of labor and how to effectively work with each stage
- Coaching techniques for the father
- Breastfeeding basics
- Newborn care
- Information on common concerns parents have like prenatal testing, vaccinations, circumcision and newborn procedures.
- Writing a birth plan and knowing your options including information on epidurals and common medical procedures.
- Dealing with normal variations of labor, when things are not “textbook”
- Medical complications and Cesarean Birth
- Postpartum care
- Emergency childbirth
The goal of these classes is to have a healthy mother and healthy baby! In most cases, a natural birth provides the best opportunity for this goal, but sometimes medical interventions are necessary to provide the safest birth for your situation. Although most people taking this class end up giving birth naturally, the classes are not meant to make you feel bad if you need medical intervention. You should choose a caregiver that you have confidence in and work together to make the best decisions for your individual situation.