Course Content

The 12 week series of classes focus on relaxation, nutrition, exercise, coaching, breastfeeding, postpartum issues, emergency situations, positive communications, staying low risk, and much more.

Relaxation is a major focus of every class.

Week 1: Introduction to the Bradley Method® & Exercises
This class deals with Bradley Method® history, philosophy, and goals. It is a time to get to know your teacher and the members of your class. During this class, we will begin to study things you can do to keep yourself healthy and low risk during pregnancy. We will introduce important pregnancy exercises and lead a discussion of how to handle pain and give a lesson in how to avoid unnecessary pain in labor.

Week 2: Nutrition & Staying Low Risk
The primary focus of this class is nutrition. We will discuss good nutrition during pregnancy so that you will understand which nutrients are important and what quantities are necessary. We will help you to evaluate your diet and suggest ways to improve it if necessary. We will also discuss the importance of being active consumers during pregnancy and how to choose the right care provider.

Week 3: Pregnancy
During this class, we will 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/her more aware and more understanding of these changes. We will also learn massage teachniques for pregnancy and labor.

Week 4: Interventions
This class focuses on options and interventions in labor and birth and the pros and cons of each. We will also define the coach's role during pregnancy and birth. Coaches will have a private discussion with each other to address fears and concerns while the moms practice mental relaxation.

Week 5: Introduction to First Stage Labor
This class deals with 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 examining the built-in safeguards for you and your baby. We will teach basic coaching techniques and instruct you on how to practice together.

Week 6: Introduction to Second Stage Labor
This class discusses how your body works in the second stage of labor. We will cover the anatomy and physiology of second stage labor stressing our respect for the natural process and examining the built-in safeguards for you and your baby. Basic pushing techniques and second stage positions will also be demonstrated and practiced. Third stage will be discussed briefly. We will practice a guided visualization for our relaxation.

Week 7: Planning Your Birth
During this class, we will cover 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 will learn the importance of informed consent and how to get it. We will also talk about what to pack in your labor bag.

Week 8: Variations & Unexpected Situations
This class covers various complications, including cesarean surgery. We will discuss how to avoid these problems, if possible, how to evaluate whether it is necessary to intervene and how to handle interventions that may become necessary. We also cover emergency childbirth.

Week 9: Advanced First & Second Stage Techniques
This class is filled with advanced coaching techniques dealing directly with the challenges of handling the first and second stages of labor. We will go over how to create a positive environment in labor and also have a mock labor rehearsal.

Week 10: Advanced Comfort Measures
In this class, we will practice an advanced labor rehearsal which helps to pull together all of the information you have learned so far. We will review comfort measures for labor and also have a final labor review to be sure that you are fully prepared.

Week 11: Breastfeeding & Postpartum
This class focuses on breastfeeding, including the benefits for mom and baby, proper latch techniques, positions and how to recognize potential problems that may require early intervention. We will also discuss postpartum issues and recovery.

Week 12: Preparing for Your New Baby
The last of our twelve week series begins with newborn care and hospital procedures, parenting, how to handle a crying baby and adjusting to the many changes you will face during this time. We will conclude our series with a blessingway ceremony and potluck dinner.