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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 how to avoid unnecessary pain in labor.
We will also learn the importance of relaxation and practice a tense
and release exercise.
Week
2: Nutrition
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 choosing the right care provider
and birth place. The relaxation exercise for this class is a progressive
relaxation.
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 discuss the benefits
of massage and practice effective massage techniques to aid in relaxation.
Week
4: 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 helpful positions for labor and how to practice
together.
Week 5: 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. 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 also be covered. Third stage will
also be discussed briefly. Visualization as an effective relaxation
tool will be discussed and practiced.
Week
6: Interventions & The Coach's Role
In this class, we will discuss the benefits, risks, and alternatives
to some of the most common interventions used during labor. We will
also discuss the role the Coach plays in the process as well as
the importance of mental relaxation.
Week
7: Planning Your Birth
During this class, we will cover informed consent 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 also discuss the items you will need to pack in your labor
bag and practice a guided imagery exercise.
Week
8: Complications & 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 information
on emergency childbirth and practice a birth visualization.
Week
9: First & Second Stage Labor Review
This class is filled with advanced coaching techniques dealing directly
with the challenges of handling the first and second stages labor.
We will also discuss what to expect when moving to your birth place
and how to create a positive environment once there. We will end
with a mock labor rehearsal.
Week
10: Advanced Comfort Measures for Labor
This class focuses on advanced comfort measures for labor, as well
as, a detailed overview of labor. We will practice a mock labor
rehearsal using various comfort techniques and make rice socks to
use in labor.
Week
11: Breastfeeding & Postpartum
This class focuses on the many benefits of breastfeeding, as well
as, latch techniques, positions, and recognizing potential problems.
We will also discuss what to expect in the postpartum period, how
to take care of yourself after your baby is born and how to recognize
the signs of postpartum mood disorders. We will have our last mock
labor rehearsal.
Week
12: Preparing for Your New Baby
The last of our twelve week series begins with newborn procedures
and care, parenting, and adjusting to the many changes you will
face during this time. We will also have a special "Blessingway"
closing ceremony to celebrate and prepare for the journey that lies
ahead and a Potluck party to end our celebration.
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