Preparing
for Your New Family
The last of our twelve week series begins with an advanced labour
rehearsal. Next we will discuss the concluding chapter in your student
workbook which is titled "Your Labour and Birth". We will
also cover: newborn care, mothering, fathering, breastfeeding,
how to handle a crying baby, and adjusting to the many changes you will
face during this time.
Being
a Great Coach / Are You Ready?
At this point we will go over the B.E.S.T. techniques for labour
and birth as a comprehensive review of the most important points you
will use while in labour. This class also covers information for
coaches on how to handle the challenges they will face in labour.
Emergency childbirth will be discussed, just-in-case the baby
comes before you get where you're going. We will also participate in
an intriguing discussion on the theory of "what is labour"
and why it is so different for each woman and even for each pregnancy.
Advanced
Second Stage Techniques
This class begins with an advanced labour rehearsal which helps
to pull together all of the information you have learned so far. We
will also cover the Second Stage Study Guide to be sure that you fully
understand and are prepared to handle the second stage of labour.
Advanced
First Stage Techniques
This class is filled with advanced coaching techniques dealing directly
with the challenge of handling first stage labour. We will go
over the First Stage Study Guide so that you can be sure you are well-prepared.
We will also have a labour rehearsal and do some role playing.
Variations
and Complications / Postpartum Preparation
This class covers two units of information. We cover various complications,
including caesarean surgery, discussing: how to avoid these problems
if possible, how to evaluate whether it is necessary to intervene, and
how to handle interventions that become necessary. We also cover
information on taking care of yourself after your baby is born.
Planning
Your Birth
Class seven covers 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. There is also
a first stage labour rehearsal in this class.
Introduction
to Second Stage Labour
This class is on how your body works in the second stage of labour.
We will cover the anatomy and physiology of second stage labour, 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 be covered. Third stage will also be
discussed briefly.
Introduction
to First Stage Labour
This class is on how your body works in first stage labour. 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 practise together. Standard hospital admitting and prepping
procedures will also be covered.
The
Coach's Role
This is the first of two classes that focus on pregnancy and childbirth
from the coach's point of view. In this session we will discuss: coaching
during pregnancy, the importance of natural childbirth,
bonding, and the father's role in breastfeeding. We will conclude
our study on staying low risk during pregnancy and discuss drugs,
myths and birthing.
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 more aware and
therefore more understanding of these changes. We will also begin
to discuss some of the many choices you face regarding labour
and birth.
Nutrition
in Pregnancy
The primary focus of this class is on 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 review the pregnancy exercises and discuss: sex during
pregnancy, breastfeeding, and continue studying what you can do to stay
healthy and low risk during pregnancy.
Introduction
to The Bradley Method®
This class deals with Bradley Method® history, philosophy and goals.
It is a time to get to know us 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 we will have a discussion on how to handle
pain and give a lesson in how to avoid unnecessary pain in labour.
Though every class has a specific topic which is covered in detail, each
class will also cover nutrition, exercise, positive communication,
and coaching.
