Class 1:  Introduction to The Bradley Method

This class deals with Bradley Method philosophy and is a time of introductions.  We will begin to study things you can do to keep yourself healthy and low risk during your pregnancy and introduce important pregnancy exercises.  We will also lead a great discussion on how to handle pain in labor and give lessons on how to avoid unnecessary pain. 

Class 2:  Nutrition in Pregnancy

The primary focus in this class will be how to eat while pregnant.  We will help you evaluate your diet and give you helpful tips on how to stay low risk, healthy and strong and give you access to top of the line nutritional supplements to support you and your growing baby. We will watch our first birth DVD and do a fun relaxation exercise.

Class 3:  Pregnancy

We will discuss the many changes your body is going through along with the anatomy and physiology of birth.  We will discuss the many choices you face regarding your labor and birth including the importance of choosing the right provider and location to have your baby caught.  We will also discuss the importance of the coach's role and have the coaches answer great questions in discussion style with their pregnant partners.  We will watch another birth DVD and do our next labor rehearsal. 

Class 4:  Introduction to First Stage Labor

We will learn 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 coaching techniques and instruct you on how to practice together.  We will watch a birth DVD and do another labor rehearsal.

Class 5:  Introduction to Second and Third Stage Labor

We will learn how your body works in second and third stage.  We will discuss fetal heimlech maneuver, basic pushing techniques, what to do with your placenta and how you should be treated during these stages.  The coach's role will be discussed in detail and we will go over pushing positions that can help ease your baby out. 

Class 6:  Planning your Birth

We will cover consumer information and how to make a non-confrontational birth plan that your provider will like and read.  We will play a fun "priority game" out of which your birth plan will emerge.  We will give you a great list of questions to ask your provider so that you feel confident in your choice of providers and birth location.  We will also cover variations and complications including how to have a good c-section when necessary and how to avoid them if at all possible.  We will have a labor rehearsal at the end of class.

Class 7:  Postpartum Prep and Breastfeeding

We will cover how to take care of yourself after your baby is born, what the coach can do to fully support you in recovery and how to enter in to your breastfeeding relationship with confidence and ease.  A birth DVD will be shown.

Class 8:  Everything Baby Night

We will cover every baby topic you can come up with including diapering vs. cloth diapering / bathing / cranio sacral therapy / bedsharing / slinging / how to sleep your baby and lots of other topics.  Come ready to take notes on how to be cost effective the first year of your baby's life and come with all your questions.

Class 9:  Advanced First Stage Review

We will fill this class with advanced coaching techniques dealing directly with the challenge of handling first stage labor.  We will cover emergency childbirth, watch a birth DVD and have a great labor rehearsal.

Class 10:  Advanced Second Stage Review

We will cover advanced coaching techniques for transition and second stage labor, review third stage and answer all your last questions.  We will also go over prolapsed cords, have a review game and do a fun last labor rehearsal.