Natural Childbirth Classes

5 Benefits of the Bradley Method 12 week series:
#1: Reduce your risk of a medicated labor by 50% simply by taking the course!
#2: Your body needs 3 full months to physically prepare for its role in labor and delivery
#3: Your confidence soars after becoming educated and informed of the many choices you will make
#4: You will learn the vital role nutrition plays in preventing common pregnancy related illnesses and inductions
#5: You will learn how to use relaxation as your most effective pain management tool

Join Nichi Hirsch Kuechle for your Bradley Method 12 week natural childbirth course.

Upcoming start dates: May 22, 2012 & August 21, 2012

Where: SuNu Wellness 12455 Ridgedale Dr. S., Minnetonka
When: 6-8:15 pm
Provisional Teacher: Nichole Hirsch Kuechle

I am a two time Bradley mom, having successfully utlized the Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth with the birth of our two daughters, ages 8 & 4. Having been a Birth Doula for almost 15 years and seeing the way Bradley couples effectively manage their births and leave with such positive experiences about their pregnancies I knew I had to get the training necessary to teach this course. My background as a Parent Coach, Birth/Postpartum Doula, Cranioscral Therapist and Certified Lifestyle Management Educator, the Bradley Method fits the way I work with the whole family unit to reach an outcome the family will be empowered and inspired by. I look forward to working with your family!

With questions, send email to: info@myhealthybeginning.com

Weekly Course Content

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 prenancy 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. 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 watch another birth DVD and do our next labor rehearsal.

Class 4: The Coach's Role & Medications/Interventions

We will learn about the imperative role your coach plays in your pregnancy, labor and delivery. Medications and interventions introduced often in labor and delivery will be discussed. We will discuss 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 First Stage Labor

We will learn how your body works in first stage labor and what your coach can do to support you. Your coach will understand emotional and physical signposts to look for and how to manage them.

Class 6: Introduction to Second & Third Stage Labor
We will discuss 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. Birth DVD will be shown and labor rehearsal practice.

Class 7: Planning Your Birth
We will cover consumer information and how to make a non-confrontational birthplan 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. Birth DVD will be shown.

Class 8: How to work with the Unexpected & Postpartum Planning
In this class we will discuss how to work with variations in labor and delivery and what to do in the case of a cesarean. We will discuss your postpartum recovery at length. Birth DVD will be shown and labor rehearsal practice.

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 and managing its progress. We will 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, watch a Birth DVD and do a fun last labor rehearsal.

Class 11: Are You Ready?
Taking care of unfinished business-reviewing coaches role, discussing birth location and provider choice, emergency childbirth. Bring your questions tonight for everything pregnancy, labor, delivery, postpartum and baby.

Class 12: Preparing For Baby & Breastfeeding
There is much to be done to prepare your family and home for a new baby. We will discuss newborn procedures, how to manage the delivery room post birth, and breastfeeding. We will watch a Birth DVD and do a relaxation exercise.

4-6 weeks after class: The Reunion
Many couples who take Bradley classes together become connected for life. Creating a bond with like minded parents is just one fun thing about pregnancy and parenthood. About 4-6 weeks after your class has ended we will hold a reunion evening to meet new babies, share birth stories and celebrate life!