| Week
1: Introduction & Healthy Pregnancy Practices
This class will introduce you to the BELIEVE
IN BIRTH philosophy
as well as class goals and objectives. It is a time to get to know
your teacher and the members of your class. We will begin to study
things you can do to keep yourself healthy and low risk during pregnancy,
including exercise and nutrition. We will also learn the importance
of relaxation for labor and practice a tense and release exercise.
Week
2: Being an Active and Informed Participant in your Birth
The primary focus of this class will be learning what your rights
are as a pregnant couple, how to get informed consent and the importance
of choosing the right birth practitioner and birth place. We will
lead a discussion on how to avoid unnecessary discomfort in labor,
how the fear-tension-pain cycle can affect labor and practice slow,
deep breathing along with a progressive relaxation exercise.
Week
3: First Stage Labor
This class deals with how your body works during the first stage
of labor. We will cover the physical and emotional signs of first
stage, as well as comfort measures for labor. We will teach basic
labor support techniques and how to practice together as a couple.
We will learn and practice positions for first stage labor as well
as discuss when to go to your birth place.
Week 4: Second Stage Labor
This class discusses how your body works in the second stage of
labor. We will cover the physical and emotional signs of second
stage labor, as well as comfort measures and labor support guidelines.
Basic pushing techniques and second stage positions will also be
practiced. Third stage labor will be discussed as well. We will
learn the benefits of massage for pregnancy and labor and practice
effective massage techniques.
Week
5: Interventions & Special Circumstances
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 special circumstances, as well as how to evaluate whether
it is necessary to intervene and how to handle interventions that
may become necessary. Imagery/visualization as an effective relaxation
tool will be discussed and practiced.
Week
6: Preparing for Your Birth
During this class, we will cover how to make a birth plan. We will
discuss what your choices are in labor, the importance of evaluating
your feelings and listing your personal priorities, as well as meeting
with your medical team to discuss your preferences in a positive
way. We will also discuss what to expect when moving to your birth
place and how to create a positive environment once there, as well
as what to pack in your labor bag. The importance of mental relaxation
will be covered and practiced in this class.
Week
7:
Advanced Comfort Measures for Labor
This class focuses on advanced comfort measures for labor such as
acupressure, aromatherapy, effleurage, massage and much more, as
well as a detailed overview of labor. We will practice a unique
and innovative labor simulation bringing together all the various
comfort techniques, relaxation exercises and positions we have learned,
as well as make rice socks to use during labor.
Week
8: 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 practice an advanced
imagery exercise.
Week
9: Preparing for Your New Baby
The last of our nine 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.
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