Course Content

These classes are designed to provide evidence-based information, support, and resources for pregnant women and their families as they prepare for childbirth and beyond. By exploring your options, you’ll find that learning is one of the best ways to prepare for a satisfying birth experience. What to bring?? …a yoga mat to lay on, 1-2 pillows, and wear comfortable clothing for exercises & relaxation practice. Also, feel free to bring any drinks and snacks to keep you going during class. I hope you’ll join us!

Class 1 – Getting to Know Your Birth
By using a visual of a “pie” we will discuss choices families have that will impact their birth “slice by slice”. These “slices” are dedicated to preparing a family for birth and recognizing how choices make a difference for both mother and baby. We will also begin learning comfort measures and consider the importance of relaxation during labor.

Class 2 – Pregnancy
During this class, we will discuss the many changes a woman’s body goes through during pregnancy. We will focus on anatomy and physiology and learn how this plays a major role during pregnancy, labor, and birth. We will also learn about the benefits of massage.

Class 3 – Stages of Labor
This class explores how a woman’s body works in the three stages of labor. We will also learn about contractions and the benefits of different laboring positions.

Class 4 – Variations and Informed Consent
We will cover a variety of procedures and learn about informed consent. This will enable a family, along with their caregivers, to evaluate “a situation” and determine whether it is necessary to intervene and how to respond to the interventions that become necessary.

Class 5 – Comfort Measures and Techniques
This class is dedicated to learning, as well as practicing, a variety of comfort measures for partners to support the laboring mother. We will also have a labor rehearsal to practice these techniques.

Class 6 – Preparing for Your New Family
The last of our six week series focuses on what happens after the baby arrives. Our final topics will be: postpartum for mothers, meeting the newborn, and breastfeeding.