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Class 1: Introduction to The
Bradley Method
This
class introduces Bradley Method history, philosophy and goals. It is
a time to get acquainted with the members of your class. We will begin to
study ways in which to keep yourself healthy and low risk during pregnancy.
Valuable pregnancy exercises will then be introduced, followed by a discussion
on avoiding unnecessary pain in labour.
Class 2:
Nutrition in
Pregnancy
We
will discuss good nutrition during pregnancy so that you will understand
what nutrients are important and what quantities are necessary. We
will help you to evaluate your diet and suggest ways to improve, 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.
Class 3:
Pregnancy / Avoidance
During
this class, we will focus on substances and procedures that should be
limited or avoided as well as natural alternatives. We will also
discuss anatomy, physiology, your changing body and common discomforts.
This is helpful for the coach as it increases his awareness, helping him
to better understand your ongoing changes.
Class 4:
The Coach's Role / Drugs in Birth
In
this session we will discuss: coaching during pregnancy, the
importance of natural childbirth, and the father’s bond. The main
focus will be on labour and delivery drugs: including their purpose,
their risks, and alternatives. This concludes our study on staying
low risk during pregnancy.
Class 5:
Introduction to First
Stage Labor
This
class details 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, along with
understanding and timing contractions.
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Class 6: Introduction to Second Stage Labor
This
class details anatomy and physiology of second stage labour (Pushing) as
well as third stage (Placenta). 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.
Class 7:
Planning Your Birth
This
class covers consumerism and how to create an effective birth plan.
We discuss your wide range of choices, the importance of evaluating your
feelings, prioritizing your wish list, and meeting with your medical team
to discuss your preferences in a productive manner.
Class 8:
Variations & Complications / Breastfeeding
This
class covers various complications that may arise, including cesarean
surgery. For each variation, we discuss the intervention, how
to navigate your options, and natural alternatives. For the
second portion of the class we discuss breastfeeding in detail, including
helpful nursing positions.
Class 9:
Advanced First Stage
This
class is filled with advanced coaching techniques dealing directly with
the challenge of handling first stage labour so that you can be sure you
are well-prepared. We will also have a labour rehearsal and practice
positive communications with your medical team through role playing.
Class 10:
Advanced Second
Stage Techniques / Postpartum
This
class begins with a review of advanced second stage techniques, including
a labour rehearsal. This helps to pull together all we’ve learned in
preparation for your baby’s birth. In addition, postpartum
expectations and challenges will be thoroughly discussed.
Class 11:
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. Emergency childbirth will be discussed, just-in-case the
baby comes before you get where you are going. We finish off with a
35 minute active labour rehearsal.
Class 12:
Preparing for Your
New Family
For
the last of our twelve week series, a recent Bradley Method graduating
couple with visit to share their personal birth story. We will then
discuss general infant care, common newborn procedures and what you should
expect in the first days with your new baby.
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