Get Prepared!
Get Prepared! Childbirth Education Classes
An all-inclusive 6-hour course designed to empower expectant parents in their childbirth options. This class is taught monthly by our Childbirth Educator, and is recommended for all first time parents. Second time parents are also welcome for those needing a refresher course! Class fee is $85 per couple. Register online
Topics covered include:
Overview of Normal Labor
Including: Exercise/Stretching (Getting ready for birthing!!), Female Anatomy, Signs of Labor, the Three Stages of Labor, the Physiology of Labor and Delivery as well as the Typical Emotional Responses of the Laboring Woman. Discussion emphasizes the normalcy of labor and variations.
Comfort Techniques-Natural Pain Management
Including: relaxation, massage, (overview of perineal massage), breathing techniques, using focal points, visualizations and guided imagery, the use of water therapy, music and sounds, positioning for labor comfort and alternative birth positions and aromatherapy. Discussion emphasizes utilizing these techniques to shorten your overall labor, ease the pain of labor, and the special role of support people/coaches for the laboring woman.
Medical Procedures and Interventions
Including electronic fetal monitoring, induction or augmentation of labor using Pitocin as well as natural techniques, pain medications and epidural anesthesia, assisted deliveries, and Cesarean birth. Discussion emphasizes making choices regarding your birth based on knowledge of a procedure’s pros and cons, risks and advantages.
What to Expect for a Home Birth (This topic is contingent on class demographics.)
Including: supplies needed, expectations and responsibilities, and birth guests.
Recovery and Postpartum
Including: the physical changes from immediately after the birth to 6 weeks later (and beyond!) Discussion also addresses emotional and social adjustments to parenting, basic newborn care and breastfeeding. If time allows, we will also cover the basics of infant CPR and packing a diaper bag (what you really need).
Classes also include assistance in developing a birth plan, if desired, as well as a comprehensive “labor rehearsal.”
