Class Outline
Class
1. Introduction to The Bradley Method®
This class deals with Bradley Method® history, philosophy and goals. It
is a time to get to know us and the members of your class. During this class,
we will begin to study things you can do to keep yourself healthy and low
risk during pregnancy. We will introduce important pregnancy exercises and
we will lead a discussion of how to handle pain and give a lesson in how to
avoid unnecessary pain in labor.
Class
2. Nutrition in Pregnancy
The primary focus of this class is on nutrition. We will discuss good nutrition
during pregnancy so that you will understand which nutrients are important
and what quantities are necessary. We will help you
to evaluate your diet and suggest ways to improve it 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
During this class, we will discuss the many changes your body goes through
during pregnancy. We will focus on anatomy and physiology as well as common
discomforts and how to handle them naturally. This is helpful for the coach
as it makes him more aware and therefore more understanding of these changes.
We will also begin to discuss some of the many choices you face regarding
labor and birth.
Class
4. The Coach's Role
This is the first of two classes that focus on pregnancy and childbirth from
the coach's point of view. In this session we will discuss: coaching during
pregnancy, the importance of natural childbirth, bonding, and the father's
role in breastfeeding. We will conclude our study on staying low risk during
pregnancy and discuss drugs, myths and birthing.
Class
5. Introduction to First Stage Labor
This class is on how your body works in first stage labor. 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 and instruct you on how to practice together. Standard
hospital admitting and prepping procedures will also be covered.
Class
6. Introduction to Second Stage Labor
This class is on how your body works in the second stage of labor. We will
cover the anatomy and physiology of second stage labor stressing our respect
for the natural process and examining the built-in safeguards for you and
your baby. 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. Third stage will
also be discussed briefly.
Class
7. Planning Your Birth
Class seven covers consumer information and how to make a birth plan. We discuss:
what your choices are, the importance of evaluating your feelings and listing
your priorities, and meeting with your medical team to discuss your choices
in a positive way. There is also a first stage labor rehearsal in this class.
Class
8. Variations and Complications / Postpartum Preparation
This class covers two units of information. We cover various complications
including cesarean surgery discussing: how to avoid these problems if possible,
how to evaluate whether it is necessary to intervene, and how to handle interventions
that become necessary. We also cover information on taking care of yourself
after your baby is born.
Class 9. Advanced First Stage Techniques
This class is filled with advanced coaching techniques dealing directly with
the challenge of handling first stage labor. We will go over the First Stage
Study Guide so that you can be sure you are well-prepared. We will also have
a labor rehearsal and do some role playing.
Class
10. Advanced Second Stage Techniques
This class begins with an advanced labor rehearsal which helps to pull together
all of the information you have learned so far. We will also cover the Second
Stage Study Guide to be sure that you fully understand and are prepared to
handle the second stage of labor.
Class
11. Being a Great Coach / Are You Ready?
At this point we will go over the B.E.S.T. techniques for labor and birth
as a comprehensive review of the most important points you will use while
in labor. This class also covers information for coaches on how to handle
the challenges they will face in labor. Emergency childbirth will be discussed,
just-in-case the baby comes before you get where you're going. We will also
participate in an intriguing discussion on the theory of "what is labor"
and why it is so different for each woman and even for each pregnancy.
Class
12. Preparing for Your New Family
The last of our twelve week series begins with an advanced labor rehearsal.
Next we will discuss the concluding chapter in your student workbook which
is titled "Your Labor and Birth". We will also cover: newborn care,
mothering, fathering, breastfeeding, how to handle a crying baby, and adjusting
to the many changes you will face during this time.