Class 1 - Introduction and Nutrition How to have a healthy, low-risk pregnancy, pregnancy comfort through prenatal exercises, coping with pain in labor, nutrional requirements of pregnancy, benefits of breastfeeding and start relaxation practice. Film: "Breastfeeding for a Healthier Baby"
Class 2 - Pregnancy and Consumerism Fetal development, the body changes of the pregnant woman, how to handle pregnancy discomforts, and a discussion of informed consent and the many choices in childbirth. Film: "Comfort Measures"
Class 3 - The Coach's Role The first of two classes focussing on the coach's point of view. Includes how to be a great partner during pregnancy, why you are needed at the birth, the importance of natural childbirth, how to coach difficult labors, emergency birth, bonding, and the partner's role in breastfeeding. Film: "Giving Birth Naturally"
Class 4 - Intro. to First Stage Labor Anatomy/physiology, discussion of the benefits of laboring, basics of coaching, introduction to the doula, and hospital admitting and routine procedures. Films: "Introducing the Doula" and "Interactive Positioning for Labor and Birth"
Class 5 - Intro. to Second Stage Labor What your body does during second stage labor and what you can do to help. We will discuss the basics of pushing and coaching in second stage. Film: "Gentle Birth Choices"
Class 6 - Planning your Birth How to be a good consumer and writing your birth plan. What choices do you have, how to make those choices, and addressing the choices you do make in a positive manner. Film: "Special Delivery"
Class 7 - Variations and Complications/ Postpartum Preparation Avoiding unecessary interventions, informed consent, minimizing interventions used, and coping with interventions. What to expect during the postpartum period: physical and emotional needs of the woman.
Class 8 - Preparing for your new family An advanced labor rehearsal, newborn care, becoming a family. Film: "On Becoming a Family"
To register for a class, schedule an interview or to obtain more information, contact Stork Smart.
