The series teaches couples to work together to meet the physical, mental and emotional demands during each stage of normal labor and delivery. They learn about natural comfort measures, positioning, relaxation, rhythmic breathing, nutrition, exercise, breastfeeding and much more. We use the books Pregnancy Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete guide 4th edition by Penny Simkin, P.T., Janet Whalley, R.N., B.S.N., and Ann Keppler, R.N., M.N., as well as The Birth Partner 3rd edition, by Penny Simkin.
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This class will define Natural Childbirth and outline its goals. We will discuss the many options you will encounter in choosing your birthplace and birth attendant and much more! We will take time to get to know each other and lay a foundation for support during this special time for you and your family.
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The focus of this class is on the basic diet requirements for a healthy pregnancy and for breastfeeding postpartum. I will help you to evaluate your diet by asking you to keep a journal of what you eat for the first 3 weeks. Anything you do for 21 days becomes a habit, and we want good nutrition to be a way of life for you and your family. I will also introduce easy exercises that will help you to be physically fit for the birth process.
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You will learn basic anatomy and physiology as it applies to pregnancy and birth, to help you to better understand how your body functions in labor. This basic understanding will help you to concentrate on working with your body in labor instead of against it. We will explore how to handle the discomforts of birth naturally, how to avoid harmful substances in pregnancy, defining diagnostic testing and many more topics that will help you to make informed decisions for you and your baby. You will also learn relaxation and natural rhythmic breathing techniques.
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We will continue to learn more about the anatomy and physiology as it applies to first stage labor specifically. Our focus will be on the natural process, application of physical and emotional comfort measures, positions, practical ways of passing the time, timing contractions for frequency and duration, and characteristics of labor.
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Here you will learn how your body works in second stage labor, how to push effectively, and how to listen to your body. At delivery we will explore the Apgar rating, the cutting of the umbilical cord, maintaining the baby’s body temperature, after care for baby, and the baby’s first feeding. We will also discuss briefly the third stage of labor, the delivery of the placenta. At this point we will explore various complications and how you can avoid some of them, and how to determine your response to possible medical interventions. You will learn how to make a birth plan.
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You will learn how to take care of yourself after your baby is born. We will also cover newborn care, breastfeeding, what to do when baby cries, and adjusting to your role as a parent. You will also receive the most up-to-date information on immunization and circumcision, and more.
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