• 6 to 8 week series of classes.
• Classes can be customized to fit your needs.
• These childbirth classes explore the physical, psychological, sexual and emotional aspects of pregnancy, birth and parenting.
• Classes will provide the tools to help guide you through labor and birth, including intensive breathing and relaxation.
• Topics covered include information important to maintaining a healthy pregnancy all the way through to breastfeeding and the immediate postpartum period, helping you make informed choices all along the continuum of the childbearing cycle.
• This unique course will prepare you in taking responsibility for the birth of your child and the transition in becoming parents.

Class Series Outline

Class One: Birth Today is an introduction to the anthropological, historical, sociological and psychological threads of consciousness that will be woven throughout the series of seven classes. The midwifery model, consumerism and media influences on birth and women's self-image will also be explored. ^

Class Two: Pregnancy--Growth and Decision Making emphasizes parents' responsibility and choices regarding the place of birth, care provider, the use of labor assistants/birth doulas, interventions and medications. Changes that occur during pregnancy are explored, including body image and sexuality. The importance of nutrition is discussed. Communication exercises are introduced. ^

Class Three: The Process of Birth explores how the baby is born and how the mother and her partner can work together towards a more positive labor and birth. This class covers breathing, relaxation, positions, vocalization and other tools for meeting the intensity of labor. ^

Class Four: Creating Your Birth explores what it takes for families to attain their desired birth. Standard hospital and home birth procedures are discussed, including options and the "domino theory" of interventions. Cesarean prevention is a large component of this class, along with options concerning standard medical interventions such as episiotomy, epidurals, EFM and "active management of labor." Students also discuss creating a birth plan. ^

Class Five: When Birth Doesn't Go the Way You Planned discusses dealing with the unexpected, ranging from the death of a baby to having an undesired IV. The goal is to help parents address their fears and have tools for dealing with unexpected outcomes, including how to communicate with their care provider to get their questions answered when unexpected events arise. ^

Class Six: The Newborn, Postpartum, and the Family explores the psychological, emotional and physical concerns of the postpartum period and new parenthood. The newborn exam, breastfeeding, postpartum mood disorders and decisions related to baby care are also covered. ^

Ready to register for your Childbirth Preparation Classes with Dina?