Bradley® Class Content
Though every class has a specific topic which
is covered in detail, each class will also cover nutrition, exercise,
positive communication, and coaching. A different relaxation technique
will be demonstrated and assigned for practice each week. Many classes
also feature a video presentation.
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 me 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. I will introduce important pregnancy
exercises and 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. I will help you to evaluate
your diet and suggest ways to improve it if necessary. I 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 discuss the importance of the natural alignment plateau and the fetal
Heimlich maneuver. I 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. 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.
Class 8. Variations and Complications / Postpartum Preparation
This class covers two units of information. We cover various complications
including cesarean surgery. We discuss 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.
Class 10. Advanced Second Stage Techniques
We will 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.
Class 12. Preparing for Your New Family
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.
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