Though every session has a specific topic that is covered in detail, each one will also cover
relaxation exercises to use in labor.  A different relaxation technique will be demonstrated and
assigned for practice each week.  All sessions will feature at least one video dealing with the current
session topic.  I have listed the approximate length of each session so that you may pick and choose
which ones interest you and totally personalize your class series.

**Each 4 week series is comprised of approximately 11 hours of class time.  Any additional sessions
above and beyond the 11 hours will be pro-rated at $35/hour.

This session covers an overview of the philosophy of natural childbirth and will discuss,
in-depth,the many ways of staying healthy and low risk.  This will enable you to have many
options for labor and birth.  We will also discuss pain in childbirth and many coping mechanisms
for you and your partner. (approximately 1 1/2 hours)

In this session, we will discuss the issues regarding your care while pregnant such as: prenatal
testing, how to have positive communications with your birth team throughout your pregnancy
and how to discuss controversies with your care providers.  The second half of this session will
deal with various types of caregivers and birth locations available to pregnant women and the
pros and cons of each. (approximately 1 1/2 hours)

This session will show you how your body works in the first, second and third stages of labor.  
We will cover anatomy and physiology of the stages-- stressing our respect for the natural
process and examining the built-in safeguards for you and your baby.  A great deal of time in
this session will be spent education your partner as to the best ways they can assist you in these
various stages. (approximately 2 hours)

In this session we will discuss interventions routinely used during labor and birth (epidurals,
Stadol, labor  induction, electronic fetal monitoring, episiotomy…).  The goal of this discussion is
to educate expectant parents so they can make informed decisions regarding the birth of their
baby. We will cover basic obstetrical protocols and some alternatives available to birthing
couples.

The second part of this session will cover situations and complications that occasionally arise
during birth. We will discuss cesarean surgery and other variations such as breech presentation,
emergency childbirth and many others.  In addition, how to avoid them if possible, how to
evaluate whether it is necessary to intervene, and how to handle interventions if they do
become necessary. (approximately 2 hours)

This session will cover consumer information and how to make an effective birth plan.  We will
discuss the following: 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.  

The second part of this session discusses the very important topic of Optimal Fetal
Positioning--making sure your baby is in a good position before your labor and birth so that
you can have a faster and easier delivery!  Most variations/complications are caused by a
poorly positioned baby during labor.  I will teach you how to assess what position your baby is
in before labor, how to get them in the favored position and how to keep them there
throughout the birth. (approximately 1 1/2 hours)

The first part of this session will cover common newborn procedures. This will help you decide
what, if any, tests/procedures you would like to have performed on your baby. Topics
include: newborn testing (PKU, Vitamin K, hearing tests etc...), circumcision, and vaccinations.

The second part of this session is devoted to the needs of the new family unit. We will discuss
postpartum issues such as: choices in parenting your newborn, how to calm a crying baby, and
the many changes you and your partner will go through postpartum.  Topics include:
breastfeeding, co-sleeping, baby-wearing and other attachment parenting concepts.
(approximately 1 1/2 hours)

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In this session, we will role play being in labor.  You and your partner will learn specific coping
techniques and labor/pushing positions to use while in labor.  Techniques for handling back
labor and slow or stalled labor are included. (approximately 30 minutes)