The Bradley
Method® Curriculum – Ten weeks, covers 12 units of study including (...need
to know when classes will be held?):
Though every class has a specific topic, which is covered in detail,
classes 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 film or video
presentation.
*Class 1.
Introduction to The Bradley Method®, Exercise - This class
deals with Bradley Method history, philosophy and goals. It is a time to get to
know us 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. We will introduce important
pregnancy exercises and we will lead a discussion of how to handle pain and
give a lesson in how to avoid unnecessary pain in labor. We will briefly discuss good nutrition during
pregnancy.
Class 2.
Nutrition and Pregnancy - During this class we will briefly discuss good nutrition
during pregnancy so that you understand what nutrients are important and the
quantities that are necessary. We will help you to evaluate your diet and
suggest ways to improve it if necessary.
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
choices you face regarding labor and birth.
Class 3.
The Coach's Role - It
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
4. 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 teach basic coaching techniques and instruct
you on how to practice together. Standard hospital admitting and prepping
procedures will also be covered.
*Class 5.
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. We will discuss the importance of
the natural alignment plateau and the fetal Heimlich maneuver. 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 6.
Planning Your Birth -
Class six 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. There is also a first stage labor rehearsal in this class.
*Class 7.
Variations and Complications/Postpartum Preparation - This class covers two units of
information. We cover various complications including cesarean surgery
discussing: 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
8. Advanced First and Second Stage
Techniques - This
class is filled with advanced coaching techniques dealing directly with the
challenges of handling first stage labor. We will go over the First Stage Study
Guide so that you can be sure you are well prepared. We will also cover the
Second Stage Study Guide to be sure that you full understand and are prepared
to handle the second stage of labor. We
will also have a labor rehearsal and do some role-playing.
Class
9. 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 are going. We
will also participate in an intriguing discussion on the theory of "what
is labor" and why it is so different for each woman and even for each
pregnancy.
Class 10.
Preparing for Your New Family - The last of our ten-week series begins with an advanced labor rehearsal. Next 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.
You are encouraged to continue
coming to class each week until your baby is born.
There is no additional fee for
review classes.
These are the classes recommended for a refresher class if
you have had a full Bradley class.
This page is maintained by Gail B. Karlovsky,
AAHCC, CD (DONA) and was last updated 1/25/2005 1:43:58 PM.