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Course Content
The Bradley Method® consists of 12 units of weekly instruction. 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. Videos are used throughout the series as well as periodic guest speakers to enrich the curriculum. Since the information covered in class is relevant to the entire pregnancy, couples are encouraged to begin classes early in pregnancy and continue coming to class each week until you baby is born. There is no additional fee for review classes.
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
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, 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 nutrition. We will discuss good nutrition during pregnancy so that you will understand what nutrients are important and what quantities are necessary. We will help you to evaluate your diet and suggest ways to improve it if necessary. We will also review pregnancy exercises and
discuss sex during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and staying healthy and low risk during your pregnancy.
Class 3 - Pregnancy
During this class, we will discuss the many changes mom's 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/her more aware and 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/coach's role in breastfeeding. We will continue 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 mom's body works in first stage labor. We will cover anatomy and physiology of first stage, stressing respect for the natural process and examining the built-in safeguards for
mom and baby. We will teach basic coaching techniques and instruct the
couple on how to practice together. Standard hospital admitting and prepping procedures
are also covered.
Class 6 - Introduction to Second Stage Labor
This class is on how mom's body works in the second stage of labor. We will cover the anatomy and physiology of second stage labor stressing respect for the natural process and examining the built-in safeguards for
mom and baby. We will discuss the importance of the natural alignment plateau and the fetal Heimlich maneuver. Basic pushing 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. The couple leaves class seven as better birthing consumers.
Class 8 - Variations and Complications / Postpartum Preparation
This class covers two units of information. We cover various complications including cesarean surgery
and discuss how to avoid theses 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
yourselves 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.
Class 10 - Advanced Second Stage Techniques
This class is filled with advanced coaching techniques dealing directly with the challenge of handling
second stage 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
is discussed, just-in-case the baby comes before you get where you’re going.
Class 12 - Preparing for Your New Family
The last of our twelve-week series covers newborn care, mothering, fathering, breastfeeding, how to handle a crying baby, and adjusting to the many changes you will face during this time.
We encourage you to continue coming to class each week
until your baby is born without charge for these review classes.
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