Childbirth Education Course Content

This is a well-rounded, comprehensive natural childbirth preparation and prenatal education course© with easy homework assignments. Every class includes, but not limited to, simple pregnancy exercises, nutrition, positive interactions (advocacy), and natural pain relief techniques that your labor support person can learn.

Prepare for what to expect during labor, including the stages of labor scenarios, breathing during labor and birth, breastfeeding, and newborn care. Classes end with a 15-20 minute guided relaxation practice.

Class 1: Learn the thirteen concepts of natural childbirth. Introduction and practice of simple pregnancy exercises to relieve pregnancy related discomforts and to help baby get into the best position for an easier labor and birth. Use of rebozo and applying warmth for soothing comfort.

Class 2: Identifying fears. Pregnancy anatomy and the role that hormones play. Benefits of light touch, grounding/anchoring yourself in the present moment and creating your mind’s safe space.

Class 3: Importance of affirmations and having a positive mindset. Labor breathing. Early, active, and late stages of labor, including what to expect during transition. Timing contractions. Basic hand reflexology and receiving an AromaTouch hand massage with or without a pure therapeutic-grade essential oil.

Class 4: The body’s power centers and birth breathing. The intact perineum. Pushing (stage two labor) and stage three (delivery of placenta). The positive impact of delayed cord clamping. This class also covers warning signs, emergency birth, and cesarean section.

Class 5: Intentions. Stage Four (postpartum and recovery), and all about your newborn, including procedures, tests, and immunizations with informed consent or informed refusal. Creating your birth plan with The Cascade of Interventions in mind.

Class 6: Releasing fear. Postpartum exercises and nutrition. Postpartum plans and self-care. Breastfeeding & Skin to Skin. Supportive coaching: helping her through transition.

Class 7: Tying it all together. One last rehearsal.