All of these topics will be covered, although not necessarily in this order. 

 

1. Your personal questions and concerns

2. Physical and emotional discomforts of pregnancy

3 Nutrition for pregnancy

4. Exercise during pregnancy

5. Anatomy and Physiology of pregnancy and birth

6 .Our birth culture

7. The stages of labor (1-3)

                a. What is happening in your body?

                b. How do you feel?

                c. What can partner do?

8. Hospital Protocol and Interventions

9. Birth plans and doulas

10. Comfort and coping techniques-

a. movement

b. positions

c. breathing

d. relaxation

10. Variations of labor

11. Normal birth videos

12. Bonding with baby

13. Newborn care

14. Introduction to breastfeeding

15. Postpartum care for mom

 

All classes will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham on West Valley Ave. in Homewood.  If there is just one couple, it is often best if classes can be held at the couple’s home.  Classes for the 6 week series will be 2 hours long and held every Monday for 6 consecutive weeks. Classes will begin at 6:30.  Saturday classes will begin at 9 and go until 6. Doula Clients receive a 20% discount on this class series.  For non-doula clients who take the class I offer a free postpartum visit. 

 

Couples who take a class, especially an out of hospital class, feel more confident and prepared going into their birth.  This leads to moms feeling more satisfaction with their experience.  Classes are a great investment, and I can’t recommend them enough.  Besides, they are fun!