Childbirth Class Outline

Lesson 1
Anatomy and physiology of labor and birth
Overview of the labor process
Warning signs during pregnancy
Nutrition during pregnancy
Exercises and Relaxation for
pregnancy and labor
Introduction to the first stage of labor
Lesson 2
The first stage of labor
Natural stress and pain management techniques
Positions for labor
Hospital protocols for the first stage of labor
Why labor hurts
Labor augmentation: natural and medical
Risks and benefits of medical pain management
Lesson 3
Breathing through labor
Positions and breathing for pushing; second stage of labor
Hospital protocols for pushing
Third stage of labor
Bonding: babies' first minutes
Birthing the placenta
Lesson 4
Induction of labor: risks, benefits, methods
Cesarean birth: avoiding a c-section and dealing with a necessary c-section
Post-partum: getting used to a new baby and a new life
Lesson 5
New baby care
Breastfeeding basics
NOTE: This is a general outline. We will also view a few short DVDs.I promise to cover all the necessary topics by the end of the series. Specific content during each class varies depending on the needs of participants.
Anatomy and physiology of labor and birth
Overview of the labor process
Warning signs during pregnancy
Nutrition during pregnancy
Exercises and Relaxation for
pregnancy and labor
Introduction to the first stage of labor
Lesson 2
The first stage of labor
Natural stress and pain management techniques
Positions for labor
Hospital protocols for the first stage of labor
Why labor hurts
Labor augmentation: natural and medical
Risks and benefits of medical pain management
Lesson 3
Breathing through labor
Positions and breathing for pushing; second stage of labor
Hospital protocols for pushing
Third stage of labor
Bonding: babies' first minutes
Birthing the placenta
Lesson 4
Induction of labor: risks, benefits, methods
Cesarean birth: avoiding a c-section and dealing with a necessary c-section
Post-partum: getting used to a new baby and a new life
Lesson 5
New baby care
Breastfeeding basics
NOTE: This is a general outline. We will also view a few short DVDs.I promise to cover all the necessary topics by the end of the series. Specific content during each class varies depending on the needs of participants.