childbirth classes
“Amy is a very gifted, passionate childbirth educator. When my clients participate in her classes they approach their labors and births with confidence. They are knowledgeable, trusting in their bodies and open to their individual birth experiences. I highly recommend her class.”
-Dana Ericson
Certified Nurse Midwife
During the course series we will discuss and prepare a birth plan, you will watch birth films from around the world, and you and your partner will learn comfort measures and pain coping techniques for labor and birth. Hands on exercises and relaxation techniques are also incorporated into the classes.
This class teaches techniques which can be used with a midwife or doctor and in any birth location…hospital, birth center, or home. Women usually start around their sixth or seventh month.
The $250.00 fee for the course includes the eight week series of classes, the Bradley Method® Student Workbook, films, handouts, use of my extensive lending library, and phone and email support before and after the birth.
The class is a fun, relaxing, non-judgmental, confidential, open environment. Couples enjoy spending quality time together and meeting people who share a lot of the same beliefs and concerns about birth. Many couples stay in touch long after class ends and their babies become friends as well.
next class
Classes are held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the studio behind my house near Roosevelt High School.
Classes are currently scheduled for the following dates. Contact Amy to sign up.
- February 1 - March 15 (Monday nights)
- February 23 - April 13 (Tuesday nights)
- March 22 - May 10 (Monday nights)
- April 20 - June 8 (Tuesday Nights)
- May 17 - July 5 (Monday nights) no class memorial day…7 week class…will schedule a make up class
- July 26 - September 20 (Monday nights) no class on labor day
- August 24 - October 12 (Tuesday nights)
- September 27 - November 15 (Monday nights)
- October 19 - December 14 (Tuesday nights) no class November 30
course content
class 1
introduction
Our first class deals with Bradley Method history, philosophy and goals. We will begin to study things you can do to keep yourself healthy and low risk during pregnancy. We will go over pregnancy exercises to prepare your body for birth and we will start a discussion on pregnancy nutrition.
class 2
nutrition/gestation
In this class we will continue our discussion on nutrition. We will evaluate your diet and suggest ways to improve it if necessary. We will also discuss gestation and the many changes your body goes through during pregnancy.
class 3
first stage labor
We will watch a film on the stages of labor and discuss how your body works specifically in first stage stressing our respect for the natural process. You will learn how to time contractions, the emotional sign posts of labor and what is measured during a vaginal exam. We will also have a discussion about doulas and how to find one in your area.
class 4
first stage practice/the coach’s role
During this class you and your partner will get into many different positions for first stage labor. We will practice timing contractions, relaxation, natural abdominal breathing, massage, what to say and what not to say…Please wear comfortable clothes and bring pillows.
class 5
second stage labor
Again stressing the natural process we will examine the second stage (pushing stage) of labor. We will cover basic pushing techniques and second stage positions.
class 6
planning your birth and variations/complications
Class six covers consumer information and how to write a birth plan. We will also discuss various complications including cesarean sections. We will talk about how to avoid problems if possible, how to evaluate if it is necessary to intervene, and how to handle interventions that become necessary.
class 7
breastfeeding and postpartum care
During this class we will have an in depth discussion about breastfeeding. We will also talk about taking care of yourselves and your new sweet baby postpartum!!
class 8
preparing for your new family
In our last class we will finish our discussion on postpartum care and newborn care. We will also spend time reviewing. Don’t forget your beads!!
refresher class
I also offer a one night refresher class for couples who have taken a childbirth class with a previous pregnancy and are looking to review the basic material. Cost for the refresher class is $40.00 and some handouts are included but not the student workbook.