Why Childbirth Classes Are Still Useful.
With birth becoming medicalized it is more important than ever to take a good, in-depth class. Since giving birth is such a life changing event, every pregnant woman should take a well rounded childbirth class. Another trend that is making childbirth classes even more important is more hospitals getting rid of their maternity units, this means that doctors and nurses have less time for bedside tutorials. Less staff to coach patients through labor makes labor more difficult for uneducated parents to be, something that also upsets hospital staff as well - they wish they had the time for parent education. Even taking my one day childbirth class will be a great benefit.
While your doctor or midwife will assure you that you can have the delivery you want, labor is notoriously variable which requires you to make decisions, this is where you will reap the benefits of taking a childbirth class suited to your individual needs. The popularity of epidurals has lead many expectant moms to think they don't need a childbirth class. Epidurals are promoted as a risk-free way of avoiding the pain of childbirth, but they do have risks and you need to manage a lot of pain before they're given. Since many women are also planning their cesarean surgeries they feel no need to study up on the natural way to birth. Both of these choices mean you still need good information in your hands before you enter the hospital.
What my Childbirth Class Covers.
I focus on building your confidence by teaching you about birth options to help you make informed decisions so you can have a more satisfying labor and delivery. We will practice many labor positions and comfort techniques throughout the class series. We will also learn the best ways to get breastfeeding off to a good start and basic baby care.
The 10 week course* covers pregnancy, labor, birth, breastfeeding and baby care. Classes are on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings from 7 - 9 pm. The full Bradley Method class fee covers the mom & coach for the series & includes the Student Workbook & loaner Student Binder of information. A lactation consult and follow-up visit is included in the fee. Labor Support can also be provided. Credit cards & payment plans can also be arranged.
My quick, shortened Mini-Course will cover just what you need to know until you can get the epidural, how to handle the risks and the best way to handle labor and giving birth with an epidural in place. This class will also teach you what you need to know about your choices for your cesarean and what you need to know about the recovery. This will prevent you from the regret that happens when you go into childbirth blindly, since labor is not a time to learn the ropes or make major decisions.
When You & Your Coach Should Sign Up for Classes.
Ideally the class should end at least 2 weeks before your due date, but even a class ending after your due date is of great benefit. Mothers of multiples should enter a class ending around 4 weeks before their due date. The added benefit of being well informed can help a mother of multiples deliver close to her due date. These classes aren't just birthing classes, but also parenting classes.
Other Options for Classes That I Offer.
A new option I am offering is a mini course of the most requested information. Each class is 1 to 3 hours of instruction - a weeknight starting at 6:00 pm or a weekend afternoon. The meeting times are variable for couples with no regular night to devote to class and/or a late start. The classes offered are: Class 1 Techno Birth - Induction, Epidurals & C-section; Class 2 Labor & Delivery Coping Techniques; Class 3 Breastfeeding & Baby Care Basics; and Class 4 Working, Pumping & Breastfeeding. They can be taken individually or as a set of 4 classes and does not include a lactation consult as part of the fee, for that help regular fees apply. The Mini-Course can be done all in one day if you prefer. While very informative, the mini-course is not a Bradley class and doesn't go over Bradley philosophy. If you want a Bradley Method class but don't have time you can take the Bradley weekend class or if you miss the start of a class series you can still join the class at any time and continue until your due date. I also offer a Refresher Class for couples who have taken a childbirth class before and home study for moms on bedrest. These classes do not include the Bradley Student Workbook, the exception is for a mom who was enrolled in the full Bradley course before bedrest was ordered.
Lactation Consultant Services that I Offer.
You will receive one-on-one help from an International Board Certifed Lactation Consultant for latching problems, sore nipples, low milk supply and combining working and breastfeeding. Office visists are preferred and home visits can be arranged in Ventura, Oxnard and Camarillo. I also have a full line of breast pumps, speciality feeding devices, spare parts for Medela and Ameda breast pumps and speciality feeding devices available. I can also do regular weight checks and pre and post feeding weights. You don't have to be a childbirth education student to receive lactation consultation services, contact me at the e-mail link below or call to arrange an appointment for any breastfeeding problems you may have.
To have an Empowering Birth Experience.
Just sign up for my full Bradley Method Class, check the calendar page for the current schedule then e-mail me your name and due date to join the class the suits your needs. If you prefer a shortened, quick childbirth class you can take the any of the mini course classes, just e-mail to schedule your class date and take the first steps to have the birth you want. I accept cash, checks and credit cards for payment.
* Bradley is normally a 12 week course, I shortened my series to 10 weeks. All the information that would normally be covered in the first four classes we cover in the first 2 classes.