Though every class has a specific topic which is covered in
detail, each class will also cover nutrition, exercise, positive
communication, and coaching. A different relaxation technique
will be demonstrated and assigned for practice each week. Classes
may also feature a film or video presentation.
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Class 1. Introduction to The Bradley Method®
This class deals with Bradley Method® history, philosophy and goals. It is a time to get to know us
and the members of your class. During this class, we will begin to study things you can do to keep
yourself healthy and low risk during pregnancy. We will introduce important pregnancy exercises and we
will lead discussion of how to handle pain and give a lesson in how to avoid unnecessary pain in labor.
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Class 7. Planning Your Birth
Class seven covers consumer information and how to make a birth plan. We discuss: what your choices
are, the importance of evaluating your feelings and listing your priorities, and meeting with your
medical team to discuss your choices in a positive way. There is also a first stage labor rehearsal in
this class.
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Class 2. Nutrition in Pregnancy
The primary focus of this class is on nutrition. We will discuss good nutrition during pregnancy so
that you will understand which nutrients are important and what quantities are necessary. We will help
you to evaluate your diet and suggest ways to improve it if necessary. We will also review the
pregnancy exercises and discuss: sex during pregnancy, breastfeeding and continue studying what you
can do to stay healthy and low risk during pregnancy.
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Class 8. Variations and Complications / Postpartum Preparation
This class covers two units of information. We cover various complications including cesarean surgery
discussing: how to avoid these problems if possible, how to evaluate whether it is necessary to
intervene, and how to handle interventions that become necessary. We also cover information on taking
care of yourself after your baby is born.
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Class 3. Pregnancy
During this class, we will discuss the many changes your body goes through during pregnancy. We will
focus on anatomy and physiology as well as common discomforts and how to handle them naturally. This
is helpful for the coach as it makes him more aware and therefore more understanding of these changes.
We will also begin to discuss some of the many choices you face regarding labor and birth.
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Class 9. Advanced First Stage Techniques
This class is filled with advanced coaching techniques dealing directly with the challenge of handling
first stage labor. We will go over the First Stage Study Guide so that you can be sure you are
well-prepared. We will also have a labor rehearsal and do some role playing.
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Class 4. The Coach's Role
This is the first of two classes that focus on pregnancy and childbirth from the coach's point of view.
In this session we will discuss: coaching during pregnancy, the importance of natural childbirth,
bonding, and the father's role in breastfeeding. We will conclude our study on staying low risk during
pregnancy and discuss drugs, myths and birthing.
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Class 10. Advanced Second Stage Techniques
This class begins with an advanced labor rehearsal which helps to pull together all of the information
you have learned so far. We will also cover the Second Stage Study Guide to be sure that you fully
understand and are prepared to handle the second stage of labor.
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Class 5. Introduction to First Stage Labor
This class is on how your body works in first stage labor. We will cover anatomy and physiology of
first stage, stressing our respect for the natural process and examining the built-in safeguards for
you and your baby. We will teach basic coaching techniques and instruct you on how to practice
together. Standard hospital admitting and prepping procedures will also be covered.
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Class 11. Being a Great Coach / Are You Ready?
At this point we will go over the B.E.S.T. techniques for labor and birth as a comprehensive review of
the most important points you will use while in labor. This class also covers information for coaches
on how to handle the challenges they will face in labor. Emergency childbirth will be discussed,
just-in-case the baby comes before you get where you're going. We will also participate in an
intriguing discussion on the theory of "what is labor" and why it is so different for each
woman and even for each pregnancy.
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Class 6. Introduction to Second Stage Labor
This class is on how your body works in the second stage of labor. We will cover the anatomy and
physiology of second stage labor stressing our respect for the natural process and examining the
built-in safeguards for you and your baby. We will discuss the importance of the natural alignment
plateau and the fetal Heimlich maneuver. Basic pushing techniques and second stage positions, as well
as the coach's role, will be covered. Third stage will also be discussed briefly.
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Class 12. Preparing for Your New Family
The last of our twelve week series begins with an advanced labor rehearsal. Next we will discuss the
concluding chapter in your student workbook which is titled "Your Labor and Birth". We will
also cover: newborn care, mothering, fathering, breastfeeding, how to handle a crying baby, and
adjusting to the many changes you will face during this time.
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