Class content

Each class features a specific topic and touches on nutrition, exercise, positive communication, and coaching responsibilities. Students learn a different relaxation technique each week to be practiced at home. Many classes will feature a video presentation.

Class 1: Introductions / Exercise

This class introduces Bradley Method® history, philosophy and goals. It is a time to get acquainted with the members of your class. We begin to study ways in which to keep yourself healthy and low risk during pregnancy. Valuable pregnancy exercises are introduced, followed by a discussion on avoiding unnecessary pain in labour.

Class 2: Nutrition in Pregnancy

In this class we discuss good nutrition during pregnancy so that you understand what nutrients are important and what quantities are necessary. This will help you to evaluate your diet and suggest ways to improve, if necessary. We 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.

Class 3: Pregnancy / Avoidance

During this class, we focus on substances and procedures that should be limited or avoided as well as natural alternatives. We also discuss anatomy, physiology, your changing body and common discomforts. This is helpful for the coach as it increases his awareness, helping him to better understand your ongoing changes.

Class 4: The Coach's Role / Drugs in Birth

In this session we discuss: coaching during pregnancy, the importance of natural childbirth, and the father's bond. The main focus will be on labour and delivery drugs: including their purpose, their risks, and alternatives. This concludes our study on staying low risk during pregnancy.

Class 5: Introduction to First Stage labour

This class details how your body works in first stage labour. We 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, along with understanding timing and contractions.

Class 6: Introduction to Second Stage labour

This class details anatomy and physiology of second stage labour (pushing) as well as third stage (placenta). We 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 are covered.

Class 7: Planning Your Birth

This class covers consumerism and how to create an effective birth plan. We discuss your wide range of choices, the importance of evaluating your feelings, prioritizing your wish list, and meeting with your medical team to discuss your preferences in a productive manner.

Class 8: Variations & Complications / Breastfeeding

This class covers various complications that may arise, including cesarean surgery. For each variation, we discuss the intervention, how to navigate your options, and natural alternatives. For the second portion of the class we discuss breastfeeding in detail, including helpful nursing positions.

Class 9: Advanced First Stage

This class is filled with advanced coaching techniques dealing directly with the challenge of handling first stage labour so that you can be sure you are well-prepared. We also rehearse labour and practice positive communications with your medical team through role playing.

Class 10: Advanced Second Stage Techniques / Postpartum

This class begins with a review of advanced second stage techniques, including a labour rehearsal. This helps to pull together all we've learned in preparation for your baby's birth. In addition, postpartum expectations and challenges are thoroughly discussed.

Class 11: Being a Great Coach / Are You Ready?

At this point we go over the B.E.S.T. techniques for labour and birth as a comprehensive review of the most important points you will use while in labour. Emergency childbirth will be discussed, just-in-case the baby comes before you get where you are going. We finish off with a 35 minute active labour rehearsal.

Class 12: Preparing for Your New Family

For the last of our twelve week series, a recent Bradley Method® graduating couple visits to share their personal birth story. We then discuss general infant care, common newborn procedures, and what you should expect in the first days with your new baby.