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Bradley classes week by week
You can give birth with confidence, strength and joy.
In Julie’s classes, you’ll learn all you need to know about your anatomy and how to work with your body during pregnancy, labor and delivery. Being aware of the normal process of labor helps you stay relaxed and focused when your big day comes.
Though every class has a specific topic that 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.
Week 1 – Introduction to The Bradley Method®
This class deals with Bradley Method history, philosophy and goals. It is a time to get to know Julie and the members of your class, while also beginning to study things you can do to keep yourself healthy and low-risk during pregnancy. Julie will introduce important pregnancy exercises, begin a discussion on how to handle pain, and give a lesson on how to avoid unnecessary pain in labor.
Week 2 – Nutrition in Pregnancy
The primary focus of this class is on nutrition. Julie will discuss good nutrition during pregnancy so that you will understand what nutrients are important and what quantities are recommended. She will also review the pregnancy exercises and discuss: sex during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and staying healthy and low-risk during pregnancy.
Week 3 – Pregnancy
During this class, Julie will discuss the many changes your body goes through during pregnancy, by focusing 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 or her more aware and therefore more understanding of these changes. Julie will also begin to discuss some of the many choices you face regarding labor and birth.
Week 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.
Week 5 – Introduction to First Stage Labor
Julie will cover the anatomy and physiology of first stage labor, stressing respect for the natural process and examining the built-in safeguards for you and your baby. She will teach basic coaching techniques and instruct you on how to practice together. Standard hospital admitting and prepping procedures will also be covered.
Week 6 – Introduction to Second Stage Labor
Julie will cover the anatomy and physiology of second stage labor, again stressing 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.
Week 7 – Planning Your Birth
Class seven covers consumer information and how to make a birth plan: 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.
Week 8 – Variations and Complications/Postpartum Preparation
Julie will cover various possible birthing complications (such as 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. She will also cover information on taking care of yourself after your baby is born.
Week 9 – Advanced First Stage Techniques
This class is filled with advanced coaching techniques dealing directly with the challenge of handling first stage labor. Julie will go over the First Stage Study Guide so that you can be sure you are well prepared. There will also be a labor rehearsal and some role playing.
Week 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. Julie will also cover the Second Stage Study Guide to be sure that you fully understand it and are prepared to handle the second stage of labor.
Week 11 – Being a Great Coach (Are You Ready?)
This class serves as a comprehensive review of the most important tools you will use while in labor (the B.E.S.T. techniques), as well as introducing information for coaches on how to handle the challenges they will face during labor. Emergency childbirth will be discussed, just in case the baby comes before you get where you’re going. Julie will also lead an intriguing discussion on the theory of “what is labor” and why it is so different for each woman and even for each pregnancy.
Week 12 – Preparing for Your New Family
The last class in the twelve-week series begins with an advanced labor rehearsal and a discussion of the concluding chapter in your student workbook titled, “Your Labor and Birth.” Julie will also cover: newborn care, mothering, fathering, breastfeeding, handling a crying baby, and adjusting to the many changes you will face during this time.
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REGISTER NOWFee per 12-week session: $350.00*
* No one should have to miss out on the opportunity of a Bradley class because of financial concerns – a sliding scale is available for those who need it. Please contact Julie for more information.
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