We will start the class by introducing ourselves and sharing our most encouraging and discouraging birth stories.  There will be a class activity and we will discuss the meanings of our stories and how our culture and the media may have affected our view of birth.  The history of birth will be covered as well as the current issues women are facing in North America. We will explore birthing practices and customs in other cultures and discuss what we can learn from them. The differences between holistic and medical models of prenatal care and birth will be explained. We will end the class with a beautiful visualization of birth for both the mother and her partner.

Class Two: A Balanced Pregnancy

We will start the class with a general overview of nutrition during pregnancy. The necessary nutrients to grow a health baby will be covered along with some great recipes.    We will then learn the importance of balancing the pregnant body through specific exercise and ways to calm and comfort the mind and body.   The development of o baby will be show as well as the changes in yor body throghout the 40 week journey. We will also explore the emotional aspects of pregnancy that the mother, father and siblings may be feeling.   The different routine prenatal test and the options available will also be covered.

Class Three: Our Fears and Birth Art

We will address fears of birth through birth art and learn how fear affects our decision making. We will learn how to clear the mind and develop a new image of the perfect birth.  This class is fun and promotes great discussions on what fears surface through the art we make. This class is great for including siblings or any family members that you feel would benefit from this activity.

Class Four: The Journey through "Labor Land"

We will explore “Labor Land” and practice using tools for labor and birth: relaxation, breathing, communication, positions, vocalizations and support.  Different pain management techniques will also be covered; including pain medication and the effects on the mother and baby. We will also do a great exercise to help transform our fear of pain into an empowering sensation.

Class Five: Understanding the Birth Process

We will go over the birth options available; home, birth center or the hospital, and their standard practices and procedures.  We will learn the birth process by covering basic anatomy, explain how the body works to birth a baby and what happens if there is a disruption in the natural process.  We will discuss dealing with the unexpected, ranging from the death of a baby to having an IV when that was not desired.  We will discuss birth by cesarean and how to still create a positive birth experience.   After covering possible unexpected events, we will move into what to expect when birth does go your way. The undisrupted flow of natural chemical and hormonal reactions of mom and baby will be presented, and discuss why it is so important to share your birth story regardless of the outcome.

Class Six: Decisions and the Newborn

We will be exploring the perfection and sensitivity of the newborn.  The newborn exam will be explained and discuss the concerns and decisions you will be facing within the first week,  including procedures immediately after birth, circumcision, breastfeeding, jaundice care, cord care, diaper options and vaccinations. We will explore different cultures ways of nurturing the mother during the postpartum period. The psychological needs of the mother during the postpartum phase, including emotions, hormones and sexuality will also be addressed.

Class Seven: Holistic Parenting

We will discuss the definition of “holistic”, and explore what it means to raise a natural family, including, nutrition, toxins in the environment and home that will effect your baby, and alternatives to western medicine. We will compare the different types of natural doctors and western medical doctors and discuss what each one has to offer your family.  Resources will be given for further research.   We will also discuss the different options of natural family planning.