Weekend Course Outline
Saturday Morning
Better Birth Recipe - Positioning, Postures, More
Nutrition and Exercise
Pain and Fear
The Birthing Human Animal - Instinctual Birth
Mind Over Labor Concepts - Sexuality of Birth
Terms to Know
Pre-Labor vs. True Labor
Understanding the Labor Contraction
Early Labor
Contraction Practice
Birth Video
Saturday Afternoon
Complementary Care Benefits
Active Labor and Transition
Comfort/Coping Measures
The Birth Ball and Other Labor Positions
Massage Instruction and Practice
Birth Video and Discussion
Pushing - Stages 2 and 3
Maternal-Fetal Ejection Reflex
Birthing Positions/Strategies
Father’s (Partner’s) Role - Video to Partners
Labor Toolbelt/Doula bag
Labor Practice
Sunday Morning
Routine Hospital Protocols/Interventions/Drug Options
Benefits/Risks
Questions to Ask
What to Expect
Non-drug Alternatives, if any
Common Variations (Complications)
Questions to Ask
What to Expect
Non-drug Alternatives, if any
Labor Induction
Indications
Options and Procedures
Non-drug Alternatives, if any
Supporting Mom Through Interventions and Complications
Birth Video and Discussion
Sunday Afternoon
Cesarean Birth
Indications/Information
What to Expect
Birth Video: Unplanned Cesarean Birth
Informed Consent/Refusal
Role-play on Communicating with Medical Staff
Birth Plans Review and Discussion
Newborn Procedures
Breastfeeding Basics
Postpartum Period and Recovery
Relationships and Sexual Changes
Video Closing