The Art & Science of Childbirth
Many say childbirth is strictly science. Others say is it more art than science. The truth is – you need both! This course is not limited to one method alone. Instead, we take a broader approach to childbirth education – covering physical and emotional wellness during pregnancy and postpartum, a family-centered approach to labor and birth, supported by tried and true methods for planning an empowered and confident birthing experience.
The information provided in this course is drawn from the best of a variety of methods and includes only what has been shown time and again to be the most effective for supporting the mother and baby’s natural progression through labor, birth, and postpartum. Science will show us how your body works and why natural comfort measures are so effective. The Art of childbirth is in learning to listen to your body and discern which methods to use at which time, as well as how to make the best decisions for yourself and your baby.
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$85.00 Â $42.00
Course Content
This online childbirth course is designed to be completed at your own pace. The ideal method is to complete one unit per week allowing time to complete projects and practice labor positions or comfort measures. If you are near the end of your pregnancy, the full course can be completed quickly or students can click through the lessons to focus on their most pressing needs.Â
Unit 1: Pregnancy Nutrition and Exercise
- Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy (+ Bonus Herbal Tea Handout!)
- Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Herbal Tea
- Treating Cold and Flu Symptoms During Pregnancy
- Exercise Benefits and Safety
- Safe Stretches and Exercises for Pregnancy
- Exercises to Prepare for Labor
Unit 2: Pregnancy Stress Reduction
- The Importance of Reducing Stress
- Deep Breathing Practice
- Vocalizing During Contractions (Audio Recording)
- Getting Better Sleep
Unit 3: All About Your Baby
- Baby’s Positioning in the Womb
- The 7 Cardinal Movements of LaborÂ
- Optimal Fetal Positioning
- 6 Ways to Progress in Labor (with Activity!)
Unit 4: Physiology of Labor
- Signs Your Body is Getting Ready
- “To Be or Not to Be” – Is This the Real Thing?
- Today is the Day! (Early Labor)
- What to Do If Your Water Breaks in the Grocery Store
- How to Time Your Contractions
- Getting Down to Business (Active Labor)
- Transition Phase
- Pushing and Birth (Stage 2)
- Delivering the Placenta (Stage 3)
- Bonus PDF – Packing for the Hospital
Unit 5: Pain Theories and Comfort Techniques
- Pain Theories – How Our Body and Brain Communicate During Labor
- 3 Rs of Labor
- General Relaxation Techniques
- Homework: Comfort Techniques for Labor to Start Practicing Now
- Project: Make a Rice Sock
- Massage to Ease Labor Discomfort
- Bonus Project: Simulate a Labor Contraction
Unit 6: Positions for Labor
- Benefits of Movement in Labor
- Standing Positions
- Sitting Positions
- Using Water
- Using the Birth Ball
- Ways to Address Back Labor
- Positions for Pushing
- Video Lesson to Demonstrate Positions
Unit 7: Birthing with Calm and Confidence
- Addressing Anxiety
- Affirmations for Labor
- Prenatal Bonding
- Calm and Confidence in Labor
Unit 8: Interventions in Labor
- 50 minute video lesson:
- Medical interventions
- Non-medical interventions
- Making a back-up birth plan
- Talking to your care provider
- What to do if baby comes too quickly to get to the hospital
- Â Anatomy of a C-Section: a non-graphic explanation (video)
- The Doctor Says I Need to be Induced – What Should I Do?
Unit 9: Postpartum – The Fourth Trimester
- Physical Milestones
- Common Discomforts – and Ways to Help!
- Postpartum Mood Disorders
- Placenta Encapsulation – Does It Work?
- Creating a Postpartum Care Plan (with PDF guide)
Unit 10: Newborn Care
- Newborn Characteristics
- Newborn Procedures
- Natural Baby Care
- Diapers, Swaddling, and Bathing (with video)
- Skin to Skin and Infant Massage
- Bonus PDF – DIY Natural Products
- Understanding Your Baby’s Cues
- The Importance of Playtime
Unit 11: Breastfeeding Basics
- Breastmilk is Abundant!
- The Mechanics of Breastfeeding
- Holding, Latching, Burping, and More! (with 30 minute video lesson)