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.

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.

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 Labor
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
Anatomy of a C-Section: a non-graphic explanation (video)
The Doctor Said I Need to be Induced – What Should I Do?