Childbirth Classes in Northampton, MA | Fall 2014 Schedule

Childbirth Education Series - Fall 2014 Schedule

Session 1 (Northampton): Saturdays, September 27 through November 1, 10am--12pm
Session 2 (Amherst): Thursdays, October 16 through November 20, 6pm--8pm
Session 3 (Northampton): Saturdays, November 8 through December 20, 10am--12pm*

To sign up for classes, click here.

   

Series Description

This Six-Week Childbirth Education series covers all aspects of pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. We focus on informed decision-making and evidence-based information, taking time to discuss the risks and benefits of all aspects of your birth preferences. This is not a "natural birth" or a "medicated birth" class series; rather we help you decide what kind of birth you want, guide you through the questions to ask yourself and your care provider, and give you the skills you need to achieve your best birth experience.

Classes are ideal of pregnant women in their second or third trimester (if you are due VERY soon, please contact Mollie to discuss a private session). We encourage partners or other support people (a parent, friend, doula, etc.) to participate in classes, and we respect and welcome all family structures.

Details

Locations

     Northampton Location
     Crafted Birth

     73 Barrett St, #3108

     Northampton, MA  01060

     Amherst Location
     Second Chances Kids' Consignment Shop - Community Room
     8 Pomeroy Lane
     Amherst, MA

Dates: 

     Session 1 (Northampton): Saturdays, September 27 through November 1, 10am--12pm
     Session 2 (Amherst): Thursdays, October 16 through November 20, 6pm--8pm
     Session 3 (Northampton): Saturdays, November 8 through December 20, 10am--12pm (*No class 11/29 - Happy Thanksgiving!)

Cost: 

     $90.00 per couple

Classes (2 hours each):

• Class 1: Choosing Care, Anatomy and Physiology
• Begin thinking about birth plans and decision-making, and discuss how different types of care providers and birth locations can affect birth preferences.
• Review reproductive anatomy to ensure parents understand the functions of organs, the roll of hormones, and fetal presentation during late pregnancy and labor.
• Class 2: Labor and Delivery
• Discuss the mechanics of labor, including the hormones and muscles involved in effacement, dilation, and contractions.
• Describe the stages of labor, their characteristics, and what mom and partner could be doing and feeling during labor.
• Class 3: Pain Management 
• Discuss the physical and emotional causes of pain during labor.
• Cover the types of medicated pain management choices, including their risks and benefits.
• Practice several types of non-medicated pain management techniques.
• Class 4: Common Interventions and Cesarean Delivery
• Present several types of interventions and discuss their risks, benefits, and alternatives.
• Discuss Cesarean Section delivery -- when it is medically necessary, interventions that can increase the likelihood of a cesarean, and how to make a cesarean delivery a special experience, if it become necessary. 
• Class 5: Basic Newborn Care and Feeding
• Describe what is happening with the baby immediately after birth, including newborn procedures and bonding.
• Discuss basic infant feeding and safety.
• More detailed breastfeeding instruction and hands-on infant care topics are covered in our Breastfeeding and Newborn Care classes.
• Class 6: Postpartum Care
• Describe mom's physical health after birth.
• Discuss Postpartum Depression -- it's symptoms, treatment, and practical ways mom can take care of her emotional health after birth.
• Make practical plans for handing family and household responsibilities.

To sign up for classes, click here.

Questions about the class? Interested but would prefer a private session? Ready to sign up? Please contact Mollie today!

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