Introduction to The Bradley Method® & Exercise - Bradley Method® history, philosophy and goals are introduced. We will learn ways to stay healthy and low risk during pregnancy, and exercises for pregnancy will be taught. We will also discuss avoidance and management of pain in labour. Nutrition  - good nutrition is essential for a healthy pregnancy. We will learn what nutrients are needed and how much of that nutrient should be included in our diet. We will help you evaluate your own diet and give suggestions for improvement if needed. We will also discuss sex in pregnancy and introduce breastfeeding. Pregnancy - Your body and your baby go through many changes during this amazing time. We will explore anatomy and physiology and discuss ways to be more comfortable naturally in pregnancy. The coach will become more aware and understanding of what his wife is experiencing. We will also focus on choices for labor and birth.

The Role of the Coach - Coaching during pregnancy, the importance of natural childbirth, bonding, and the husbands role in breastfeeding will be examined in this class. Our discussion on staying healthy and low risk in pregnancy will come to a close.   Introduction to First Stage Labour - How your body works in first stage as well as anatomy and physiology will be covered. Respect for the natural process and built in safeguards for you and your baby will be examined. Basic coaching techniques will be introduced and practiced. Introduction to Second Stage Labour - How to work with your body in second stage labour including pushing positions and techniques are the focus of this class. Coaching techniques will be introduced and the coach's role discussed. The delivery of the placenta will also be described.

Planning Your Birth - Consumerism and creating your birth plan are included in this weeks discussion. We will cover choices, evaluating your feelings, listing priorities, and positive communication with your birth team. Breastfeeding, Variations & Unexpected Situations - Breastfeeding is examined in detail including positions and establishing a good latch. We will also learn about different variations and complications including cesarean surgery, how to avoid them, when it may be necessary to intervene and how to handle an intervention if needed. We will also discuss caring for mom in the postpartum period. Advanced First Stage Techniques - Labour can be a challenge and this class is full of techniques to ensure you are well prepared. There will be a labour rehearsal and we will practice communicating with our birth team. Advanced Second Stage Techniques - This class will include some review and an advanced labour rehearsal that will pull together all we have learned.

Being a Great Coach and Birth Readiness - Bradley Energy Saving Techniques will be discussed to help coaches face challenges that may arise during labour. This discussion will also serve as a final review. We will also learn what to do and what not to do in the case of Emergency childbirth. Preparing for Your New Family - Last but certainly not least! We will cover caring for your newborn, breastfeeding, mothering and fathering, dealing with a crying baby and much more to help you with adjusting to the new role of being a parent.