ATX Childbirth Ed (In Person)

Overview of Normal Labor

Including female anatomy, signs of labor, the three stages of labor, the physiology of labor and delivery as well as the typical emotional responses of the laboring woman. Discussion emphasizes the normalcy of labor and variations.

Comfort Techniques-Natural Pain Management (This is the Centering/"put it into practice" portion of the class.)

Including relaxation, massage, breathing techniques, using focal points, visualizations and guided imagery, the use of water therapy, music and sounds, positioning for labor comfort and aromatherapy. Discussion emphasizes utilizing these techniques to shorten your overall labor, ease the pain of labor, and the special role of support people for the laboring woman.

Medical Procedures and Interventions

Including electronic fetal monitoring, induction or augmentation of labor using Pitocin as well as natural techniques, pain medications and epidural anesthesia, assisted deliveries, and Cesarean birth. Discussion emphasizes making choices regarding your birth based on knowledge of a procedure’s pros and cons, risks and advantages.

Recovery and Postpartum

Including the physical changes from immediately after the birth to 6 weeks later (and beyond!) Discussion also addresses emotional and social adjustments to parenting, basic newborn care and breastfeeding. (For a more comprehensive look at Infant Care, Infant Sleep and Breastfeeding, check out our other great classes.)