Instructor: Angela Leonard

Your Lamaze Certified Childbirth educator will serve as your guide through a rewarding birth experience. These small group classes were developed for couples who really want to take an active role in their birth. Developed with the Lamaze philosophy of birth in mind, this class will guide you to trust your inner wisdom and believe in birth as something that is normal, natural and healthy. You will come away feeling empowered to make decisions regarding your care, as well as understanding the process of birth.

Topics covered include:

Week 1: End of Pregnancy Nutrition. Physical and emotional changes at the end of pregnancy. Anatomy and Optimal Fetal Positioning. Working with your care provider as a member of your birth Team. Intro to relaxation techniques.

Week 2: Stages of labor and birth. Signs of Labor. Focus on early labor. The role of the birth partner. Continuation of relaxation exercises.

Week 3: Get on the ball

Focus on Active labor. Positions for labor including the use of birth balls. Non-pharmacological methods of pain relief, Massage. Introduction to breathing techniques for labor. Bring your birth ball to this class.

Week 4: The birth of your baby

Focus on pushing and positions for pushing. Getting to know your newborn. Newborn procedures. Continuation of breathing techniques for labor. Introduction to Complications and Interventions.

Week 5: When the road takes a detour

Complications and interventions. Epidurals. Cesarean birth.

Week 6: Putting it all together

Review and practice session. Labor stations (bring your ball). The postpartum period. Breastfeeding basics.

Enrollment is ongoing; classes are forming now!

Cost: $200/couple

For more information, call (610) 892-5051 or email us at info