Course Content

12 Classes, 2 Hours Weekly

Week  1: Introduction to The Bradley Method

We introduce ourselves and get to know each other a bit. We will learn about the history of the Bradley Method and begin to dive into the core components of the method- including nutrition, exercise, handling labor, and staying low-risk throughout pregnancy. 

Week 2: Nutirtion in Pregnancy

We dive deeper into nutrition. We will cover how mothers should eat during pregnancy to remain healthy and the risk of eating a diet low in key nutrients. We can help you evaluate your diet and make suggestions to help you change it.

Week 3: Pregnancy

During week 3, we focus on the miraculous ways a mother's body changes during pregnancy and the developmental stages of a fetus. We will also learn about common discomforts of pregnancy and natural remedies. This class gives coach a unique opportunity to learn more about what is going on and how he could be more understanding during this time. We also begin to discuss some of the many decisions surrounding childbirth & labor. 

Week 4: The Coaches Role

This weeks class will be taught by my coach and spouse: Seth! He will focus on childbirth from the husband's point of view. Topics covered include coaching during pregnancy, the importance of natural childbirth, bonding, and the father’s role in breastfeeding, and much more. Although coaches are encouraged to attend all classes, we highly reccomend attendance of week 4. 

Week 5: Introduction to First Stage Labor

In our fifth class, we will go in-depth about what to expect during first stage labor. This includes an understanding of what is happening physically to both mom & baby while focusing on our respect for the natural processes and mechanisms of childbirth. We will begin to learn more about specific coaching techniques and practicing them as a couple. 

Week 6: Introduction to the Second & Third Stages of Labor

Class 6 builds on our understanding of how a mother's body moves through first stage and progresses to second. We will learn about pushing, positioning, built-in safeguards for both mother & baby, the coaches role, and much more. 

Week 7: Planning Your Birth

This week, we use the information we have learned to begin constructing birth plans. We will talk about what choices you have as a family, their potential impacts, evaluating emotional & physical wants/needs, choosing your most important priorities, and discussing your birth plan with your medical team in a positive way. 

We will later review plans individuallly and ultimately as a group. 

Week 8: Variations, Complications, & The Cascade of Interventions 

This class is very important and can be difficult at times. We discuss common interventions and their overuse and how to evaluate whether a particular intervention is truly necessary. This includes: cesarean surgery, pitocin, induction, and much more. 

Week 9: Advanced First Stage & Techniques for Labor

Week 10: Advanced Second Stage & Techniques for Labor

Week 11: Coach: Are You Ready?

Week 12: Preparing for Your New Family, The Post Partum Period, and Breastfeeding