“My dream is that every woman, everywhere, will know the joy of a safe, satisfying birth for both her baby and herself—one she'll not need to forget.”

Marie F. Mongan, 1999

Birth Paths Courses

Course Details

One Birth Paths® course consists of five, 2 hour classes taught over a five week period. Both group and private classes are available.

Birth Paths can be of benefit at any stage of pregnancy and can enable you to have the best possible birth. We recommend that classes be taken during the second trimester so that you can feel comfortable making changes if you see fit. Also, it is important for mothers and partners to have time to practice the techniques and tools involved and build on your positive birth expectations. It is never too late to start and even a late introduction is better than nothing at all.

Course Overview

Texts:

Gaskin, I.M. (2003).  Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth.  New York:  Bantam Books.

Kitzinger, S. (2005).  The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth.  New York:  Alfred A. Knopf.

 

Class 1

    1. Getting to know you
    2. Course objective – gentle birth, positive birth
    3. Video clips and discussion
    4. Options for prenatal care health providers
    5. Physiology of labor
    6. Envisioning your ideal birth
    7. Relaxation response, breathing exercise
    8. Relaxation exercise

Class 2 

    1. Kegels, perineal massage
    2. Prenatal bonding
    3. Working with fear
    4. The importance of thoughts, and their effect on the body
    5. Breathing during labor

Class 3

    1. Tests, screenings, options
    2. Options for birth and labor
    3. Video clips and discussion
    4. Introduction to birth preferences
    5. Practicing the relaxation response

Class 4

    1. Preparing for labor
    2. Sphincter response
    3. Reviewing birth wishes and priorities
    4. Effective labor companionship
    5. Role of the partner
    6. Practicing the relaxation response

Class 5

    1. The day of birth:  what to do, what to bring with you, when to go
    2. Labor strategies, positions, mantras, touch
    3. Mother directed pushing
    4. How baby is handled after birth
    5. Resources for pregnancy
    6. Postpartum resources
    7. Ending relaxation
     

Suggested Reading & Reference

Suggested reading that compliments the Birth Paths course