Crowning Joy - The Gentle Art of Midwifery
 Class Content:
 
Class One: Introduction to Hypnobirthing philosophy
 
  •  HypnoBirthing®  beginnings  & philosophy
 
  •  How your body works – How the uterus functions during labor
 
  •  The anatomy of comfortable labor and birthing – how & why its possible.
 
  •   What's wrong with labor –  when labor becomes painful.
 
  •   How fear affects uterine muscles & the  birthing process. 
 
  •    History of  birthing - how it relates to painful modern labors.
 
  •    Self-Hypnosis (deep relaxation) -  preparation for labor.
 
  •     Mind-body exercises
 
Class two:  Preparing Mind & Body for Birth / Prenatal Parenting
 
  • Prenatal and postnatal bonding
 
  • Prenatal Bonding exercises – for both mom & dad
 
  • Nutrition during pregnancy
 
  • Preparing mind and body for birth
          *  Deep Relaxation
           *  Breathing techniques for a relaxed labor
           *  Visualization
 
  •   Progressive and instant relaxation - achieving deep relaxation
 
  •  Hypno-anesthesia / meditation techniques (Depthometer, Sensory Gate Valve, Glove Relaxation)
 
Class Three: Selecting a Supportive Care Provider, Formulating a Birth Plan, Your Birthing Environment
 
·              
  • Light touch massage – Demonstration,  how it works
 
  • Birthing preferences (birth plan, wish list): Home and hospital birth.
              *  Admission
              *  Labor
              *  Birthing
              *  Baby
 
  •  Fear Release meditation (eliminating doubt, negative self images and limiting thoughts)
 
Class Four: Preparing your body, Understanding Induction, Positions for effective labor, Special Circumstances
 
 
  •    Preparing your body
                         *  Perineal massage – preventing tears & burning
                         * Pelvic floor exercises
                         * Exercising through pregnancy
                         *  Preparing for squatting
                         * Maternal posture and Optimal fetal positioning
 
  •  Artificial induction of labor- understanding when your body is ready
 
  •   Achieving labor naturally
 
  •  Looking at your due date
 
  •   Breech presentation, prevention & options
 
  •    Special Circumstances –  dealing with complications
 
  •   Birth companion’s role – supporting the laboring mother
 
  •    Birth Rehersal Imagery  -  your perfect birth?
 
 
 
Class Five: The Process of Labor & Birth
 
  •       How your body works .
 
  •       Onset of labor - thinning and opening
 
  •        As labor progresses 
 
  •         If labor stalls or slows
                     *  misconceptions
                     *  options
                     *  natural ways to encourage
 
  • Protecting the birthing environment
 
  •   Hallmarks of advanced labor - nearing completion
 
  •   Maternal positions during descent and birthing
 
  • Birth
 
  •  Post-birth  – the marvelous placenta
 
  •   The fourth trimester - Babymoon
 
  •    Benefits of breastfeeding
 
  •     Your Birthing Day – meditation.