Childbirth Education
Birth Philosophy:
Childbirth is a personal choice. As women and mothers it should be up to us on how we labor our child(ren) into the world. I view my job as a provider of up-to-date researched based information, support person, and advocate for your rights. This includes your right to labor and birth how you deem best for you and your family.
There is no “right” or “wrong” way to labor and birth. We will discuss many topics including un-medicated labors and interventions, discussing the benefits and risks of all the choices. I do not prescribe to any particular “method”. I believe that each mother can and will find her own unique rhythm to the birth process.
How a woman experiences her labor and how she births her baby will stay with her forever. It is my goal through our time together to provide each mom and partner tools to equip them for their personal journey; to feel heard, validated, and “in-charge” of this passage into parenthood.
Topics discussed include:
* The anatomy of pregnancy and the changes that occur in both mother and baby, with each stage of pregnancy
* The physiology of labor and birth and what the mother's body and baby
accomplish together
* Pain coping options with hands-on practice
* Relaxation and different breathing styles
* Labor and birth positions and movements
* Labor support
* Hormone cocktail
* Human and mammal behavior during birth and postpartum period
* Birth plan/birth wish list
* Pain medication as a tool, when it can be useful, and myths about pain
medication
* Early postpartum period effects on baby and the rest of the family
* Sex and intimacy during and after pregnancy
* Birth Art
“The power and intensity of your contractions cannot be stronger than you, because it is you.”
~ Unknown
Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices and research has been shown to help you have a safer and healthier birth:
* Let labour begin on it's own.
* Walk, move around, and change positions throughout labor.
* Bring a loved one, friend, or doula for continuous support.
* Avoid interventions that are not medically necessary.
* Avoid giving birth on your back, and follow your body’s urges to push.
* Keep your baby with you—it’s best for you, your baby, and breastfeeding.
Childbirth education empowers women to make informed choices in health care, to assume responsibility for their health, and to trust their inner wisdom.
Private classes are also available in your home and over Skype.
Many families find that Crossover sessions meet their needs best by providing both childbirth education while continually designing their new alliance together and exploring their roles as partners and now parents together through coaching.