Getting
ready for a new baby is like preparing for a marathon run. Your body and
mind are focused on one momentous event for months.
What
can you do to get ready?
Our
Center offers an array of childbirth classes. The importance of
childbirth preparation cannot be over-emphasized. Women wishing to
have a natural childbirth are generally much more successful when they are
educated about what to expect. Instruction includes information on
natural body changes during pregnancy and labor, natural ways to manage
and reduce the pain of labor, as well as the fascinating psychological
aspects of labor and birth. You do not need to be a patient of ours
to take these classes:
Childbirth
Education classes: Our center offers a 6 week long Lamaze class
taught by a certified instructor. We also offer classes on the
Bradley method, also called husband-coached childbirth, taught by a
certified instructor. We also offer a one day refresher course for
moms with prior natural childbirth experience.
Breastfeeding
classes: Two breastfeeding classes are offered at our Center prior
to birth. One is oriented toward the first time mother, and the
other is for veteran breastfeeding moms. Our classes provide the
mother with the information she needs on the "why's" and "how's" and
"when's" of breastfeeding, as well as discussing issues such as positions
during feeding, weaning, returning to work, birth control, talking with
other breastfeeding moms, etc.
Prenatal
Yoga: Whole birth prenatal yoga is now available at the Center. This is a 6 week long intensive course,
covering both physical and emotional aspects of labor and delivery, as
well as yoga and meditation training.
Current
Schedule (2004):
Call
the office at
865.524.4422 to reserve your spot.
First-time
moms and those who have had a previous birth with an epidural must take a
natural childbirth education class. The center offers two:
Childbirth
Education Class ($50)
–This is a 6-week Lamaze series. You’ll learn relaxation techniques for pain
management and learn what’s going to happen to your body. New classes begin
every two months and are taught by Susan Nalls. Plan to
have your partner or labor coach attend as well.
Bradley Method ($200, includes course workbook)–
This is an intensive 12-week childbirth preparation course in the Bradley
Method of Natural Childbirth, taught by Marcia Bailey. The Bradley Method
emphasizes prenatal nutrition, labor preparation exercises and relaxation
techniques to manage labor pain.
Childbirth
Preparation Refresher Class ($25)
– A 3-hour refresher course for moms who have previously had childbirth
education classes and a natural birth, taught by Susan Nalls.
Sibling
Class (No Charge) -
Schedule a time for your older child to meet one-on-one with nurse-midwife
Susan Sims, who offers them helpful tips on becoming a big brother or
sister.
