One More Push

Childbirth classes and resources from Amy Jerome

About the Class

Class-by-class summaries

Though every class has a specific topic to be covered in detail, each class will also cover nutrition, exercise, positive communication, and coaching, and a different relaxation technique will be taught assigned for practice. Some class may also feature a film/video presentation.

Class 1: Introduction to The Bradley Method®
This class deals with Bradley Method® history, philosophy and goals. It is designed to let teacher and couples get to know one another. Basics on how to keep your pregnancy as healthy and low risk as you can are taught as well as specific pregnancy exercises to help tone muscles used for labor. Also a discussion of how to handle pain and a lesson in how to avoid unnecessary pain in labor will be presented.
Class 2: Nutrition in Pregnancy
The primary focus of this class is on nutrition, what nutrients and quantities are important, and how good nutrition during pregnancy affects both pregnancy itself and labor. Help in evaluating individual diets is also given. Along with a review of pregnancy exercises, discussions on sex during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and continued studies on staying healthy and low risk during pregnancy will be presented.
Class 3: Pregnancy
Changes in your body during pregnancy are discussed in this class with a focus on anatomy and physiology along. Common discomforts and how to handle them naturally are also presented to better help the coach be more aware and therefore more understanding of these changes. Choices you may face during labor and birth will be touch on at this time.
Class 4: The Coach’s Role
This is the first of two classes that focus on pregnancy and childbirth from the coaches point of view. Topics on coaching during pregnancy, the importance of natural childbirth, bonding, and the father’s role in breastfeeding are featured. Study on staying low risk during pregnancy and drug information, myths and birthing will round out this class.
Class 5: Introduction to First Stage Labor
How your body works in first stage labor is the main focus of this class. Anatomy and physiology of first stage labor is covered stressing a respect for the natural process and examining the built- in safeguards for you and your baby. Basic coaching techniques and instruction on how to practice together are taught along with standard hospital admitting and prepping procedures are discussed.
Class 6: Introduction to Second Stage Labor
Anatomy and physiology of second stage labor and how your body works during this phase of labor are the main focus during this class. Again, importance of our respect for the natural process and examining the built-in safeguards for you and your baby are discussed. Information on the importance of the natural alignment plateau and the fetal Heimlich maneuver is given at this time. We will also discuss and practice basic pushing techniques and positions and the importance of coach’s role for second stage. We will touch briefly on third stage also.
Class 7: Planning Your Birth
This class is consumer oriented in information and preparation of a birth plan. We discuss what your choices are, the importance of evaluating your feelings and listing your priorities, and meeting with your medical team to discuss your choices in a positive manner. The first of several labor rehearsals starts, with the focus on first stage labor during this class.
Class 8: Variations and Complications/Postpartum Preparation
This class covers 2 units of information and is therefore somewhat longer than the other classes. Complications such as cesarean surgery are discussed. Ways to avoid these problems if possible, how to evaluate their necessity, and how to handle interventions that do become necessary are also discussed. Information on care of yourself and baby after birth is also covered.
Class 9: Advanced First Stage Techniques
Advanced coaching techniques for handling the challenges of first stage labor are covered in this class. We also go over the First Stage Study Guide and have a labor rehearsal and role playing to make sure you are well prepared.
Class 10: Advanced Second Stage Techniques
Combining all the information you have learned so far this class starts with and advanced labor rehearsal. The completion of the Second Stage Study Guide helps to ensure you fully understand and are prepared for second stage labor.
Class 11: Being a Great Coach/Are You Ready?
B.E.S.T. techniques for handling labor and birth are covered as a comprehensive review of the most important points you will use while in labor. Coaches are informed on how to handle the challenges they will face in labor and emergency childbirth is also covered just in case the baby comes before you get to your chosen birth place. The active discussion of “What is labor for” and why it is so different for each woman and even for each pregnancy is discussed to help couples remember that labor is normal, natural, and necessary.
Class 12: Preparing for Your New Family
The last class also begins with an advanced labor rehearsal. The final chapter in your workbook titled “Your Labor and Birth” is discussed along with covering newborn care, mothering, fathering, breastfeeding, how to handle a crying baby, and adjusting to the many changes that occur after the birth of the new baby and the birth of a new family.
I encourage you to continue coming to class each week until your baby is born without charge for these review classes.