This is a LIVE, IN PERSON, comprehensive childbirth preparation class, consisting of 5 weekly, 2-hour lessons. The class location is Sanford, FL. Full details regarding location will be provided upon sign up. This class is designed for the expectant mother and her husband, partner, or 1 other support person. It is full of practical information, tips and techniques that are evidenced-based, and are proven effective in boosting the confidence of laboring moms, and giving your partner the knowledge and understanding of how to best support you during the most intense moments of your labor. I show you WHAT TO DO and WHEN during each phase of labor to help you work with your baby, and your body to make the labor go as smoothly as possible. For example, did you know * your baby rotates TWICE coming down the birth canal? * how you SIT during pregnancy can either make labor easier or more difficult? * that your pelvis has THREE DIFFERENT SHAPES AND DIAMETERS depending on where the baby's head is? * that there are very SIMPLE TECHNIQUES you and your partner can use to help your pelvis OPEN to facilitate your baby's descent? * We cover all of that and more! Course description: all participants will receive followup materials after each lesson to maximize your ability to retain the information presented and make use of them when the time comes. 15 JUNE - Lesson 1 : Foundations: Understanding the physical, mental & emotional aspects of birth • Birth anatomy • Assessing progression of labor • Determining position & station of baby • Medical & midwifery birth models • Breaking the fear-pain-tension cycle • Rebozo and comfort measures for the pelvic area • Brief history of approaches to birth 22 JUNE - Lesson 2 : Understanding how to work within the Labor Process • What to eat & drink during labor (and when) • What is labor - soft signs and definitive signs • Targeted exercises for each phase of labor • Methods to avoid a labor stall • Birth affirmations and breathing techniques 29 JUNE - Lesson 3 : Labor Options and Safety Concerns 
 • Completeing your Birth Preferences form • Newborn procedures • Maximizing a calm & peaceful birth • Coping techniques for birth's intensity • Informed consent / refusal 6 JULY - Week 4 : When Labor Starts / Birthing Options • Possible reasons for transferring to the hospital
 • Possible natural ways to induce labor • Comfort measures you probably haven't heard of • What to expect if birthing in the hospital • Labor induction: common reasons and induction options • Pain medication choices • What if you need a surgical birth? 13 JULY - Week 5 : From Pushing to Postpartum • Birth positions for each phase of labor • Birth tools to use wherever labor takes place • Tips for pushing • Postpartum care and common concerns • How to quickly become a baby whisperer • Post labor support Followup materials are provided for each lesson.