Combining the knowledge of the body I gained in my previous career as a dancer and bodywork therapist with the academic, scientific and experiential foundation of midwifery, I teach classes that give women and their partners a wide base of knowledge. I believe that women need to have accurate evidence-based information in order to make informed choices at the time of their labor. I am a Lamaze-certified childbirth instructor, but my classes do not conform to any particular method. I teach what I believe is the most important material for a wide variety of desires and circumstances, since no woman can predict her given birth scenario. I include the following topics in my childbirth classes: •End of pregnancy normal discomforts vs. danger signs
•End of pregnancy testing (group beta strep culture, non stress tests, biophysical profile)
•Stages of Labor: how to recognize labor, how to discern progress through stages
•Timing contractions
•When to call the midwife or doctor and what to tell her/him
•When to leave home for the hospital/birth center
•Pain management techniques: movement, massage, birth ball, hydrotherapy, breathing techniques, imagery and visualization
•Hospital evaluation, admission, protocols
•Directed pushing/natural urge pushing/Vaginal birth
•Analgesia/Anesthesia: procedure, risks and benefits
•Induction of labor
•Non-reassuring fetal heart rate interventions
•Instrument and operative delivery
•Immediate postpartum
•Initial breastfeeding and baby care
These private or small group classes may take place at your home for your convenience.
