Course Description
CLASS 1
DEFINING THE MISSION: WHY NATURAL CHILDBIRTH
Mission: (noun) The task, together with the purpose, that clearly indicates the action to be taken and the reason therefor.
Birth Boot Camp is about natural, unmedicated birth. You’ll learn why natural birth is best for baby, best for mom, and even best for dad. You’ll discover how the history of childbirth in America has set us on this course of medicated and surgical birth. Take part in an in-depth discussion on how drugs interfere with the natural process. You will walk away from the first class with a clear vision of your mission and its importance.
CLASS 2
P.T. & CHOW: PHYSICAL TRAINING AND NUTRITION FOR YOUR BIRTH
P.T. & Chow: (noun) Physical training and food.
Preparing your body—both inside and out—for the challenge of labor is exciting. Learn from a personal trainer how to properly tone the muscles you’ll need to birth your baby. Proper nutrition will help ensure a healthy baby and pregnancy. Following the nutritional program Birth Boot Camp teaches will give you a solid foundation in remaining healthy, strong, and low-risk. Finally, part of your Physical Training is the preparation of the mind, body, and spirit through relaxation practice in each class. Partners will learn helpful hints about the process of practicing relaxation at home. Taking P.T. & Chow seriously will pay off in the natural birth of your baby.
CLASS 3
Part 1
SETTING UP CAMP: CHOOSING WHERE TO BIRTH
Setting Up Camp: (verb) Establishing your post.
What should a couple look for when choosing a birth place? Whether you are planning to birth at home, a birth center, or a hospital, this class will empower you to know what questions to ask your care provider. Hear first hand some of the differences in various birth places.
Part 2
CHAIN OF COMMAND: WHO IS IN CHARGE OF YOUR BIRTH?
Chain of Command: (noun) A series of ranks in which each has direct authority over the one immediately below.
With so much birth lingo, it’s easy to get confused! Learn the difference between a doula and different types of midwives. How much influence does your insurance have in your birth? The people you choose to have present will affect your birth. The Chain of Command begins with you.
CLASS 4
COUNTDOWN TO D-DAY: FINAL PREPARATIONS BEFORE GIVING BIRTH
D-Day: (noun) The day on which an important operation is to begin or a change is to take effect.
The last few weeks of pregnancy can be overwhelming physically and emotionally. Know and understand various tests and procedures often done in the final weeks of pregnancy. Understanding your options, you will be able to face the last few weeks of pregnancy with confidence and excitement.
CLASS 5
DEPLOYMENT: BABY ON THE MOVE
Deployment: (transitive verb) To place in formation or appropriate positions, to arrange for a deliberate purpose, to move.
Baby has decided to move out! Knowing what to expect takes the fear out of labor—for moms and their partners! Learn about the different phases of labor and what you can most likely expect to physically take place.
CLASS 6
SUPPORTING ARMS: MOM’S MOST IMPORTANT ALLY
Supporting Arms: (noun) Weapons systems employed to support forces.
Dad is Mom’s most important ally. By Week 6, Birth Boot Camp has given you both a good foundation. You have been working together week by week. In Supporting Arms, Dad will learn very practical ways to help Mom during labor. This is his most important class! Moms will also learn some very effective—and unique—techniques for coping with the challenges of labor. Anyone invited to your birth is encouraged to sit in on this class as well.
CLASS 7
CADENCE: THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF NATURAL CHILDBIRTH
Cadence: (noun) A work song sung during physical activity or training.
The moment you’ve been waiting for: the birth of your baby! This class will tie together the birth videos viewed throughout the class series, giving you a clear picture of birth. Water birth and optimal positioning for mom and baby will be covered. Replace fear with joy and the anticipation of meeting your baby for the very first time!
CLASS 8
THE FOG OF WAR: KEEPING A CLEAR HEAD IN LABOR
Fog of War: (phrase) Term used to describe the uncertainty and disorientation experienced in the thick of battle.
The Fog of War is about all the things you can do to avoid a cesarean section and when they are actually necessary. You will be prepared for unexpected circumstances that may come up during labor or birth.
CLASS 9
Part 1
THE PLAN OF ACTION: ESTABLISHING YOUR PRIORITIES AND MAKING A PLAN
Plan of Action: (noun) A deliberate approach to a problem or situation.
Now that you are armed with knowledge and information, you are ready to create your unique birth plan. You will learn to write a birth plan that is easy to read and that won’t be tossed aside. No matter where you are birthing, deciding what you want, knowing your options, and learning to communicate with your partner and your birth team is paramount.
Part 2
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! THE IMMEDIATE POSTPARTUM PERIOD
Mission Accomplished: (phrase) Having successfully completed a task.
You are making choices for your baby from his first breath. Learn about placenta delivery, cord clamping, skin to skin contact, initiating breastfeeding, and common procedures. The first moments after birth are so precious!
CLASS 10
LIFE WITH A NEW RECRUIT
New Recruit: (noun) Someone who has recently joined an organization, team, or group of people.
Your new recruit comes with special needs. This class is your manual! Enjoy those early days and weeks by learning techniques that will enhance bonding and make the transition to parenthood easier and more enjoyable!
DEFINING THE MISSION: WHY NATURAL CHILDBIRTH
Mission: (noun) The task, together with the purpose, that clearly indicates the action to be taken and the reason therefor.
Birth Boot Camp is about natural, unmedicated birth. You’ll learn why natural birth is best for baby, best for mom, and even best for dad. You’ll discover how the history of childbirth in America has set us on this course of medicated and surgical birth. Take part in an in-depth discussion on how drugs interfere with the natural process. You will walk away from the first class with a clear vision of your mission and its importance.
CLASS 2
P.T. & CHOW: PHYSICAL TRAINING AND NUTRITION FOR YOUR BIRTH
P.T. & Chow: (noun) Physical training and food.
Preparing your body—both inside and out—for the challenge of labor is exciting. Learn from a personal trainer how to properly tone the muscles you’ll need to birth your baby. Proper nutrition will help ensure a healthy baby and pregnancy. Following the nutritional program Birth Boot Camp teaches will give you a solid foundation in remaining healthy, strong, and low-risk. Finally, part of your Physical Training is the preparation of the mind, body, and spirit through relaxation practice in each class. Partners will learn helpful hints about the process of practicing relaxation at home. Taking P.T. & Chow seriously will pay off in the natural birth of your baby.
CLASS 3
Part 1
SETTING UP CAMP: CHOOSING WHERE TO BIRTH
Setting Up Camp: (verb) Establishing your post.
What should a couple look for when choosing a birth place? Whether you are planning to birth at home, a birth center, or a hospital, this class will empower you to know what questions to ask your care provider. Hear first hand some of the differences in various birth places.
Part 2
CHAIN OF COMMAND: WHO IS IN CHARGE OF YOUR BIRTH?
Chain of Command: (noun) A series of ranks in which each has direct authority over the one immediately below.
With so much birth lingo, it’s easy to get confused! Learn the difference between a doula and different types of midwives. How much influence does your insurance have in your birth? The people you choose to have present will affect your birth. The Chain of Command begins with you.
CLASS 4
COUNTDOWN TO D-DAY: FINAL PREPARATIONS BEFORE GIVING BIRTH
D-Day: (noun) The day on which an important operation is to begin or a change is to take effect.
The last few weeks of pregnancy can be overwhelming physically and emotionally. Know and understand various tests and procedures often done in the final weeks of pregnancy. Understanding your options, you will be able to face the last few weeks of pregnancy with confidence and excitement.
CLASS 5
DEPLOYMENT: BABY ON THE MOVE
Deployment: (transitive verb) To place in formation or appropriate positions, to arrange for a deliberate purpose, to move.
Baby has decided to move out! Knowing what to expect takes the fear out of labor—for moms and their partners! Learn about the different phases of labor and what you can most likely expect to physically take place.
CLASS 6
SUPPORTING ARMS: MOM’S MOST IMPORTANT ALLY
Supporting Arms: (noun) Weapons systems employed to support forces.
Dad is Mom’s most important ally. By Week 6, Birth Boot Camp has given you both a good foundation. You have been working together week by week. In Supporting Arms, Dad will learn very practical ways to help Mom during labor. This is his most important class! Moms will also learn some very effective—and unique—techniques for coping with the challenges of labor. Anyone invited to your birth is encouraged to sit in on this class as well.
CLASS 7
CADENCE: THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF NATURAL CHILDBIRTH
Cadence: (noun) A work song sung during physical activity or training.
The moment you’ve been waiting for: the birth of your baby! This class will tie together the birth videos viewed throughout the class series, giving you a clear picture of birth. Water birth and optimal positioning for mom and baby will be covered. Replace fear with joy and the anticipation of meeting your baby for the very first time!
CLASS 8
THE FOG OF WAR: KEEPING A CLEAR HEAD IN LABOR
Fog of War: (phrase) Term used to describe the uncertainty and disorientation experienced in the thick of battle.
The Fog of War is about all the things you can do to avoid a cesarean section and when they are actually necessary. You will be prepared for unexpected circumstances that may come up during labor or birth.
CLASS 9
Part 1
THE PLAN OF ACTION: ESTABLISHING YOUR PRIORITIES AND MAKING A PLAN
Plan of Action: (noun) A deliberate approach to a problem or situation.
Now that you are armed with knowledge and information, you are ready to create your unique birth plan. You will learn to write a birth plan that is easy to read and that won’t be tossed aside. No matter where you are birthing, deciding what you want, knowing your options, and learning to communicate with your partner and your birth team is paramount.
Part 2
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! THE IMMEDIATE POSTPARTUM PERIOD
Mission Accomplished: (phrase) Having successfully completed a task.
You are making choices for your baby from his first breath. Learn about placenta delivery, cord clamping, skin to skin contact, initiating breastfeeding, and common procedures. The first moments after birth are so precious!
CLASS 10
LIFE WITH A NEW RECRUIT
New Recruit: (noun) Someone who has recently joined an organization, team, or group of people.
Your new recruit comes with special needs. This class is your manual! Enjoy those early days and weeks by learning techniques that will enhance bonding and make the transition to parenthood easier and more enjoyable!