BirthJoy

Class Schedule

• Class 1 -
  Staying Healthy and Low Risk,
  Trusting the Normal Birth Process (Stage 1)
  • Why a balanced diet with plenty of protein, calcium, iron and folate is important to a growing baby
  • What harmful substances should be avoided during pregnancy
  • Conditioning exercises that will help prepare your body for giving birth
  • Introduction to relaxation and slow breathing
  • Plus, an overview of the physical birth process as a baseline of knowledge
  • How do you know you are really in labor? What does a contraction feel like?
  • Physical and emotional signposts of Stage 1 labor (0-10cm)
  • Natural comfort measures and the importance of the support person’s role.
  • Homework: Protein Tracker, Six Lamaze Healthy Practice Videos, Hypnobirthing video (optional), practice relaxation

• Class 2 –
  Trusting the Normal Birth Process (Stages 2 and 3),
  Knowing Your Birth Options, Planning for Your Birth
  
  • Physical and emotional signposts of Stages 2 and 3 labor (Pushing, Birth of baby and placenta)
  • Understanding your options and becoming an "informed medical consumer"
  • The risks and benefits of common medical interventions and pain relief medications, and when a cesarean is needed
  • Tips for preparing your own birth plan
  • Benefits of a birth doula providing continous physical, emotional, and informational support
  • Practice Fear Release Hypnobirthing script
  • Homework: 3 Birth videos and drafting a birth plan, hire a doula, natural breastfeeding video, practice relaxation

• Class 3 –
  Succeeding at Breastfeeding, Basic Newborn Care and Postpartum Self-Care
  • Why breastfeeding is the best nutrition for your baby
  • Getting off to a good start and getting the baby latched on correctly
  • How to overcome common problems with breastfeeding
  • Characteristics of a newborn
  • Developmental milestones
  • Diapering, bathing and comforting a newborn (includes "Happiest Baby on the Block" video)
  • Common postpartum adjustments for mom and dad
  • Homework: finalize birth plan, practice fear release and deeper relaxation, create a labor playlist and your own birth affirmations

Registration

The total cost for the three 2-hour private classes in your home is $275.
Discounts available for those impacted by Covid-19.
To register, please click on the Venmo/PayPal link or email me at BirthJoyofCharleston@gmail.com with your preferred dates and times. Thanks!

Other Resources

Busy schedule? Don't let that stop you from getting prepared for a safe and healthy birth.
Click the links below to engage with childbirth professionals through all stages of pregnancy and beyond.
Lamaze
Evidence Based Birth
Hypnobirthing

About Me

My name is Kathy Markham and my passion is helping women achieve a positive birth experience. I have enjoyed teaching childbirth classes since 1988 and have attended over 100 births. I have been certified to teach the Bradley Method, Hypnobirthing, and Lamaze and incorporate their best concepts into my classes.