The format of our Pre-Natal Education Course is a practical and informative seminar lasting approximately 5 ½ hours.  The purpose of our course is to educate parents on what to expect between 30 weeks gestation up to the delivery of your child.

The beginning of the course includes:

• How to recognize the rupture of the amniotic sac and early onset of labor
• Discussion of breathing techniques and relaxation methods to relieve early anxiety, which allows you the freedom to do early labor in your home setting.
• Furthermore, we give an overview of the forms of pain relief available in the hospital and when to call your Doctor and go to the hospital.

Topics covered in the second section of the course include:

• The normal progression of labor and pushing positions in a natural childbirth.
• Explanation of potential complications during delivery and the need for Induction, Augmentation and the possible need for Cesarean delivery. Remember – Ultimately, your body, your baby and the powers of your contractions decide the length of your labor and the form of delivery which will occur.

The final part of the teaching is the most interactive component:

• Covers what to expect of your baby in that first hour in the delivery room and first few weeks at home, including practical aspects such as the need for car seat for discharge home.
• Participants will practice swaddling and diaper changing using dolls, learn burping positions, umbilical cord care, circumcision care and bathing of your baby.
• A short video is also shown outlining breastfeeding guidelines and techniques to improve latching on of the baby
• Brief synopsis of Infant CPR and first aid is given.  For those who would like to become certified in Infant CPR, more information can be given regarding the American Red cross or local YMCA’s which give classes regularly.

At the conclusion of the course, we finish the session with a Relaxation and Visualization exercise that should leave you ready to relax on your way home.