Birth Boot Camp Curriculum
You probably guessed from our name that Birth Boot Camp childbirth classes are the real deal. We take preparation for birth seriously. We also know that this preparation for the birth of your baby isn’t just work- it can be fun! Our childbirth classes are comprehensive so that each couple, no matter where they are having their baby, and no matter their differing situations and needs, can be prepared for their unique birth.
Below is a brief description of our 10-week natural childbirth course curriculum. Through years of experience and by listening to the opinions of both women, their partners, and countless professionals, we have carefully selected the things that we know are most important for your childbirth preparation. This information is organized in such a way that you can feel confident and prepared for your own amazing birth!
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 therefore.
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
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 a more comfortable pregnancy and 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, birth center, or 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. These decisions might be the most important ones you make in achieving your natural 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 to take effect.
The last few weeks of pregnancy can be overwhelming – physically and emotionally. Know and understand various testing 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 in coping with the challenges of labor. Anyone invited to your birth (mom, sister, best friend) 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! Cadence: the Sights and Sounds of Natural Birth will tie together the birth videos viewed throughout the class series as well as the material learned, giving you a clear picture of birth. Water birth and optimal positioning for mom and baby will be covered. Replace fear with joy and 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.
At Birth Boot Camp, we don’t believe that birth is like war! You will be prepared for unexpected circumstances that may come up during labor or birth by covering an extensive chart on variations of labor. The Fog of War is about all the things you can do to avoid a cesarean section and when cesarean sections are actually necessary. Thorough Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) information also covered in The Fog of War
CLASS 9
Part 1: THE POA: 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 immediately following birth for you and your baby. 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.
