Class 1 – Introduction to The Bradley Method®
This class deals with Bradley Method® history, philosophy and goals.  It is a time to get to know
me and the members of your class.  During this class, we will begin to study things you can do to
keep yourself healthy and low risk during pregnancy.  We will introduce important pregnancy
exercises and we will lead a discussion of how to handle pain and give a lesson in how to avoid
unnecessary pain in labor.

Class 2 – Nutrition in Pregnancy
The primary focus of this class is on nutrition.  We will discuss good nutrition during pregnancy so
that you will understand what nutrients are important and what quantities are necessary.  We will
help you to evaluate your diet and suggest ways to improve it if necessary.  We will also review the
pregnancy exercises and discuss sex during pregnancy, breastfeeding and continue studying
what you can do to stay healthy and low risk during pregnancy.

Class 3 – Pregnancy
During this class, we will discuss the many changes your body goes through during pregnancy.  
We will focus on anatomy and physiology as well as common discomforts and how to handle
them naturally.  This is helpful for the coach as it makes him more aware and therefore more
understanding of these changes.  We will also begin to discuss some of the many choices you
face regarding labor and birth.

Class 4 – The Coach’s Role
This is the first of two classes that focus on pregnancy and childbirth from the coach’s point of
view.  In this session we will discuss:  coaching during pregnancy, the importance of natural
childbirth, bonding, and the father’s role in breastfeeding.  We will continue our study on staying
low risk during pregnancy and discuss drugs, myths, and birthing.

Class 5 – Introduction to First Stage Labor
This class is on how your body works in first stage labor.  We will cover anatomy and physiology of
first stage, stressing our respect for the natural process and examining the built-in safeguards for
you and your baby.  We will teach basic coaching techniques and instruct you on how to practice
together.  Standard hospital admitting and prepping procedures will also be covered.

Class 6 – Introduction to Second Stage Labor
This class is on how your body works in the second stage of labor.  We will cover the anatomy and
physiology of second stage labor stressing our respect for the natural process and examining the
built-in safeguards for you and your baby.  We will discuss the importance of the natural alignment
plateau and the fetal Heimlich maneuver.  Basic pushing techniques and second stage positions
as well as the coach’s role, will be covered.  Third stage will also be discussed briefly.

Class 7 – Planning Your Birth
Class seven covers consumer information and how to make a birth plan.  We discuss:  what your
choices are, the importance of evaluating your feelings and listing your priorities, and meeting with
your medical team to discuss your choices in a positive way.  There is also a first stage labor
rehearsal in this class.

Class 8 – Variations and Complications/ Postpartum Preparation
This class covers two units of information.  We cover various complications including cesarean
surgery, discussing:  how to avoid theses problems if possible, how to evaluate whether it is
necessary to intervene, and how to handle interventions that become necessary.  We also cover
information on taking care of yourself after your baby is born.


Class 9 – Advanced First Stage Techniques
This class is filled with advanced coaching techniques dealing directly with the challenge of
handling first stage labor.  We will go over the First Stage Study Guide so that you can be sure you
are well prepared.  We will also have a labor rehearsal and do some role playing.

Class 10 – Advanced Second Stage Techniques
This class begins with an advanced labor rehearsal which helps to pull together all of the
information you have learned so far.  We will also cover the Second Stage Study Guide to be sure
that you fully understand and are prepared to handle the second stage of labor.

Class 11 – Being a Great Coach/ Are You Ready?
At this point we will go over the B.E.S.T. techniques for labor and birth as a comprehensive review
of the most important points you will use while in labor.  This class also covers information for
coaches on how to handle the challenges they will face in labor.  Emergency childbirth will be
discussed, just in case the baby comes before you get where you’re going.  We will also
participate in an intriguing discussion on the theory of “what is labor” and why it is so different for
each woman and even for each pregnancy.

Class 12 – Preparing for Your New Family
The last of our twelve-week series begins with an advanced labor rehearsal.  Next we will discuss
the concluding chapter in your student workbook which is titled “Your Labor and Birth”.  We will
also cover:  newborn care, mothering, fathering, breastfeeding, how to handle a crying baby, and
adjusting to the many changes you will face during this time.
Contact me
571-333-5239
allison@believeinyourbirth.com
Course Content
Disclaimer: This website contains information about Bradley Method® classes available in Ashburn, VA and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®.
more information on The Bradley Method®, for an international listing of instructors, or to contact the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®
directly, please contact: The Bradley Method® Website or call 1-800-4-A-BIRTH or write American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth® Box 5224
Sherman Oaks, CA 91413-5224