YOUR natural B I R T H
WHAT ABOUT COVID-19?
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I'm now offering hybrid classes so you can attend live online or in person. Choose to attend class however you're most comfortable. These classes are open to anyone, regardless of vaccination status. Class are conducted in Long Beach and the city does not currently have a mask mandate. The in-person spots are limited to 5 couples.
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WHAT IS A "NATURAL BIRTH"?
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Because cesarean section surgical births (c-section) are so prevalent in our society (32% of babies in the US are born via c-section), many people term a medicated vaginal birth as a natural birth. A person who is medicated during labor and for the birth of their child has usually received epidural anesthesia. It has been proven that the placenta is not a filter and that the narcotic drugs used in an epidural do reach the baby during labor. For this reason, many birthers choose to give birth without anesthesia - naturally. This is a natural birth.
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SHOULD I TAKE BIRTHING CLASSES IF I WANT AN EPIDURAL OR IF I'M NOT SURE WHAT I WANT?
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Absolutely! No matter your plans for your birth experience, this class will open your eyes to the miracle of birth and dispel many of the myths and mysteries. The class will also empower your partner, giving them the confidence to be an effective advocate for you and your baby, which will definitely be imperative if you plan to medicate. The beauty of education is it affords you the luxury of being able to make smart decisions for yourself. The Bradley Method® is definitely for every family.
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THE BRADLEY METHOD® IS A "HUSBAND-COACHED" CHILDBIRTH METHOD, BUT WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE A HUSBAND?
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Childbirth is always better when someone is there to support you. That "someone" is your coach and you can choose whomever you'd like to fill that role. Dr. Bradley teaches us the importance of including the father, or other parent, in the birth process. That person is the ideal coach for you, no matter the label on your relationship. Baby won't be asking to see a marriage certificate upon arrival. If for some reason the other parent isn't available to attend class, you can bring your mom, your best friend, your cousin.... whomever is available to commit to twelve classes, is willing to work with your birth plan, and will be committed and available during your labor.
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WHEN SHOULD I START CLASSES?
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It's ideal to start around 25 weeks. This will afford you time to fit in twelve weeks of classes prior to your 37th week. In this way, you are prepared should baby decide to show up a little earlier than expected and you're also not too far from your EDD once the series of classes has ended. But I always tell people, "Some Bradley is better than no Bradley." So contact me even if you feel you may not have time to complete the course. And always sign up early. Classes do fill pretty fast since a true Bradley Method® teacher can only have eight couples per class.
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WHAT IF MY DOCTOR DOESN'T THINK I NEED CHILDBIRTH CLASSES ?
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Like everything in life, we can all have differing opinions about the same exact experience. There are many reasons why a doctor might say they don't recommend taking childbirth classes. Unless we ask, it's hard to know why opinions form. It's best for you to find out from your doctor why your doctor has formed their opinions.
But the real question is this: Whose birth is this? Your doctor's? Or yours?
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WHAT IF I'M PLANNING A HOME BIRTH?
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All the more reason to take a class. If your midwife is not requiring you to take a class, then hopefully they are taking the time to thoroughly educate you during prenatal visits. With a home birth, you and your coach will be moving through the bulk of your labor at home alone. A class will prepare you and your coach to recognize the signs and stages of labor.
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HOW DO I DECIDE WHICH BRADLEY METHOD® TEACHER IS RIGHT FOR ME?
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Childbirth is such an intimate and sacred time. Overall, it's best to choose a teacher with whom you connect. That being said, experience goes a long way. For over ten years, I have been teaching classes in The Bradley Method®. I teach three classes per week and have been blessed to have been involved in over 1700 births. I took the 12-class course in The Bradley Method® - twice - and delivered both of my own babies using the method. I am also a practicing doula. I attend at least 20 births per year, and sometimes quite a few more. This allows me to see the method in action and also keeps me current and up to date in the latest trends and movements in childbirth within the local hospitals or birth centers. Besides being a dedicated Bradley Method® teacher, I'm also proud to say I am also an Evidence Based Birth® Instructor.
If you're shopping around for a Bradley teacher, be sure to ask to see credentials and proof of affiliation. To be an affiliated Bradley® teacher, your teacher must actually attend at least one birth per year. Also be sure the teacher you choose actually delivered their own children by using The Bradley Method®.
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Classes in The Bradley Method® and Evidence Based Birth® are offered by Your Natural Birth located
online and in person
Please text, email, or call for pricing and more information.
Childbirth classes are an investment in your child's first BIRTH day.
816-588-4999
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