How my doula certification course teaches normal labor

January 24th, 2013 | Posted by Rachel in Childbirth classes - (0 Comments)

In my course, I teach a different model of  labor than the one that is taught almost every where else.  It has been my experience that the stages model of labor is not based on good theory or research and does not accurately describe how labor truly works. (more…)

Penny Simkins 6 Ways to Progress-a variation handout

April 12th, 2012 | Posted by Rachel in Childbirth classes | Doula Handouts - (0 Comments)

I am excited to show this new handout to everyone.  I am convinced that we need to stop teaching the stages of labor and teach the various ways to progress and labor that are all normal.  There is a great post on this at midwife thinking.  http://midwifethinking.com/2011/09/14/the-assessment-of-progress/.  I’ve decided that the best way to present “pregression” to woman is to show them how the things they are feeling during late pregnancy and labor are all related to how their body is changing(based off of Penny Simkins 6 ways to progress).  I may or may not be selling these, so I just have a sample here, but would love to have any feedback.

SignsOfProgression-sample

Childbirth classes in Maricopa Arizona

January 17th, 2012 | Posted by Rachel in Childbirth classes - (0 Comments)

Occasionally I will be offering childbirth classes and posting the information here.  Feel free to pass on the information to others.

I’m starting up a series of childbirth classes starting Jan 21 or Jan 28
(depending on the response) from 1-4pm.  They should last only an
hour each.  The course outline is as follows:
Week 1: Late pregnancy, onset of labor, early labor
Week 2: Active labor and delivery
Week 3: Interventions, variations and pain meds
Week 4: Postpartum, breastfeeding and newborn care

The cost is $100.  I include lessons on essential oils for pregnancy,
birth, recovery, and infants as a part of the class.  If you just want
one class that is more tailored to your needs, I can do that for $20 a
class and I can meet whenever, where ever you want.  I will also offer
a class strictly on pain medications during birth for those who
desire.  It is designed to be 45m and is 15$ a course.  The purpose of
this course is to help pregnant women and their partners understand
causes of pain in childbirth and pharmacologic options for pain
management.  It will also provide an opportunity to review coping skills
which may be used in labor and birth as well as ways to minimize the
side effects of medication.

 

E-mail me at rachel.leavitt@gmail.com for more information.

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