Please note this will change from series to series; time constraints, differing needs of students, and other variables mean that this general plan will be flexible. IBWP-certified CBEs also undergo continuing education so we can keep classes up-to-date and based upon available evidence. This is only included to give you an idea of what I tend to cover, and is no guarantee that I will cover exactly and only this in a given class.

We will have snacks, activities, videos, discussions, and student input. I want these classes to be engaging and interesting; suggestions are always welcome!

Class 1: Birth Today	Welcome and intros Themes Birth in today's world Technocratic vs. holistic (dominator vs. integrator) Is birth inherently unsafe, needing rescue? Consumerism: informed consumers make best choices Current state of birth in North America Cesarean prevention. [Sad this has gotta be a topic!] Birth visualization
Class 2: Pregnancy--Growth and Decision Making	Getting started Parent responsibility/ consumerism Birth options/ decision making Nurturing yourself and the baby Emotional/ psychological Touch relaxation and/or visualization
Class 3: The Process of Birth	Understanding the process of birth Tools for labor and birth: Relaxation, breatthing, positions, visualizations, etc.Integration of tools with first stage labor Second stage Special Delivery video
Class 4: Creating Your Birth	Routine practices in hospitals, homes, birth centers Domino theory of interventions Medications Psychological and phyical barriers to birth Hurdling the barriers Labor and birth practice
Class 5: Unexpected Outcomes	The shadow side of birth:Why we discuss this (Or...what you resist, persists) Fear Complications Cesarean procedure/ VBAC Tools for handling the unexpected Grief Back from the shadows: Positive images
Class 6: Newborn and Postpartum	The Newborn Breastfeeding Circumcision Other newborn concerns Parents' postpartum experiences Postpartum depression Parenting in brief
Class 7: Building Community	This class is a potluck. Students from the last class series are invited too, to share their exeriences and support. We'll probably do some fun and educational games.
Class 8: Perfect Attendance Bonus	This class is a free bonus for those who attended the entire series without missing a class. The topic will be decided with all students who can attend.