Childbirth Preparation Class at Alaska Family Health & Birth Center

Childbirth Preparation Class

Our Childhood Preparation Class is led by an instructor who facilitates discussions and encourages group interaction. All topics are covered — from late pregnancy through delivery and postpartum. Comfort measures and coping techniques for labor also are covered extensively.

When is it? One Saturday a month
Who should go? We encourage all first-time mothers to attend
Where is it? Alaska Family Health & Birth Center
Led by: A childbirth educator
Fee: $50 (non-refundable without medical reason)
To Get More Information: Complete the form below or call (907) 456-3719

Please make child care arrangements for your other children so you can get the most out of the class.

Childbirth Preparation Class Outline

Late pregnancy physiology: discomforts, comfort measures, recommended herbal supplements and activities to encourage a timely labor; discussion of support people and doulas
Post-dates routine: encouraging natural labor, when to consult with a doctor, risks and transfer to hospital
Pre-labor: what it is and what to expect, coping and comfort measures, support
Early labor: coping and comfort measures, support, when to call the midwife or doctor
Active labor: description, coping, labor support and encouragement, comfort measures, when to call and/or come to the birth center, labor positions, eating and drinking
Transition: description, coping, support, what to expect
Second stage of labor (pushing): what to expect, coping, support, emotional changes and needs, positions and places for pushing
Birth: positions for birth, interventions, what to expect and how to maximize the experience
Immediate postpartum: baby’s needs and well-being, mom’s comfort and emotions, how long will she stay at the birth center/hospital and what to expect
Breastfeeding: getting started, latch-on, difficulties, discomforts, supplementing with water or formula, breastfeeding support, consultants and how to know if baby is getting enough
Postpartum: comforts, activity level, caring for baby, bleeding, intimacy after baby, getting enough rest, support/help from others and postpartum visits
Hospital transports and transfer of care: complications and what to expect if transport is required
Baby care: what is and what is not normal, recognizing signs of illness, encouraging development and other things to consider, such as: Vitamin K, eye ointment, Hep B, immunizations, skin care, personal care products, diapers, and encouraging natural sleeping patterns