Holiday childbirth classes are starting!

The next group class series starts on Thursday, November 4th, 6:30pm-9pm, at Colorado Springs OB/GYN (the offices of Dr. John Baer and Sharon Ruyak, CNM) on the corner of Dublin and Rangewood.

I teach childbirth education classes that pull from many great resources such as Dr. Robert Bradley, the Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth, author Sheila Kitzinger and midwife Ina May Gaskin. We focus on breathing techniques and many different comfort techniques that I have learned from my experience attending births as a doula and a midwife assistant, both in the hospital setting and the home setting.

Classes are $250 (per couple) for an 8 week course and includes multi-dimensional instruction, a ten chapter student notebook, a postpartum breastfeeding visit, and unlimited phone / email support.

If you have given birth before, please feel free to pick and choose the classes you would like to be "refreshed" on, only $30 per class! Also ask about the discounts that are available for my current doula clients, active military and low income families.

Class One: Getting to Know You (NOV 4th)
· Introductions & registration
· Ten myths
· Your choices for providers
· Prenatal exercises & relaxation techniques

Class Two: Nutrition & Anatomy (NOV 11th)
· Nutrition with the Brewer diet
· Things to avoid
· Fetal development & prenatal testing
· Changes in the pregnant body
· Prematurity prevention
· Breathing & massage techniques

Class Three: First Stage Labor (NOV 18th)
· The 3 stages of labor overview
· Internal exams
· Timing contractions
· Labor coping techniques & positions
· Inductions

Class Four: Second & Third Stage Labor (DEC 2nd)
· Positions for pushing
· Breathing for pushing
· Perineal care
· Immediate postpartum

Class Five: Writing a Birth Plan (DEC 9th)
· How to organize for hospital or home delivery
· Baby movement & kick count exercise
· The role of your partner
· Interventions
· Informed consent & Bill of Rights

Class Six: Unexpected Events (DEC 16th)
· Cesarean birth
· Emergencies & complications
· Labor scenarios/stations
· Visual relaxation exercise

Class Seven: Newborn Care (DEC 23rd)
· Jaundice
· Immediate newborn procedures
· How to calm baby
· How to diaper & swaddle your baby

Class Eight: Postpartum & Breastfeeding (DEC 30th)
· What to expect immediately after birth
· Breast feeding discussion
· Care for mom & baby
· Postpartum depression

For more information, please contact:
Candace McCollett, CBE, CLD
Owner, The Westside Birth Connection
www.westsidebirthconnection.com
719-213-3740