Goals and Topics Covered
		Goals The overall goal of Lamaze ® childbirth education is to increase women’s confidence in their innate ability to give birth. Specific goals are that the students will: 1.        Believe that birth is normal, natural, and healthy. 2.        Understand and demonstrate a wide variety of strategies to facilitate pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and early parenting. 3.        Understand how complications and interventions influence the normal course of pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and early postpartum. 4.        Understand and appreciate ways to encourage attachment between the new baby and his/her family. 5.        Make informed decisions related to pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and early parenting. Copyright Lamaze ® International
			Topics included in the standard class series include: Normal Pregnancy Physical changes Emotional changes Comfort Measures Nutrition Exercise Normal Birth Cultural aspects Anatomy and physiology Stages and phases Creating a supportive environment Strategies to facilitate normal birth   Doulas   Comfort Measures           Relaxation           Breathing           Water           Massage           Movement           Vocalization           Attention-focusing           Heat/cold   Positions (esp. upright positions)   Back pain/posterior position   Partner support   Building confidence   Communicating with care providers           Types of pushing Common interventions Benefits vs. risks Unexpected outcomes Postpartum Breastfeeding   Benefits   How-to   Support Strategies for postpartum period   Getting help   Managing visitors   Dealing with stress   Postpartum depression Building community