New Bradley® Childbirth Class Series

Registering Now!
Very limited availability left for the series beginning January 8, 2012. Don't miss out!


Having a child is a life changing experience.

Shouldn't your childbirth education be up to the challenge?

Let us help you prepare not only to give birth naturally, but also on becoming a family. Many couples report that Bradley classes help them bond not only with their unborn baby but also with each other. This is the birth of your family. Make it a Beautiful Beginning!

Classes are perfect for first time moms as well as experienced parents.

The Bradley Method® views birth as a natural, not medical process. It is our belief that most women with proper education, preparation, and the help of a loving and supportive coach can be taught to give birth naturally.

Single moms and same sex couples are welcome. Anyone can be your coach- friends, family, or a professional labor doula.

The Bradley Method® is a system of natural labor techniques in which a woman and her coach play an active part. It is a simple method of increasing self-awareness, teaching a woman how to deal with the challenge of labor by tuning in to her own body. The Bradley Method® encourages mothers to trust their bodies using natural breathing, relaxation, nutrition, exercise, and education.


Classes in The Bradley Method® will educate you to have the healthiest pregnancy and the safest, most beautiful birth experience possible whether you are having a hospital, birth center, or home birth.


Learn specific exercises and relaxation techniques that will facilitate an efficient labor.

Learn how to get the proper nutrition for you and your baby.

Learn how to stay low risk and healthy during your pregnancy.

Learn how to minimize your risk of a cesarean section.

Learn to work with your labor coach and have a rewarding birth experience.

Learn how to give birth naturally without fear.

Learn how to be a good consumer and advocate for the health and welfare of your family.

Learn to work with your healthcare provider to make informed decisions.

Class location:

Friends And Family Spinal Care

Coral Springs, FL 33076

I'll be happy to discuss any concerns that you have.

Contact Tracy for more details or to register-

at

(954) 699 6503

or email

tspericht@gmail.com

http://ourbeautifulbirth.com

William's Birth Story

5 am Woke up with some very light contractions
6 am Realized they were time-able so I got up to prepare for our day- (5-10 mins apart, 60 seconds long) The contractions were still light enough that I could ignore them if I was busy.
7 am Had debate with Christopher about whether he should call out or go to work. He had somethings to pick up before he started paternity leave so I told him to go on in for a few hours to work. He was ready to stay home. :)
8 am Sent (Pam) doula a text so she would have a head’s up.
11 am Took shower. Contractions changed to a little stronger (3-7 mins apart, 60 secs long) Talked to doula again and she suggested I eat and take a nap. Christopher almost done at work. Called birth center and spoke to my midwife Betty.
12:30 pm I had ate by this time. Christopher arrived home and took over Andrew’s care.
1:15 pm I took a nap with my ipod
2:36 pm Woke up with very strong contractions. Realized I didn’t want to be lying down when the next one hit.
2:49 pm Pam asked via text if she could come over yet. I think it’s still too early for her to come over but she wants to.
3:00 pm Christopher & Andrew take a nap

4:00 pm Pam arrives and we talk while I’m on the birth ball. Contractions space out to 10-15 mins. I express doubt if labor is going to continue. She assured me if not tonight it would be this weekend. You can’t have false labor through 2 showers, a nap, all while eating and drinking. She said if they did stop just think how fun it would be to dye Easter eggs as a pregnancy/labor project.

4:30 pm Pam goes home but leaves her doula bag at my house.

6:00 pm Contractions start coming strong every 2-3 minutes, lose a lot of mucus plug.

6:11 pm Called Pam to let her know that I needed her to come back sooner rather than later. She asks if I needed her right then. I tell her if she has something she needs to do, go ahead. But she could hear in my voice that I needed her soon! Christopher was in and out finishing some last minute projects like washing the car and installing the car seat. Men!

6:44 pm Christopher got anxious about contacting midwife. Called Pam to see how close she was. Decided to call Betty who told us that she was very sick with a stomach flu. She said that she would come over to bring my chart but that Corina would be my midwife for the birth. I got a little emotional because out of the 5 midwives, Corina was the only one that I had not met with! Anjali (Betty’s regular back up) was already at a birth. And Debbie and Becky who I had met were not on call. Devastated at this point.

7:00 pm I went upstairs to labor. Pam arrived and worked her magic both physically and mentally. She massaged my back while giving me a pep talk. She reminded me who Corina was- the most experienced home birth midwife from the birth center besides my midwife, Betty and the owner Debbie! I knew Corina had apprenticed with midwives from Ina May Gaskin’s “The Farm”, where she was born and raised. Besides that she was a former NICU nurse. Corina had her credentials and then some. Lastly Pam reminded me that she was there for me. She was our doula for Andrew’s birth as well. My husband could be heard on Andrew’s birth video praising me and saying Pam was the one that “saved the day.” Pam fixed me up some aroma therapy to smell while I leaned on the birth ball- lavender for calming, with also clary (spelling?) and sage. It was my happy stuff!

08:00 pm Corina arrived and started taking my vitals. Everything was good to go,just needed to do an internal exam to determine dilation. This would help with the timing of my IV dose of antibiotics for GBS. Corina said since my bag of waters was bulging out she wanted to wait for a contraction to finish her assessment. Her hand was way up there at this point so she asked if I wanted her to leave it there or remove it while we waited. I laughed and told her she was already there, might as well wait. We all laughed some more and made small talk. There’s nothing like waiting for a contraction. The contraction finally began and she told me I was 9 cm dilated already! I would have been thrilled to be a 6-7. Corina said she wouldn’t have guessed I was a 9 by the way I was acting. Nothing like a little praise to give you a boost!
Vanessa, the second midwife, was on her way after picking up my chart and antibiotics from Betty.


9 cm!


8:30 pm I decided to do the Hibiclens wash in case the antibiotics weren’t administered in time.

9:00 pm I started to feel nauseous and hot. I hadn’t been sweating before. Vanessa arrived and the antibiotics were started. Pam fixed me a peppermint aromatherapy. I can’t believe how fast that took away the nausea! The rosewater wash cloth on the back of my neck cooled me down. After the bag dripped in, I took a shower. Pam laughed at me when I asked “permission” first. I began to think I might be feeling pushy but wasn’t sure. Pam said I could practice a push on the toilet but not in the shower! I didn’t want to get out of the shower so I ignored the pushy feeling.

10:00 pm I still wasn’t pushing despite feeling some pushy feelings. Now I was having difficulty relaxing through the contractions and vocalizing a little at the end of the contractions. Hello, Bradley Class 6. Those are typical signs of readiness to push when mom doesn’t have an overwhelming urge. I finally started pushing at the top of the contraction but I still couldn’t decide if it was good or not. Finally Corina asked me if I wanted another vaginal exam so I would feel better about pushing. Yes, please.

I’m not sure what time it was at this point but I was complete with only a very small lip of cervix left anterior. Corina assured me that it would slide away when my water broke and the baby moved down. She told me I if I pushed hard a couple of times that the membranes would release. I decided to use the bed post to squat and push to do that. They put a chux under me, pushed tentatively but harder this time, the sac ruptured with clear fluid. Yay, no mec.

Eventually I decided to get back on the bed. I thought I was going to push in a classic position. But pretty much just as soon as Pam said, “you’re not going to like that” I decided that I didn’t. Thoughts of my own Bradley teacher entered my mind. Sometimes you do things in labor that you pretty much never pictured yourself doing. Soon I was kneeling on the bed, leaned over the birth ball again, pushing. It wasn’t quite hands and knees but pretty close.

Corina said she could see the head. Pam went downstairs to be with Andrew so Christopher could come up. He was my rock while I was pushing. His hands definitely got squeezed on. Soon Corina said that’s his head, slow down, gentle pushes. Vanessa reminded me to listen to Corina’s instructions. Corina told me to stop pushing. So much better with his head out!There was a delay and then she gave me the okay to finish pushing him out. William was born!

I found out later that William’s cord was wrapped around his neck twice. Not unusual, about 20% of babies have 1 or 2 nuchal cord loops. This was a tight wrap though and later Corina said she thought she almost was going to have to clamp and cut right there. But thankfully she was able to slid it around his head. Thank you for attending my birth, Corina!

William was born on 4.22.11 at 11:19 pm weighing 7 lbs 14 oz and 21 inches long. If he had waited another 41 minutes he would have been born on his due date. But I’ll take my Good Friday and Earth Day baby! We’re all healthy and happy and very thankful that everything went smoothly for our home birth. I know home birth isn't for everyone (and it shouldn't be because not everyone has a low risk pregnancy) but it was a great choice for us.

Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers that were sent our way!




Just born

Happy birth-day!

New Bradley® Childbirth Class Series

Beautiful Beginnings Bradley® Natural Childbirth EducationClass

Location:
Sunshine Chiropractic Center

3436 N. Andrews Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
954-699-6503

Class Start Date:
Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 3:30 pm

Classes in the Bradley Method® will educate you to have the healthiest pregnancy and the safest, most beautiful birth experience possible whether you are having a hospital, birth center, or home birth.

The Bradley Method classes teach natural childbirth and view birth as a natural, not medical process. It is our belief that most women with proper education, preparation and the help of a loving and supportive coach can be taught to give birth naturally. Singles moms and same sex couples are welcome. Anyone can be your coach- friends, family, or a professional labor doula.

The Bradley Method® is a system of natural labor techniques in which a woman and her coach play an active part. It is a simple method of increasing self-awareness, teaching a woman how to deal with the stress of labor by tuning in to her own body. The Bradley Method® encourages mothers to trust their bodies using natural abdominal breathing and relaxation. Nutrition, exercise, and education also play key roles in successful labor preparation.

In addition our classes cover labor rehearsals, informed consent, birth plans, variations of labor, and possible interventions to help couples have the birth experience of their choice. We also include post partum care, newborn baby care, breast feeding and an introduction to attachment parenting and baby wearing.
Class tuition which includes a student workbook (over 120 pages) is $200. You will also have access to my lending library of books and videos.

Registration is Required.




Please contact your local Bradley® Childbirth Educator for more information:
Tracy Pericht, AAHCC
Beautiful Beginnings

Call: 954 699 6503

Email tracy@ourbeautifulbirth.com

Andrew

Click here to view this photo book larger

New Bradley® Childbirth Class Series

Class 1: Sunday, September 26, 2010

Time: 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM every Sunday
**Space still available for this series**

Students are welcome to attend a class for free without making a further commitment. Please contact me for details and to RSVP.

You may join this series for a prorated tuition through October 17.

Location: Baby Love's Classroom
6931 Northwest 88th Avenue (Corner of Mc Nab and Pine Island)
Tamarac, FL 33321
954-720-2300



The Bradley Method® is a class series that teaches natural childbirth and views birth as a natural process. It is our belief that most women with proper education, preparation, and the help of a loving and supportive coach can be taught to give birth naturally. Single moms and same sex couples are welcome. Anyone can be your coach- friends, family, or a professional labor doula. Doulas In Training may be available for a reduced client fee.

The Bradley Method® teaches a system of natural labor techniques in which a woman and her coach play an active part. It is a simple method of increasing self-awareness, teaching a woman how to deal with the stress of labor by tuning in to her own body. The Bradley Method® encourages mothers to trust their bodies using natural breathing, relaxation, nutrition, exercise, and education.


Our classes also cover fun labor rehearsals, informed consent, birth plans, variations of labor, and interventions to help couples have the birth experience of their choice. We also include post partum care, newborn baby care, breastfeeding and an introduction to attachment parenting and baby wearing.

These small group classes provide individual attention to our expecting couples. Each class series will include a student workbook, access to my lending library and videos, games and prizes, demonstrations, guest speakers (including other Bradley parents sharing their birth stories) and discussion. Some of the classes include a video.

A snack will be served during the break of Class 1.


Twenty-four hour telephone support is always available to our students for pregnancy, labor, breastfeeding, postpartum, and new parenting issues.


Registration is going on now for early December due dates and beyond.




Make your birth a Beautiful Beginning!



Please contact Tracy for more information.

http://www.ourbeautifulbirth.com/



Find us on Facebook!

FREE Healthy Pregnancy Class

FREE Healthy Pregnancy Class
held at Baby Love in Tamarac!

Where parents learn about Healthy Pregnancies and Happy BIRTH-days!

Date: Saturday, August 21, 2010
Time: 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM

Receive Samples, Coupons, and Handouts.
Enter to win Doorprizes!



Class topics include:
Making the most of your Prenatal Care,
Normal Pregnancy Changes and Being comfortable in pregnancy,
How Exerise and Nutrition play an important role in pregnancy and labor

This is an introduction to The Bradley Method® only, not a complete series.


Please RSVP to reserve your space or for questions:

Email or Call Tracy at 954 699 6503

New Bradley Childbirth Education Series Starting!

Friday, July 9, 2010 Time: 7:30 to 9:30 PM every Friday
**Space still available for this series**

Students are welcome to attend a class for free without making a further commitment. Please contact me for details and to RSVP.

You may join this series for a prorated tuition through July 30.

Location: Sunshine Chiropractic




The Bradley Method® is a series of classes that teach natural childbirth and views birth as a natural process. It is our belief that most women with proper education, preparation, and the help of a loving and supportive coach can be taught to give birth naturally. Single moms and same sex couples are welcome. Anyone can be your coach- friends, family, or a professional labor doula.

The Bradley Method® teaches a system of natural labor techniques in which a woman and her coach play an active part. It is a simple method of increasing self-awareness, teaching a woman how to deal with the stress of labor by tuning in to her own body. The Bradley Method® encourages mothers to trust their bodies using natural breathing, relaxation, nutrition, exercise, and education.


Our classes also cover fun labor rehearsals, informed consent, birth plans, variations of labor, and interventions to help couples have the birth experience of their choice. We also include post partum care, newborn baby care, breastfeeding and an introduction to attachment parenting and baby wearing.
These small group classes provide individual attention to our expecting couples. Each class series will include a student workbook, access to my lending library and videos, games and prizes, demonstrations, guest speakers (including other Bradley parents sharing their birth stories) and discussion. Some of the classes include a video.

For a more complete list of Course Contents, see http://www.bradleybirth.com/CC.aspx




A snack will be served during the break.

Please dress comfortably and bring a pillow and blanket for relaxation exercises.
Twenty-four hour telephone support is always available to our students for pregnancy, labor, breastfeeding, postpartum, and new parenting issues.


Registration is going on now for September due dates and beyond.

FREE Healthy Pregnancy Class at Baby Love

FREE Healthy Pregnancy Class at Baby Love Store!
Learn about Healthy Pregnancies and Happy BIRTH-days!

Date: Saturday, July 17 2010
Time: 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM

Receive Samples, Coupons, and Handouts.
Enter to win one of our door prizes!



Class Topics Include:
Making the most of your Prenatal Care
Normal Pregnancy Changes and Being Comfortable in Pregnancy
How Exerise and Nutrition can benefit your pregnancy, labor, and birth.

This is an introduction to The Bradley Method® only, not a complete series.


Please RSVP to reserve your space:

Email or Call Tracy at 954 699 6503

FREE Healthy Pregnancy Class at Baby Love

FREE Healthy Pregnancy Class at Baby Love Store!
Learn about Healthy Pregnancies and Happy BIRTH-days!

Date: Saturday, June 19 2010
Time: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Receive Samples, Coupons, and Handouts.
Enter to win Doorprizes!



Class topics include:
Making the most of your Prenatal Care,
Normal Pregnancy Changes,
Being comfortable in pregnancy,
Exerise, and Nutrition.

This is an introduction to The Bradley Method® only, not a complete series.


Please RSVP to reserve your space:

Email or Call Tracy at 954 699 6503

Bradley Natural Childbirth Summer Class Schedule

2010 Summer Class Schedule

Series 1: Sunday, June 20, 2010 Time: 4:00 to 6:00 PM every Sunday
No class 4th of July

**Space available for this series**


Location: Baby Love Store





Series 2: Friday, July 9, 2010 Time: 7:30 to 9:30 PM every Friday
**Space available for this series**

Location: Sunshine Chiropractic



The Bradley Method® is a series of classes that teach natural childbirth and views birth as a natural process. It is our belief that most women with proper education, preparation, and the help of a loving and supportive coach can be taught to give birth naturally. Single moms and same sex couples are welcome. Anyone can be your coach- friends, family, or a professional labor doula.

The Bradley Method® teaches a system of natural labor techniques in which a woman and her coach play an active part. It is a simple method of increasing self-awareness, teaching a woman how to deal with the stress of labor by tuning in to her own body. The Bradley Method® encourages mothers to trust their bodies using natural breathing, relaxation, nutrition, exercise, and education.


Our classes also cover fun labor rehearsals, informed consent, birth plans, variations of labor, and interventions to help couples have the birth experience of their choice. We also include post partum care, newborn baby care, breastfeeding and an introduction to attachment parenting and baby wearing.
These small group classes provide individual attention to our expecting couples. Each class series will include a student workbook, access to my lending library and videos, games and prizes, demonstrations, guest speakers (including other Bradley parents sharing their birth stories) and discussion. Some of the classes include a video.

For a more complete list of Course Contents, see http://www.bradleybirth.com/CC.aspx




A snack will be served during the break.

Please dress comfortably and bring a pillow and blanket for relaxation exercises.
Twenty-four hour telephone support is always available to our students for pregnancy, labor, breastfeeding, postpartum, and new parenting issues.


Registration is going on now for August/September due dates and beyond.

Click here for more information about registration

Or Contact Us for further information.

Faith In VBAC

Faith in VBAC

Author unknown (to me at least)

Just think for a minute. If you were in a terrible car accident and had to have a piece of metal removed from your leg, they would have to cut in to get it. Then they stitch you all back up. What do you expect the scar to do? Do you expect it to fall open when you start to walk? No? Well, okay maybe normal walking is okay, but what about running? Maybe running will cause it to fall open. No? Alright maybe not normal running, but I bet a marathon would cause enough pressure to just rip it open, right? Hmm… wait a second, maybe not. Perhaps if they hooked the repaired leg up to a machine that mimicked running, it could cause problems – especially a machine that pulled the muscle further than normal use would, that didn't do it “naturally” (kind of like Pitocin!). But for regular use, we expect ourselves to stay shut. We expect wounds to have healed. We expect normal function to be obtainable for straightforward injuries.

If we get a cut or have stitches anywhere else on our bodies, we expect it to stay shut. If we looked at the doctor and said, “I don't think this is going to stay shut,” they would be highly offended because we doubted their skill as a surgeon and we would be turning our noses up at our body's ability to heal and reams of scientific evidence that shows it does.

But then when we have a c-section, we look at that and think, “Oh no! This thing isn't going to hold!!!” Do you think the surgeon stitched you up? Do you think he/she is a skilled surgeon? If your old surgeon questions the integrity of your healing, then he/she is expressing a complete lack of confidence in his/her work. Point that out. They need to think about this. If your new OB or midwife is questioning the integrity of your womb, then they need to be confronted about doubting the surgical skill of your previous surgeon. If they doubt his/her skill that seriously, perhaps they need to express their concern to the medical board.

Anytime someone is stitched back together the ultimate goal is to prepare the organ or muscle or whatever to perform its normal function. I have had two c-sections. One was with my first and one was with my fifth. The rest have been HBAC’s. All my births up through the second c-section were to fairly tiny babies, weighing between 6.5 and 8 pounds. My sixth, the fresh VBAC who was testing out the surgeon's skill, was 11 pounds 4 ounces. I had some nifty pushing contractions. And I can compliment my surgeon for a job well done because her work held up under normal use. Giving birth is normal use, yes even when giving birth to an 11 pounder. It is exactly what the uterus was created to do. If we expect that a straightforward incision and stitching should restore other muscles to regular use, then why do we doubt the womb?

I will tell you what finally set my own mind to ease this last pregnancy because yes, for the first time ever, I was actually nervous about uterine rupture. My daughter used to play with my lower uterine scar; she would push and stretch and wedge herself in. She would shove her hands right under where my external incision scar was and do boxing drills. Maybe she could feel the ridge of my external incision? I don't know. But what I do know is that I felt very reassured that if she could do all that and it held together, then what was a little labor?

Here I am googling antral follicle count...

and guzzling green tea. LOL

I'M PRETTY DARN HAPPY AFTER OUR RE APPOINTMENT TODAY!

So, Christopher and I went in for the consultation regarding trying to conceive our second child with our reproductive endocrinologist. I actually left feeling pretty positive.

And even more disgusted with our previous RE, famously known as Dr Creepy Skulker.



Let's back track a few days....

I had some Cycle Day 3 blood work and an AMH assay drawn on Wednesday. When I saw that she ordered the AMH, I cringed inwardly. This is the test that Dr Creepy Skulker was so proud of 2.5 years ago. (Let's go back to 2007....) He had been on the news about this cutting edge fertilty testing yada yada. AMH indicates the number of sleeping follicles in the ovary. This is a constant hormone that is released. Low levels indicate low or poor ovarian reserve. Hoever all the labs were quick to add fine print that this was not a diagnostic test. AMH testing was for research only. Well in 2007 my AMH level had come back as .075. That's extremely poor according to his scale. Dr Creepy told us that we would need IVF to conceive based on this AMH level.

Well, back then I wasn't satisfied with this test, especially based on my antral follicle counts and other hormonal bloodwork. So in 2007 we had gotten a second opinion with the good Dr G. She thought IVF was a huge leap considering we had gotten pregnant twice on our own without treatment. She discounted the AMH level as it was too new of a test and not really standardized yet. Also for my age, it wasn't an awful number any way.

Okay, back to today....


The results from Wednesday's draw were back today so Dr W was prepared to go over them.
My AMH level was 1.9. Um, anything over 1.0 is NORMAL!

In fact, that's great for an almost 40 year old! We would have expected it to be a little lower than the previous .75. Dr W was very happy with 1.9. Of course we had some questions about the accuracy of this or the previous test. She was quick to point out the the tests were analyzed at the same lab but that she did not know if the assay had changed in the previous two years. We repeated the AMH test again today just to be sure.

My FSH number was 6.3. This is also better than I had tested back in 2007. With Dr Creepy my FSH was running 7.9 to 8.3. My antral follicle count was 22 plus. (Amd yeah, not too shappy for a soon to be 40 yo.)

So overall the outlook is very positive. We have reason to hope that conceiving our second child could be as "easy" as before. Granted having two back to back miscarriages before Andrew was no picnic. But getting pregnant 3 times in 5 (non consectutive) cycles of actively TTC isn't anything to sneeze at. It was all the emotional turmoil and infertility testing between all those pregnancies (a year total of TTC) that was an ordeal.

The good Dr W wants me to wean Andrew before going on to any fertility drugs.

That's not happening any time soon if it all. My dream would be to get pregnant and Andrew naturally wean himself.

Any whoo, in the mean time we're going to do some "natural" cycles. But her use of natural is a little fast and loose.

We're gong to have timed intercourse with OPK. At the first positive OPK, I will go in for an ultrasound. If I have mature follicles, then I will trigger with Ovidrel. That will help me ovulate in a timely manner. We'll then do a post coital the next day and see what's going on. If we see low or no sperm, then Christopher gets to do a semen analysis later on.

We'll then do a progesterone test at 7 DPO to see how things went. Beta at two weeks.

So we have a plan to move forward and I can still breastfeed while TTC. For now. We'll have to make some decisions regarding that later on. I would much prefer to let him wean naturally with respect to his needs.

But there does need to be some balance. Isn't balance always the tricky part?

Too many c-sections? Giving Birth Safely - ABC News

Giving Birth Safely - ABC News

Bradley® on ABC News Alternative Birthing Methods

Alternative Birthing Methods - ABC News

Here are five popular natural ways to having a baby. You should, of course, ask your doctor if you are considering any of these natural methods.

Why are a growing number of mothers at risk during childbirth?
The Bradley Method
In this technique, women are encouraged to give birth in the presence of their partners, without the use of epidural anesthesia, intravenous drugs, surgery, or tools. The technique is taught in a 12-week class conducted in the last trimester of pregnancy.


HypnoBirth
HypnoBirth trains mothers-to-be to achieve complete relaxation during labor and delivery. The method involves courses with an instructor, along with home self-hypnosis exercises that teach women how to eliminate the pain of labor by staying completely focused and in control of the birthing process.


Lamaze
Lamaze is a birthing technique that emphasizes breathing. Women are generally taught to control their breathing, change positions and walk around at certain points during labor. Partners are also encouraged to participate in the delivery. While Lamaze is generally a natural technique, a woman can have an epidural if she feels she needs it.

Home Birth
As the name suggests, this technique allows you to give birth in the comfort of your own home. According to the American Pregnancy Association, home birth is not for you if:

• You are diabetic.
• You have chronic high blood pressure, or toxemia (also known as preeclampsia).
• You have experienced preterm labor in the past, or may be at risk for preterm labor now.
• Your partner does not fully support your decision to give birth at home.


Water Delivery
Some women may find that giving birth in a warm tub of water will help them relax and the buoyancy may help alleviate discomfort and pressure.

"Water delivery is not recommended for women with high-risk pregnancies and preparation should be made for delivery to occur out of the water if complications arise," according to the American Pregnancy Association.

Source: American Pregnancy Association

A great hospital Bradley birth story

Natural Hospital Childbirth Story

Bradley Class Reunion...and then there were families!

Click here to view these pictures larger

Labor Day Special Drawing for a FREE Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth® Class!

That's a $170 value FREE!

My last Bradley® series I gave one couple a free scholarship to attend classes due to financial trouble. They paid for the cost of the workbook and promised to attend as many of the 12 week classes as possible. They turned out to be one of my best students.

It made my heart feel good to know that I helped someone that otherwise would not have been able to take classes. And as my husband says, "I helped save the babies." ;)

Since I still have an opening in my series starting September 20, I thought we'd offer a scholarship again!



Restrictions:

1. You must have an estimated due date after Dec 13, 2009.

2. You must be willing to attend as many of the 12 week classes as possible. The first class is September 20, 2009. The last class is December 13, 2009. No class will be held over Thanksgiving weekend. Classes are held on Sunday evenings in a chiropractor's office in Ft Lauderdale from 6 pm to 8 pm.

3. You must be willing to pay $30 to cover the student workbook and class materials.

4. Entry must be recieved by 8 am Monday, September 14. The winner will be announced that day.


It's simple to enter:

Tell me why you want to have a natural childbirth or remain low risk to avoid a cesarean section and how this scholarship for a free class will help you.

Please provide your name, contact information, and due date.

Either email me at tracy@ourbeautifulbirth.com or enter through my website's
Contact Us comment section.

Bradley Method ® New Series Update

Announcing a new Bradley Method® series!

The Bradley Method® Classes will begin Sunday, September 20. We meet in the comfortable atmosphere of a doctor's office in Ft Lauderdale, FL. Class run from 6:00-8:00 pm. The classes are the standard 12 week classes consistent with The Bradley Method®'s proven system to get 86% or better unmedicated births.

Bradley® Classes cover:

•benefits of natural childbirth
•nutrition for mom and baby
•prenatal exercises
•how to remain low risk to help avoid a c-section
•prenatal care, testing and options
•hospital procedures and options
•relaxation and comfort techniques
•complications and unexpected outcomes
•breastfeeding
•newborn care and parenting
•positive communication
•consumerism
•cultural influences on birth


For more information about classes contact:

tracy@ourbeautifulbirth.com

Bradley Method® Update

This week is class 7 of 12 in the current Bradly Method® series.

Our main topics will be writing your birth plans and having a fun advanced labor rehearsal with two local doulas.

I have 6 couples in the current series. Two are planning for a home birth and 4 hospital births. The classes are going well and the couples seem very excited to learn all they can before they meet their dear little one!

I'm thrilled to be sharing a small part in their preparation for one of the most joyous events in their lives.

I'm a Bradley Method instructor!

I received my provisional certificate!


After having our own beautiful Bradley birth in November 2008, we were excited to share what we have learned and experienced with others. After extensive study and testing, we are provisionally affiliated with the Bradley Method. Provisionally affiliated means a period of student teaching with close supervision and weekly evaluations. After completing this period of provisional affiliation and taking the final exam, I will be certified with the Bradley Method. The Bradley Method requires on going education and training. We promise to give you the best childbirth education possible.


Here's my official Bradley website

and here's my personal website Beautiful Beginnings