Motherhood Your Way: Childbirth & Breastfeeding Course

Meet Ashley, get acquainted with the goals of this course, and see a quick run-through of the whole table of contents!

My organs go WHERE?!? See how everything shifts, and what might be responsible for common third trimester discomforts!

Explore optimal nourishment based on whole nutrient-dense foods. Understand sources of macronutrient categories and how to combine them for balance! Get snack ideas with the Ultimate Snack List.

Learn what self-care activities are great for third trimester as you gear up for an empowered birth!

What is undisturbed birth, and why should we support it if possible?

What should you be looking for at the beginning of labor? What things indicate the time is approaching, and what are the sure-fire signs that labor is beginning?

We have more influence over certain aspects of labor and birth than others. This lesson empowers you with things you can do to support normal physiologic labor!

What is a doula? What do they provide? How do they help to achieve an empowered labor and delivery?

Explore birth paradigm shifts and how changing how you view birth can reduce sensations of pain. Learn about hydrotherapy, breathing techniques, birth affirmations, massage & counterpressure.

Let’s chat about movement as a means to reduce pain and discomfort in labor!

How can you make a truly informed decision? Use your B.R.A.I.N!

One intervention can quickly lead to many more! Learn how the cascade of interventions often goes.

What is the difference between ultrasound, handheld doppler, and 4D images?

Learn the mechanics, risks, benefits, and alternatives of amniotomy.

Learn the risks, benefits, and alternatives of cervical checks.

Learn the risks, benefits, and alternatives of non-Pitocin induction methods and when each can be used.

Learn the risks, benefits, and alternatives of Pitocin inductions.

Learn the risks, benefits, and alternatives of 3 types of fetal monitoring.

Learn the risks, benefits, and alternatives of going to the hospital too early. You’ll be surprised!

Learn the risks, benefits, and alternatives of nitrous oxide for pain relief duing labor and delivery.

Learn the risks, benefits, and alternatives of opioid pain medication and epidurals.

Learn the risks, benefits, and alternatives of coached/directed pushing.

Learn the risks, benefits, and alternatives of two extraction methods and active management of the third stage.

Learn the risks, benefits, and alternatives of c-section births, and when they may be necessary. Get additional resources for VBAC births.

What is the 4th stage of labor, and what can we expect for mom and baby?

Learn more about common procedures and interventions for baby after birth.

Babies are cute, but they are sometimes weird looking! Learn normal variations in baby’s appearance.

Eating, sleeping, pooping…OH MY! Learn what’s normal and strategies to thrive.

Infant sleep can be confusing and controversial. In this lesson we explore evidence-based safe sleep recommendations to fit every family.

Mothers and fathers are both susceptible to mental health challenges in the childbearing year. Learn some coping skills, and when to seek additional support.

Learn some helpful strategies for parenting in the first year that honors your child’s feelings and personality while setting firm and respectful boundaries!

How do you choose the perfect carrier for your family and lifestyle? What are the benefits of babywearing? We will demonstrate how to use soft structured carriers, ring slings, and woven wraps with newborns and older babies!

Understanding what can make breastfeeding difficult can help to address and plan for challenges ahead of time!

Understanding what can make breastfeeding difficult can help to address and plan for challenges ahead of time!

What makes breastmilk so special? Let’s learn the benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby!

It’s super important to meet with a lactation consultant prenatally if you have a health history or anatomy concern that may affect breastfeeding.

Learn all the benefits of skin-to-skin with mom, partner, or other close caregivers, and how it sets the breastfeeding relationship up for success!

Your breastfeeding journey will most likely look different from another family…and that’s okay! Learn about all the ways this journey can take you.

Baby led feeding means to feed your baby on demand, whenever they need it. Learn strategies to navigate feeding on demand.

Explore steps to a great latch, and lots of positioning options to try!

Understand hand expression and paced bottle feeding.

You guessed it…we are talking about poop! Learn how to tell that baby is getting enough.

From bottles and pumps, to carriers and lactation apparel, learn about tried and true helpful items for your breastfeeding journey!

Get empowered on how to navigate common bumps in your breastfeeding journey, and when to seek professional help!

Self-care and appropriate support are VITAL to reaching your goals, whatever success looks like to you!

Follow this Canva link, make a copy (so you are not editing the master!), and then get to work on your empowered birth preferences!