Melissa Evans, AAHCC

Bradley® Classes

What: The Bradley Method® teaches you how to relax and work with your body. Partners are important and will learn how to support you during your labor physically, emotionally, and mentally.

My Bradley® classes cover being comfortable in pregnancy ~ staying low risk so you have more options ~ communication with your birth team ~ labor rehearsals ~ relaxation practices ~ positive positions ~ physical and emotional stages of labor ~ tools for labor and birth ~ avoiding unnecessary discomfort ~ understanding the choices you have ~ variations and complications to normal birth, including cesareans ~ exercise ~ nutrition ~ breastfeeding ~ newborn care ~ parenting ~ and your personal concerns.

Much of this information will be useful in the labor room, nursery, and throughout your life. These comprehensive classes save you the trouble of scheduling pregnancy classes, birth classes, breastfeeding classes, and newborn classes because all of these are included.

I realize that many couples are forgoing hospital childbirth classes because they have heard and learned that those classes aren’t helpful. Often times, hospital birth classes will teach parents what to expect in their building so they can be “prepared.” My classes are different; they offer scientific information so that you can make decisions for your family, not for the hospital staff. It has been my experience and observation that “informed consent” is not always offered; unless you have taken the time and effort to educate yourself, you may not be made aware of risks and alternatives. This is where Bradley® classes shine.

Who: This class is for any mother-to-be and her labor companion(s) interested in a healthy pregnancy and an empowering birth. The stated goal of The Bradley Method® is a natural birth, but these classes are very important for mothers who are already planning on medication. The purpose of Bradley® classes is to give you all of the information so you can make a decision that is right for yourself.  Armed with knowledge of benefits, risks, side effects, alternatives, and research, you will be able to make informed choices during your birth.  You won’t have time during your labor and birth to soak in the amount of knowledge you will gain through my 12 week series. Sometimes it takes time to get the medication; sometimes the medicine doesn't work; and sometimes it never gets “that bad” where a mom feels she needs it. Knowing your alternatives is imperative.

Why: I believe how a baby enters this world will have an impact on the rest of their life. I know how a mother feels about her birth will have lasting effects on her life as well. I want you to understand what's going on - inside your body and outside - and to trust yourself. I want you to know your choices, be empowered, and find the untapped strength that lies within. I want partners to feel comfortable and confident and know how important and needed they are from pre-conception, to labor, into grandparenthood. I want babies to have the gentlest, safest entrances into this world as possible. Our world needs more Bradley^® families!

When and Where: A series is 12 weeks long; each class is about 2 hours. I teach in Aurora; my 2008 series schedule is:

· Thursdays from September 25^th to December 18^th at 7:00pm; we will skip November 27^th for Thanksgiving; late registration will be available until October 16^th

· Saturdays from November 15^th to January 31^st at 9:00am; late registration will be available until December 6^th

Please look at my calendar for more information.

Private classes are available for you if there isn’t enough time for a scheduled series or other needs make it necessary. Please call me and we will work out an individual plan that fits your situation.

How Much: Tuition for a regular series is $350 which covers 12 units of instruction, videos, the workbook, handouts, supplies, and access to my lending library. I also provide unlimited phone and e-mail support, any time, day or night; I am here for you when you need me. There is a $75 non-refundable deposit due 2 weeks before the first class; the remainder is due the first class. Private class tuition is based on time and other factors. You only have one chance to birth your baby—do not let tuition stand in the way of this information that will help! I am happy to barter or work out other arrangements if necessary. We can find a way for you to get what you and your baby need.

How to Register: Class size is limited so you get the attention you deserve. Please reserve your spot early by calling me at 720-207-0358 or emailing me.

Bradley Method® Childbirth Educator

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