Outline

A Welcoming Introduction Overview of The Birth Course Introduction to Your Certified Childbirth Educator, Suzanne Core Beliefs Program instructions

Defining & Understanding Physiological Birth History of Birth: how it became medicalized and how this affects the way we approach physiological birth Benefits & Effects of A Physiological Birth

You Were Made for Birth Positive Vocabulary Around Birth Autonomy in Birth: why this is especially important in achieving your desired birth Ways & Resources to Build Your Heart in Believing Journaling Your Dream Birth: your heart’s desires for your birth Pinpointing Your Preferences, Needs & Wants for Birth Praying for & Visualizing Your Birth Communicating & Connecting With Your Husband or Significant Other

Emma’s Birth Story: a narration depicting physiological birth What Physiological Birth Looks Like in Different Birth Settings Physiological Stages of Labor & Hormone Shifts

Choosing Your Birth Setting & Key Things To Know Choosing Your Care Provider & Key Things To Know Building Your Birth Team Wholesome Prenatal Nutrition Prenatal Exercise & Relaxation Tips & Resources: encouraging optimal positioning of baby and aiding pregnancy symptoms Godly Mental & Emotional Stamina

Understanding Choices & Informed Consent Evidence-based Researching & Gathering of Information Pertinent to Your Pregnancy The Informed Decision-Making Process: knowing the risks and benefits Advocacy: HOW to discuss & talk with a care provider about YOUR decisions Saying NO & Having Alternatives

Baby's Gender: gender reveal during pregnancy vs surprise at birth along with fun ideas & examples Building Your Registry: for mom & baby Celebrating Motherhood Home & Family Life Preparation Supplies & Essentials Preparation: for birth, baby & postpartum Birth Space Preparation

Emotional & Hormonal Changes Supporting the Changes Optimal Movements to Open Pelvic Inlet & Engage Baby Nutrition: ways to use nutrition to prime body for labor Mental & Emotional Readiness with Patience Advanced Breathing & Relaxation Techniques: learn why, learn how & view demonstrations Guided Practice Session: repeat as often as needed

The Man's Role From a Biblical View Connection & Bonding Through Birth Help to Naturally Initiate Labor: closeness & intimacy Take Lead: preparation & tasks in early labor Provide Hands-On Comfort Measures in Labor Confidently Communicate to Her Through Labor Guard Her Birth & Her Space: stay alert, informed and aware Advocate When It Matters Most The Powerful Moment of Meeting Your Baby Step Confidently Into Fatherhood Protect & Provide for Her & Baby

How Birth is Physiologically Initiated: hormones & more First Signs of Labor & What To Do Support the Mind & Body in Early Labor Ways to Lean on God With Patience

When To Call/Go-In Supporting Oxytocin: the driving force of labor Comfort Measures & Techniques Movement Through Labor for Pelvic Positioning Allowing Your Body to Process Through Birth Working with Intense Surges The Transition Phase: the peak of labor The Renewed Mind Relating to Birth: a powerful tool for labor Review & Practice of Advanced Breathing & Relaxation Techniques Acknowledging God Through Labor

Fetal Ejection Reflex; allowing your body to push your baby out for you Protecting Your Pelvic Floor: breathing & relaxing specific to the pelvic floor Optimal Pushing Positions Catching & Welcoming Your Baby Immediate Hormonal Shifts for Mom & Baby

Delivering The Placenta Immediate Newborn Care: the important things to know for a natural & gentle transition for baby Immediate Care for Mom: what to expect Skin-to-Skin With Baby The Breast Crawl

The Cascade of Interventions & Avoiding Them INDUCTIONS: what the choices are, reasons for inducing, and how they affect physiological birth Cervical Checks A Review of The Informed Decision-Making Process: knowing the risks and benefits Advocating Your Birth Preferences for Mom & Baby Your Best Advocacy Tools Communication With Your Care Provider & Birth Team Handling Complications & The Mindset Shift Overcoming Complications With God A Transfer to The Hospital: from home or birth center

Rest, Rest, Rest The 5-5-5 Guideline Pelvic Floor Healing & Restoration Wholesome Nutrition & Adequate Hydration Balancing Hormones Postpartum Debriefing Your Birth Story No Matter the Outcome Healing From an Emergent Birth or Birth Disappointment Ways to Honor Your Birth The Negative Postpartum Symptoms: mood disturbances, nutrition depletion, anger/rage

Newborn Procedure Preferences: cord clamping, vitamin K, eye ointment, vernix/microbiome, screening tests, etc. Basic At-Home Newborn Care Making the First Bath Sweet Skin-to-Skin & Contact Naps Babywearing Co-Sleeping/Room-Sharing Essential Tummy Time Vaccinations Circumcision Confidently Mothering & Fathering

Breastfeeding Basics & The Benefits Breastfeeding Positions Achieving a Good Latch Establishing & Handling Milk Supply Feeding Cues Night Nursing When You Need Help or More Support

Hannah's Birth Story: a narration depicting a physiological birth in the water Why Use Water The Benefits of Water Who Can Use The Birthing Tub Essential Waterbirth Supplies for All Birth Settings Birth Tub Set-up: specifically for homebirth The Husband or Significant Other's Role The Physiological Transition of Baby from Womb to Water to Mother's Chest: fully understand the physiological process of baby's first breath Waterbirth Safety A Simple Biblical View of 'Water'

Making Changes When Needed: to your birth preferences, birth setting, care provider, birth team, etc. Continue In Prayer & Preparation for Your Birth Ways to Continue Building Your Heart With Confidence for Birth

Connecting & Bonding With Your Baby Through the First Year Learning Parenthood Alongside Your Growing Baby Making Decisions Together for Your Children The Giving Service of Motherhood Self-Care for Mamas

Recommended Readings & Resources Final Thoughts & Congratulations

Story Collective Resource Handbook Virtual Whole-Mother Doula Support