LABOR & DELIVERY PREPARATION

In addition to our doula services  and postpartum support options (see Birth Doula Services or Postpartum Planning tab), we also provide an option for those that may want more comprehensive instruction in safe pushing instruction, as they prepare for delivery. Continue below to find details related to our highly recommended push prep class! 

For those new OR experienced with delivery, we ensure that our clients are prepared, with our Safe Push-Prep class. This 2-3 hour, 1-on-1 comprehensive class assists our clients with learning the ABC's of safe and efficient pushing. Whether planning a medicated or un-medicated birth, birthing individuals greatly benefit from the tools taught in this class for prevention of injuries to the belly, spine, hips, and pelvic areas. We also understand the role that partners play in the labor & delivery journey. If applicable, partners are gladly welcomed to join us in class, to ensure their comfort as well. 

Component of our Safe Push-Prep class include: 

• Pelvic floor anatomy & function education
• Basic labor and delivery education
• Pain science education
• Breathing mechanics training (pushing specific)
• Comfort measures training  (pushing specific)
• Labor position education and training  (pushing specific)
• Joint/muscle mobility and strength building plan
• Perineal massage training
• Safe pushing mechanics and training
• Partner/support person education (if applicable)
• Pelvic floor PT screening*

                         >>If recommended, 10% discount off of a physical therapy evaluation (scheduled within 2 weeks)

In the next section you'll find the booking links and detailed descriptions for the components of this dynamic class. 

Schedule below and/or contact us for additional class and pricing details!

During your safe push prep class you will receive education related to preparing for and the signs of the start of labor. You will also receive subsequent education related to each stage thereafter, as well as, expectations for your labor progression. 

You'll be educated on the basic anatomy and function of the pelvis, pelvic floor, and core muscle complex. Knowledge of these structures, muscle groups and how they work will lay foundation for better understanding of the structures involved in the pushing phase of labor. 

During labor, pain management is really important in helping laborer tolerate the physical demands. We want to equip you with knowledge, techniques, and how-to's that will help you efficiently manage pain experienced during each stage of labor. 

We will instruct you in the various options for efficient breathing during your labor. We will instruct and practice each technique, helping you understand the breaths impact on your abdomen and pelvic floor during pushing. 

We want to ensure that as you navigate your labor and delivery, that you're equipped to manage discomfort. We will provide you with techniques that will help to diminish or distract from the intensity of pain experienced, especially during the pushing phase. 

During your labor and delivery, you have the option of various positions in which you can deliver in safely. We want to teach you positions that best support safe pushing and decrease the likelihood of perineal tears or other abdomen and pelvic floor injuries.

Since you'll be learning a lot about your physical preparation for labor and delivery, we couldn't let you walk away without an individualized joint mobility and muscle building plan to practice throughout the remainder of your pregnancy. These exercises will support you in preparing your body for the rigors of labor and delivery. 

Perineal massage has been shown to be helpful in diminishing tissue injury and/or prevention of tissue injury of the sensitive genitial area. Injuries to this area can lead to long term complications, impacting pelvic floor function. We want to ensure that your able to practice this technique to prepare your perineal (and vulvar/vaginal) tissues for pushing. 

Of course you'll learn the actual push technique (s) involved in your delivery. We will review the role of the core and pelvic floor muscles in supporting uterine contractions, which are providing the force needed for your baby to travel through the birth canal for a safe and effective pushing phase. 

For those with a partner or spouse, we will invite them to participate in the class with you. This will help empower them to best support and coach you during delivery. 

For those that are not currently under the care of our Physical Therapy services, we will provide a pelvic floor PT screening (during your push prep class) to determine if there is any need for PT services, following your participation in the class. For those where PT is recommended, they will be offered a 10% discount off of our regularly priced PT evaluations (if the PT evaluation is scheduled within 2 weeks or less of the date of their class).  

*The PT screening is NOT a PT evaluation. The screening will involve review of areas of focus, utilizing both subjective and objective measures, to decide whether PT services are necessary and/or appropriate. 

Since our birth team have the added benefit of being trained in pelvic floor physical therapy services, you have the unique opportunity to schedule with us for a pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation. This can help you to either get a baseline of your pelvic floor health or to address any concerns you notice impacting the bowel, bladder, or reproduction/sexual health systems. Participating in pelvic floor PT can also be helpful in further preparation for your upcoming labor & delivery.