What’s Inside My Essential Birth {Postpartum}

Class 1

Mom Postpartum

This is everything you need to know about YOU postpartum. It's so easy for moms to immediately focus on the new sweet baby, and YES, your baby is so exciting, but if you have a plan in place for what you desire postpartum, then you'll have that time to focus on baby while also getting what you need. 

Class Highlights:

• Get clarity on the immediate postpartum including decisions you make, sensations you feel, and even movement within your birth place and how to transition home.
• Dive into the postpartum recovery and healing process and learn about timelines for recovery, what to pay attention to, and how to recover before your 6 week checkup, and learn how your partner can support you in the recovery process.
• Understand the signs of Postpartum Depression and other mood disorders, and understand how they affect daily life, sleep habits, and your relationship with your partner, so you can catch it quick and get help from the right sources!

Class 2

Baby Postpartum

Now that we've taken care of mom, we can breakdown everything you need to know about your new little one from the time they're born, including taking the fear out of those scary first decisions every mother makes postpartum (cord-clamping, skin-to-skin, bathing, vaccines, and much more) and all the way through key guidelines and what's normal for the first 12 months of life. 

Class Highlights:

• Know exactly what to expect in the immediate postpartum for baby; tests, procedures, what you can say "no" to (hint: it's pretty much everything cuz you're in charge - but we'll give you ALL your options), how to head home faster, and what happens at your birth place before you leave.
• How to make once you're home a breeze with all of the best tips and tricks for getting baby set up for sleep, feeding, diapers, and even what you need and don't need when it comes to clothing and accessories.
• If you're concerned about weight gain and milestones, we've got you covered. No more having to wait until the next pediatrician visit to put your mind at ease. 
• We asked moms just like you what their most common complaints or concerns were for their babies while we were creating this course, and then we answered all of them in this class! Chances are, if you have a question about your newborn, it's here!

Class 3

Your Postpartum Support Team

Postpartum is NOT something you need to or should do alone. Whether you have an excellent support system of family & friends, or you're looking to bring in some hired assistance, I'll walk you through step-by-step who can be a part of your team and how each one can support you in their individual roles. This doesn't only include help at home either. Pediatricians, counselors, and more all make the list.

Class Highlights:

• Your support should start with your birth partner since they will be there from the start, they know you the best, and they can catch more serious complications or concerns early. Don't worry! We're going to teach them exactly how to support you best.
• Friends, family, and other visitors may be a great source of help or they can be a source of stress. If you're unsure who should be in your postpartum space, we'll help break it down for you so you can feel confident in saying, "YES please!" or "No thanks!" 
• When you're needing more support either in or outside of the home, postpartum doulas & other professionals can be a great source of relief when you know how to use them.
• Something we've learned over recent years is that community support is huge for new mothers. This is can come in the way of local groups, online groups, mom meetups, and learning to "find your tribe" will have you feeling supported quickly.

Class 4

Breastfeeding

Easily one of the top subjects that moms have the most questions about after birth. Bring it on! The class will get you off to great start and make sure you're confident in your breastfeeding or that you'll know when and where to get support.

Class Highlights:

• Understand the benefits of breastfeeding including the safe release of the placenta and bonding for mom & baby.
• Learn about the importance of nutrition AFTER your baby is born in regards to your breastmilk, when your milk comes in, and how to know your baby is hitting those breastfeeding milestones.
• Feel confident about your milk production regardless of your nipple appearance or size of breasts and learn how to increase/decrease milk supply. We'll also cover pumping - when, how, nipple flange sizes, comfort, and when it's necessary or not.
• Latching and positioning your baby correctly will bring easier, more comfortable nursing sessions and help you enjoy that bonding time with baby.
• Lastly, there's an entire section that answers YOUR questions regarding the most common complaints and concerns from breastfeeding moms.

Class 5

Formula Feeding

Breastfeeding may not be possible for every mom for one reason or another, and if formula feeding is how you plan to feed your baby, this class is just for you! We'll get you off to a great start with all the supplies you'll need to be successful and finish up with some troubleshooting for fussy babies.

Class Highlights:

• There are several different types of formulas with different bases such as cow's milk, soy, and organic. Knowing the different brands, how they are prepared, and ingredients involved will help you make a great decision for your baby.
• Did you know there are different types of bottles & nipples that are individual in shape, size, and flow? Because I didn't! We'll cover all of that here.
• Know how much and how often to feed your baby, as well as how to feed your baby, because YES there is a method to the madness to keep your baby from sucking in too much air!
• If you're curious how to heat up formula, how long formula can be left out, and how to save it so you waste as little as possible, we'll cover all the ins and outs of bottle safety in this class.
• We'll also cover all the ways your partner can help!

Class 6

Nutrition, Exercise, & Meal Planning

Postpartum is hard enough without having to worry about what you should be eating, where to find good, wholesome recipes, and when you can get back into exercise & how. This class is all about making eating and moving your body after birth enjoyable. 

Class Highlights:

• No matter if you like to cook everything from scratch for each meal or plan your meals and snacks for the week, we'll talk postpartum nutrition & meal how-to.
• Dieting & weight loss looks a little bit different postpartum. Moving your body, eating mindfully, making sure you're adjusting calories and nutrition for breastfeeding, and giving yourself grace as your body slowly starts to feel like your own again will help with how you feel about yourself and your body.
• Learn about how to get back into exercise safely, how to test for and recover from diastasis-recti, basic exercises for pelvic floor recovery, and gentle breathing and movements that will have you physically recovering with ease.

Class 7

Baby Sleep

Many newborns sleep so well after birth! I mean, they just went through a pretty hard, strenuous activity, and they're recovering from birth too. However, most moms will inevitably run into some challenges when it comes to sleep and that's where the class comes in.

Class Highlights:

• Study about the different ages and stages when it comes to how much your baby should sleep and how it looks different as they hit milestones and growth spurts.
• Prepare for practicing safe sleep whether you're co-sleeping or bed-sharing with your baby postpartum. Learn what the evidence says, what different recognized organizations say about safe sleep practices, how/where your baby sleeps may affect your sleep and breastmilk supply, and then make a decision that's right for YOU! 
• Discover the differences between baby-led sleep and sleep schedules for baby, including different schools of thought on the subject and some basic tips for successful sleep for both mom and baby.

Class 8

Babywearing

Baby snuggles are the absolute best, but sometimes you really need to get some things done and your baby doesn't want to be put down (or maybe you just don't want to put them down! #gulity) Babywearing to the rescue!  This class is all about how-to, safety and the carrier options available.

Class Highlights:

• Learn the benefits of babywearing, exactly how to nurse in a carrier, and how to do so safely!
• Did you know there are different types of carriers and ways to use them? There are so many options available to you, and we are going to cover them all here. 
• Step-by-step directions for different carrier types and how to get your baby into your carrier or wrap, so you can be hands free for all of those precious baby snuggles.