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Vanessa Hunt-Jansen, TM/BCCE

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Minnesota Birth Network.com

MinnesotaBirthNetwork.com

Certified Childbirth Educator

Traditional Midwife
                   

Affiliated Bradley ® Instructor

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We will be teaching a new Series September 8th 2008, Mondays  We are not full yet.  hope you can join us!  We teach 11 classes in a series.  6:30-9pm.  

 Please respond or give me a call and I will EMAIL out a packet. 

Chris and I teach in Chanhassen, near Hwy 5 (2 miles South of Hwy7 and Excelsior, MN )
 I will send directions with packet. 
We have intimate classes and take around 7 couples and we teach in our home at this time.
    We teach everything from relaxation to birth plans.  Including a candle-light dinner, couple communication, fear of birth, nutrition, comfort measures, helping baby find optimal position, rhythm of labor, interventions and medications, second stage and pushing positions, birth plans, complications, birth art, infant prep.
    The fee is 380.00 and includes a workbook.  a 50.00 depo is required to save a place in class and is not refundable.
Please send your due date and  address and phone number if you would like a reg. packet sent to you and send back the confirmation deposit and you'll be set.

Peace, Vanessa Hunt-Jansen  BA  952-937-6196   or  612-998-7714
Vanessa Hunt-Jansen BA/TM/CCE/LA
Traditional Midwife
Anthropologist
Natural Childbirth Instructor
Labor Assistant
Founder of Minnesota Birth Network.com


Course Contents (some content may change order without notice)
    Though every class has a specific topic that is covered in detail, each class will also cover nutrition, exercise, positive communications, and coaching.  A different relaxation technique will be assigned for practice each week.  Classes also feature a video presentations. 
Class 1
Introduction to the Bradley Method®
This class deals briefly with the history of the Bradley Method®, its philosophy and goals.  Time to get to know your instructor and the other students.  We will begin to study the ways you can keep yourself healthy and low risk during pregnancy by incorporating a low stress atmosphere and chosing the right care providers. Important pregnancy exercises and relaxation techniques will be introduced and how to avoid unnecessary pain during labor.
Class 2
Nutrition/ Avoidance/Breathing
This class focuses on good nutrition for you and your baby during pregnancy.  We help you to evaluate your diet and suggest ways to improve it if necessary.  We will discuss what to avoid food and tests. We will discuss the importance of deep abdominal breathing (Bradley® does not have a breathing “technique”) We also serve dinner.

Class 3
Pregnancy/Positive Communications/ The Coach’s Role and Labor Support
During this class, we discuss anatomy and physiology as well as common pregnancy discomforts and how to handle them naturally.  We go over some common procedures done during pregnancy and how to communicate your desires to your birth team.  We discuss the father’s role during pregnancy, birth, bonding & breastfeeding. We will play the Newly Wed game.

Class 4
 The Natural Rythm of Labor & Comfort Measures for Labor Support   
This class focuses on how your body works in first stage labor.  We cover anatomy and physiology, stressing our respect for the natural process and examining the built-in safeguards for you and your baby.
  We will teach basic coaching techniques and practice first  stage labor positions. This class focuses on evaluating the progress  of labor.  You will learn about the Natural Alignment Plateau and the importance of having time to labor.    We will try different comfort measures and support for labor and positions for first, second, and third stage and use of the Robozo, the Mexican traditional technique.

Class 5
Intro to Medications and Interventions & First Stage - Induction/Augmentation
We discuss types of medication commonly offered and their inherent risks.
We discuss Various medical and natural methods of inducing and augmenting (speeding up) labor. We will watch a documentary about birth interventions in USA

Class 6
Second Stage Labor
This class focuses on how your body works during second stage labor.  We cover anatomy and physiology, stressing our respect for the natural process.  We will discuss the Fetal Heimlich Maneuver.  Basic       pushing techniques and positions. You will also learn about the myths behind doing an episiotomy, its inherent risks and what you can do to avoid one, ahead of time. We will have a coaching competition while practicing first stage labor.

Class 7
Planning Your Birth/Emergency Birth
This class covers consumer information and how to make a birth plan.  We discuss: procedures done to you and your baby, what your choices are, the importance of evaluating your feelings and listing your priorities, and discussing your choices with your birth team

Class 8
Complications/Cesarean Sections/
Circumcision/Birth Art
This class goes over possible deviations from your birth plan and various complications.  We learn how to avoid these problems if possible, how to evaluate when it is necessary to intervene, and how to handle interventions that become necessary.  We discuss the two most common surgeries performed in the U.S.:  Cesarean Section and Circumcision. We will express ourselves and our idea of birth without language.

Class 9
Breastfeeding and Energy saving techniques in Labor
 You will learn the B.E.S.T techniques for labor and birth you will use while in labor.  We will discuss the benefits of breastfeeding for mom, baby, and the whole family.

Class 10
Advanced First and Second Stage Tech.
Advanced Relaxation techniques
In the last class, we review labor and coaching techniques. 
This class is filled with advanced coaching  techniques dealing directly with the challenge of handling first and second stage labor.  It helps to pull together all of the information you have learned so far.  This class also covers information for coaches on how to handle the challenges they will face in labor.We will do labor practice and review and introduce more relaxation tech.

Class 11
Postpartum Preparation
Information is given on how to take care of yourself after your baby is born, as well as newborn care, breastfeeding, Nutrition, and parenting styles.



If you would like information about the Bradley Method ® and the classes we teach, please call or email.  We will be happy to send you a free information packet.     952-937-6196

Let us help you experience birth as satisfying, natural, thrilling, and empowering!

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bradley Method®?
The Bradley Method® teaches natural childbirth and views birth as a natural process. It is our belief that most women with proper education, preparation, and the help of a loving and supportive coach can be taught to give birth naturally. The Bradley Method® is a system of natural labor techniques in which a woman and her coach play an active part. It is a simple method of increasing self-awareness, teaching a woman how to deal with the stress of labor by tuning in to her own body. The Bradley Method® encourages Mothers to trust their own bodies using natural breathing, relaxation, nutrition, exercise, and education.
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How is the Bradley Method® unique?
  1. The Bradley Method® teaches couples way to stay low risk. While occassionally there are risk factors out of your control, staying healthy and low risk can help to avoid complications. Low risk mothers have more choices.
  2. Relaxation is the Key to the Bradley method® during labor. It is the safest and most effective way to reduce unecessary pain and to handle any pain that you do experience. While other methods seek to control the sensations of laobr (emphasizing distraction as their primary labor control technique), the Bradley Method® encourages mothers to trust their bodies (emphasizing relaxed abdominal breathing and relaxation throughout labor). The term Bradley Method® is a registered trademark to ensure you are getting quality childbirth education. All Bradley® instructors are highly trained to help you learn how to give birth.
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Why should I choose a Bradley® instructor?
Your local Bradley® instructor is a professional trained to help pregnant couples obtain the birth experience they desire. Bradley® instructors are experts in the field of natural childbirth. All Bradley® instructors have gone through intensive training with the Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth® and are required to reaffiliate each year to continue teaching the Bradley Method®. The American Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth® is proud of its affiliated teachers for their personal attention and outstanding success in training natural childbirth students.
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How much do classes cost?
The cost of Bradley® classes varies depending on individual teachers and the area in which classes are offered.
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Why natural childbirth?
The kind of pregnancy, labor, and birth our children experience has a profound and lifelong effect on their health, including their mental, emotional, and physical health. The Bradley Method® attempts to give babies the best possible start in life by teaching how to have a natural pregnancy and a natural childbirth.
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When should I start?
Healthy nutrition, appropriate exercise, and pregnancy information can be of benefit thoughout the entire pregnancy. For most couples, the fifth month is the suggested time to begin a Bradley®class series as they seriously start training for labor and for their up coming role as parents. The earlier you start,the better prepared you'll be physically, emotionally, and mentally. In many areas, early pregnancy classes are also offered.
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How long are classes?
Check with your area teachers. A Bradley® class series is designed to give both the mother and coach adequate prepartion time for the birth of their child. Labor can be a strenuous physical activity, but mothers and coaches can prepare physically and mentally and with the help of their Bradley® instructor to make their birth exoerience an even more beautiful and joyous event.
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What does the Bradley Method® teach?
  1. Natural childbirth - nearly 90% of Bradley® moms having vaginal births do so without pain medication.
  2. Active participation by the husband as coach.
  3. Excellent nutrition (the foundation of a healthy pregnancy and baby).
  4. Avoidance of drugs during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding, unless absolutley necessary.
    No drug has been proven safe for the unborn baby.
  5. Training: "early-bird" classes followed by weekly classes starting in the 5th month and continuing until birth.
  6. Relaxation and natural breathing - can be effective pain management techniques with training according to the National Institutes of Health
  7. "Tuning in" to your own body and trusting the natural process.
  8. Immediate and continuous contact with your new baby.
  9. Breastfeeding, beginning at birth provides immunities and nutrition.
  10. Consumerism and positive communications.
  11. Parents taking responsibility for the safety of the birth place, procedures, attendants, and emergency back-up.
  12. Parents being prepared for unexpected situations such as emergency childbirth and cesarean section.

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Are there any books I should read first?
There are numerous good books on childbirth and pregnancy at your local bookstore, library, or even online. Books that we have found helpful and recommend, include:

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Are there any Bradley® instructors in my area? 
To see a complete listing of Bradley® instructors in Minnesota click here

To see a complete listing in the USA click here .
or
Contact the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®:
The Bradley Method®
Box 5224
Sherman Oaks, CA 91413-5224

(800) 4-A-BIRTH or (818) 788-6662 www.bradleybirth.com
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Disclaimer
This website contains information about our classes available in Minneapolis/St. Paul and is not the official website of the Bradley Method® .  The views contained on this website do not necessarily reflect those of the Bradley Method ® or the American Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth ©.

For more information on the the Bradley Method ®, or for an international listing of instructors or to contact the American Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth © directly, please contact:

The Bradley Method ®
Box 5224
Sherman Oaks, CA 91413-5224
(800) 4-A-BIRTH or (818) 788-6662
www.bradleybirth.com

This site and all information, © AAHCC & Vanessa Hunt-Jansen, CCE, 2003
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