Preparing for Your Childbirth Class- 1

I am going to do a series of blogs on preparing for my childbirth education classes.  These are in no way meant to replace (and will not) replace in- class instruction time.  There are some very valuable things about a live class, namely:
-You get to meet with other like minded people
-You get to be in an environment supportive of birth, choices, and the joy of this time of your life
-Live instruction on your exercises and relaxation practice
-Live labor rehearsals
-Discussion with your teacher and other students
(If you can't take an in-person birth class, consider an online natural birth class.)
I do find however that the students who do the best are those that do research and reading outside of class.  With that in mind, here are some extra resources to supplement and prepare you for each class.

Exercise!

Here is a website with some exercises to get you started.

We will do a few more in class and we will work on proper form, working together, and why they will specifically help.

Here are some good tips on exercising safely.

Proper pregnancy exercise is one of the foundations you need to be low risk, and staying low risk is imperative in having a natural pregnancy and birth.

You should start your extra reading now also.  Namely:

The Birth Book by Dr Sears
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and  
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by LLLI or  
The Breastfeeding Book by Dr Sears.