Disclosure :: I am a writer for New Orleans Mom, but I am also a local business owner passionate about women’s healthcare. With my business partner at Pivotal PT + Wellness, we are excited to announce the launch of a brand new virtual and self-paced childbirth prep course. If you are expectant or hoping to expand your family soon, we believe this is the childbirth resource all New Orleans moms need to know about!
The Childbirth Prep Course That Every Expectant New Orleans Mom Needs
Pregnancy, childbirth and the first few weeks of motherhood; these are arguably the biggest – and most challenging – life changes a woman will ever go through. As such, you’d think that we would have access to never ending amounts of education and preparation materials on these subjects. And while we do have the long standing books like “What To Expect When You’re Expecting,” there are very few resources available that cover EVERYTHING involved with the pregnancy, labor and delivery process as a whole. The OB’s office might casually throw a pamphlet at you, and the well meaning friends at your baby shower are likely to say “ahhhhhh – get excited,” but in my experience there are very few comprehensive, yet approachable, resources on what to actually expect when you are expecting. And then, what to expect physically and emotionally once the baby arrives!
Short of sharing our own personal childbirth stories with one another, and following our physician’s recommendations, there aren’t a lot of resources out there that discuss what to expect during each phase of labor. Outside of clinical textbooks and medical courses, I am not aware of many resources that break labor and delivery down into manageable chunks that focus specifically on mom and, more importantly, the choices she ideally has at each stage. For example, there aren’t many resources that specifically break down each option for delivery (epidural, no epidural, vaginal, cesarean, or VBAC) in a digestible way; so many times women are left without the proper information to make fully informed decisions. We have found this to be especially true in our line of work as Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists.
Why Fully Informed Medical Consent & Decision Making Matter
On the occasion where a woman’s birth experience doesn’t go exactly as planned, a lack of prior education or availability and accessibility of information can often make women feel guilt or shame for how the delivery went. We often hear statements like, “I should have known better,” “I should have advocated more for myself,” or “I was just doing what my doctor told me. I didn’t realize I had other options.” While we are compassionate to the nature of these statements, we also want to help women know that they have nothing to feel guilty for. Rather, we want expectant women in New Orleans, and their partners, to feel empowered about their pregnancy and upcoming childbirth. We want expectant moms to feel confident in their birth plan, and fully informed of all their options. We want women to know the benefits, risks, and considerations for all types of deliveries, interventions, and provide expectant moms with the tools needed to manage potential challenges should they arise.
The Virtual Childbirth Prep Class All Moms Need
So my partner Jenny and I created a Childbirth Prep Master Course. This course is fully virtual, meaning you can take it from the comfort of your home, but it can also be bundled with our in-person childbirth prep packages. Our brand new childbirth prep course is meant to be self-paced, meaning you digest it as you are able, so the information included is beneficial without being totally overwhelming. Quite simply, you consume the info when you are in a mindset and ready to do so. There are video discussions throughout each module, as well as video demos. As moms ourselves, Jenny and I designed this course to flow the same way a pregnancy would. The course begins with an anatomy of pregnancy review and ends with postpartum self-care instructions, while covering everything in between. We have included information on ways to prepare your core and pelvic floor for delivery, what to expect during each phase of labor, labor pain management techniques, how to efficiently push and options for pushing positions, potential medical interventions that may be needed, what to expect if you have a cesarean delivery, ways your partner can physically support you during labor and delivery, and so much more!
The best part about the course is that it does not require you to leave the house OR commit to anything in person on a routine schedule. Life gets hectic and we understand that, so this course allows you to digest the information as you are able and ready.
Your One Stop Shop For All Things Pelvic Health
This master course really is a one stop shop for pregnancy, delivery and postpartum education. So if you are expecting (even if it is not your first pregnancy), this is the course for you! This course is also appropriate for women actively trying to get pregnant. While we do not provide fertility information, we feel it is never too early to start learning about these topics!
Childbirth Prep Course for New Orleans Moms
- 100% virtual, if desired
- Go at your own pace
- Learn from the comfort of your home
- Covers every aspect of pregnancy, labor, delivery options and more
- One time payment of $195, available online here
- Lifetime access to the course once purchased
- If desired, bundle the online course WITH 5 in person, face-to-face childbirth prep sessions
And if you’re reading this thinking, “well I am past the childbearing stage of life,” don’t worry, we can help you, too! You can check out why we think Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is a worthy investment for every woman here. And for those of you in the trenches of motherhood, we even offer pediatric pelvic PT. Yes, sometimes kids need and can benefit from pelvic PT. Additionally, we are in the process of creating mini modules for constipation, urinary leakage, breastfeeding, pain with sex, pregnancy and postpartum exercise guidance, and more. So even if you aren’t in the market for childbirth preparation, we’ve likely got something in the works for you too!
If you have personalized questions, or are interested in information on our Childbirth Prep Course, please give us a call. Additionally, if you would like to schedule an in-person or virtual consultation, please call our clinic ((504) 358-0560) or visit our website! Pivotal PT + Wellness would be honored to be part of your healthcare journey!
Looking to learn more about Pivotal PT + Wellness? Check out these posts ::
- Why Investing In Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Is A Must For Every Woman
-
Speculums, Stirrups, and Sex – Oh My! :: Why Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Doesn’t Have To Be Scary
-
Pediatric Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy :: Yes, Pelvic PT Is For Kiddos Too!
About The Author
Emily is a native of New Orleans and received her undergraduate Bachelor’s degree in 
Athletic Training at the University of Southern Mississippi. She then went on to attain her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of St. Augustine in St. Augustine, FL. Emily is a former collegiate runner, turned Crossfitter who has a passion for helping people optimize performance. She is highly trained in Sports/Orthopedics and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, and has first hand experience modifying HIIT exercises for the pregnant and postpartum athlete to ensure they are able to continue their desired activity injury free. Emily is certified in manual therapy and dry needling, which allows her to provide a wide range of treatment skills including joint and soft tissue mobilization. Emily is also an instructor for Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehab, and enjoys teaching fellow PTs about pelvic floor physical therapy. While not working, Emily enjoys time with her husband and two kids,
