An Alternative Class Outline for ALACE Childbirth Educators.

Do you feel that Modules 2 and 3 contain too much information for one class each? Would you prefer to sprinkle tidbits from Module 1 throughout your class series, rather than presenting Module 1 as your first class?

One of the things I like best about the ALACE program is its flexibility. You can customize it to fit your teaching style and the population you teach.

Here is a sample alternative outline that you might prefer to the outline in the manual. In my experience, each class takes about two hours, including a ten minute break.

Introductory Class: Welcoming Celebration (this class may be offered for free)

   Instructor's welcome, self-introduction, overview of philosophy and class
   themes

   Class members' self-introductions (take plenty of time)

   Local birthing options and services, upcoming events

   Choices in childbirth

   Inspiring audiovisuals (discuss whatever comes up)

Class 1: Attunement with Pregnancy 

   Fetal development

   Nutrition

   Exercise

   Nurturing yourself and your developing baby

   Communication and psychological aspects of pregnancy

   Easing physical discomforts

   Short relaxation exercise

Class 2: Understanding Giving Birth

   Physical, emotional, sexual changes of pregnancy

   Physiology of labor and birth

   Birth audiovisuals

   Short relaxation exercise

Class 3: Labor and Birth Visualization 

   Discussion of pain; mothers' and partners' concerns about labor

   History of coping methods

   (After an early break, I include all of the following in a 1+ hour)

   Experiential journey through pretend labor, birth, and early postpartum

   Deep relaxation, low breathing

   Labor support, comfort measures, partner exercises

   Vocalization, positions, affirmations, heat/cold, rhythm, sound, etc.

   Combining useful labor "tools" with spontaneous inventions

Class 4: When Giving Birth is Difficult

   Understanding complications and interventions (use concise 1-hour outline,
   slides)

   Grieving, healing, and compassion

   Identifying, learning from, and easing normal fears

   Writing and using a Birth Plan

   Audiovisuals of nice normal births

   Short relaxation exercise, if there's time

Class 5: Focusing on the Baby

   Continued discussion of Birth Plans

   Bonding, welcoming the newborn

   Breastfeeding

   Newborn care (diapers, bathing, jaundice, cuddling, etc.)

   Postpartum care of the new mother

Class 6: Becoming Parents

   Nurturing your child, your family, and yourselves

   Partnership in parenting, sharing responsibilities, sexuality

   Juggling career and family

   Pediatric care, baby-proofing, "sleeping" arrangements (or lack thereof)

   Special surprise guests (new parents with babies make the best teachers!)

Class Reunion and Potluck

   Discuss birth experiences, parenting, "sleeping," local parenting resources

   Photograph babies all lined up together

   Consider creating parenting co-ops, mothers' groups, etc.

Optional Ideas for Additional Classes

   Early Pregnancy

   Nutrition, coping with morning sickness, choosing a care provider, etc.

   Nutritional strategies

   Cooking demonstration, shopping lists, recipes, budgeting, etc.

   Crosscultural perspectives on birth and parenting (Show slides or films,
   use local people for panel discussion)

   Video Night (may take place at someone's home, with or without instructor
   present)

Vicki Elson, CCE, Outgoing Director of Teacher Training3