How many months did you spend planning every detail of your wedding? How many consumer reports and reviews did you read the last time you made an important purchase? How many hours did you spend studying or completing on the job training to prepare for your career? While the answers may vary, I bet most people do not just wing it when it comes to such major events and choices. You seldom hear that someone just did what so-and-so said to do, and maybe they read a book or figured the less they know the better off they are. Too much information may cause anxiety right? Wrong. I know you've heard it all before. You know, preparation is the key to success. Knowledge is power. If everyone knows these things, and if they are applying them to so many areas in their lives, why is it that you wouldn't also be sure to have the same degree of dedication and preparation for the biggest and most life changing event you will likely experience? It doesn't make sense, right? So how can you become fully prepared for pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and parenthood? Well, I believe that it begins with taking a comprehensive childbirth education class. When I was contemplating motherhood, I began gathering all the experiences I have heard from those around me, and I started to realize which perspectives I most gravitated towards. I found that I enjoyed learning as much as I could about the natural process and the risks and benefits of routine procedures and interventions. My best friend was enrolled in a 12 week series of The Bradley Method® of Natural Childbirth, and each week she would tell me some of what they were learning in class. I was so interested in everything, and all of it just made so much sense! My friend and her husband went on to have an amazing birth experience, and when I became pregnant a few months later, I knew I wanted to sign up for the same class with my husband. Long story short, we loved The Bradley Method® classes so much, that I became a certified instructor! Since then, I have been able to help inform and educate so many wonderful couples who tell me that they didn't know there was so much that they needed to know! They are truly surprised at how little education they receive from their providers at their prenatal appointments. They often don't fully understand a fraction of the many choices, options, and evidence based information available to them until it is presented in our classes. It is a privilege to be able to help prepare and spread awareness and to watch these parents take ownership of their journey into parenthood. I invite you to consider taking a Bradley Method® class as you prepare for your upcoming birth. Whether you are expecting your first child or you are a seasoned parent, this class is for you. The course content and a list of instructors in your area can be found at http://www.bradleybirth.com. For more information or to register for my January - March series in Joliet, IL contact me at marissalukas@gmail.com
