Giving birth the natural way

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By DENNIS HINES WATERMAN – A Waterman resident wants to help area women have a natural, healthy pregnancy. Susan Booker is offering "Birthing Naturally" courses out of her home in Waterman. Classes are set to begin Friday, Jan. 9. The 12-week course teaches women how to deliver a healthy baby by using the Bradley Method. The Bradley Method teaches women how to give birth to their baby without using any type of drugs during their pregnancy and while going through labor. "Even the American Academy of Pediatricians has said there is no drug, prescription or non-prescription, that is safe for an unborn child, even caffeine," Booker said. "There's tons and tons of natural remedies for colds and the flu and different illnesses that you can try first before using a prescription or nonprescription drug." Booker said the course also teaches women proper breathing techniques while experiencing a contraction. "When you have a contraction, your uterus is contracting, and it hurts. It hurts a lot sometimes," Booker said. "We teach the moms to breathe abdominally rather than through the chest, which is what the other methods teach you, which can actually cause hyperventilation. It uses more energy. It uses more muscles, and it can cause distress to the baby when you do chest breathing." As part of the program, Booker said participants will learn about proper nutrition and appropriate exercise techniques during pregnancy. "There are some very simple, basic exercises that we go over, from just sitting to doing squats to pelvic rocks, just simple exercises to keep your body in condition and ready for birth," Booker said. "During your pregnancy, you kind of get uncomfortable towards the end, and there's a lot of things you can do to alleviate a lot of the discomfort." As part of the course, students will receive a workbook and informational materials about what happens to a woman's body during pregnancy. Booker said they also will discuss issues such as breast feeding, pre-birth bonding and postpartum depression. "By the end of the 12 weeks, you really, really have an understanding of what's happening to your body, so when you get certain pains and certain things are happening, you understand it," Booker said. "And the more you understand, the less afraid you are." Booker encourages students to attend the program with a partner, such as a spouse, sibling, parent or friend. She said students should have the partner with them when they are going through labor. "It's the period of labor where you're transitioning from first stage, second stage and third stage to delivery, and it's a difficult time for most moms," Booker said. "You just want to quit. A lot of moms will ask for drugs at that point. The contractions are so intense that you don't want to do it. Having a support person at that time is so important, because they are reminding you that you are in transition, and that it's almost over." Booker encourages women to attend the program if they are at least five months pregnant. She said women may join the group up until the fourth week of the course. Booker also offers private sessions for women who do not want to attend the program. "It's really never too late. If someone is 30 weeks and they discover the Bradley Method they can't say, 'I can't do it. It's too late,' because I would be more than happy to do a crash course," Booker said. "We would have to work that out, but I'm more than happy to give someone information to help them, because it's really never too late.

More information • Contact Susan Booker at 815-264-3552 or susanbooker716@yahoo.com • Courses will be held for 12 weeks starting on Jan. 9 • Classes will be held 6 p.m., each Friday at 405 N. Elm St. in Waterman