Pregnancy Syllabus

Welcome to Being Pregnant 101

This is a self directed 9ish month course.

Text books and Resources:

• What to Expect When Your Expecting by Heidi Murkoff (Medical Birth Book) This is a somewhat depressing book about how mother and baby develop, and all the medical things that can go wrong.
• Ina May's Guide of Childbirth by Ina May (Natural Birth Book) This is a book about natural childbirth that probably is the reason why natural childbirth is seen as hokey and anti-science, but it has a variety of stories, not all of which are weird.
• The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wiessinger (Nursing Book) This book is an unsubtle advertisement for La Leche League and is so pro nursing that it disparages any other life choices, but it also has a ton of good advice and how-to information.
• The Calm Birth School by Liz Stanford (Online Hypnobirthing Class) A series of positive, down-to-earth, convenient 15-20 minute videos that cover preparing for labor, breathing techniques, and how father can help out, but a little basic.
• The Pregnancy Podcast by Vanessa Merten (Podcast) A series of ongoing episodes that cover topics from detailing the steps of a c-section, to sleeping suggestions with an emphasis on informed consent and a healthy focus on peer-reviewed articles and real scientific studies.

First Trimester Learning Objectives:

• Learn about how pregnancy progresses and the changes in your body.
• Learn about labor and different methods of labor.
• Learn about medical interventions.
• Choose which interventions you want and why.

First Trimester Assignments:

• Know how to keep a secret.
• Choose a medical care provider.
• Be very very tired.

Second Trimester Learning Objectives:

• Choose a laboring method.
• Practice calming techniques.
• Learn to feel baby move.
• Learn about baby products.

Second Trimester Assignments:

• Start to see belly grow.
• Change medical care provider.

Third Trimester Learning Objectives:

• Learn about nursing and infant care.

Third Trimester Assignments:

• Be uncomfortable.
• Gather baby supplies.
• Wait.