Birth Preparation Coaching

Enhance your birth preparation with specialized physical therapy guidance from Portland's pelvic health experts. Our unique program combines pelvic health physical therapy expertise with proven birth preparation strategies, working collaboratively with your birth team to support your body's preparation for labor and delivery.

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Expert Birth Preparation Near You

Our approach draws on physical therapy expertise in pelvic health to help prepare your body for birth. Whether you're expecting your first baby or your fifth, our specialized pelvic health physical therapists will guide you through a focused program that incorporates proven techniques for physical preparation. Studies show that specific positioning and preparation strategies can significantly reduce the risk of tearing during birth, with some techniques showing up to a 67% reduction.

As pelvic health specialists, we offer a distinct perspective that enhances the comprehensive care provided by your birth team. We focus on the physical aspects of birth preparation while working collaboratively with your chosen healthcare providers, doulas, and birth educators to support your complete birth journey.

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Why Partner with Us

• Physical Therapy Expertise: Our program is designed by pelvic health physical therapists who understand birth biomechanics and optimal physical preparation
• Individualized Attention: Our program is tailored specifically to you and your birth goals. We assess your unique pelvic floor structure, consider your personal health history, and adapt all techniques to your specific needs.
• Research-Informed Approach: Our techniques and strategies are backed by current research and extensive clinical experience. We stay updated with the latest developments in birth preparation and pelvic health to provide you with the most effective tools available.
• Coordinated Care: We act as an extension of your existing birth team, including your midwife, doula, and other providers
• Postpartum Support: We’ll help you prepare for your postpartum recovery journey
• Hybrid Format: Coaching consists of both in-person sessions at our Portland clinic and convenient virtual appointments

Comprehensive Birth Preparation Program

Our four-session program typically begins around 35 weeks of pregnancy and focuses on optimizing your body's preparation for birth. Each session builds upon the previous one to create a complete preparation experience:

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Session 1: Physical Preparation Foundations

• Understanding your birth preparation goals and preferences
• Discussion of your physical concerns and birth history
• Introduction to pelvic floor function during labor
• Pelvic floor functional assessment utilizing biofeedback
• Integration with your existing birth preparation
• Collaborative discussion about working with your birth team
• Initial comfort techniques for early labor

Session 2: Biomechanics & Labor Techniques

• Birth positioning strategies based on your body structure
• Physical techniques for pain management during labor
• Movement patterns to support optimal fetal positioning
• Hands-on practice with body mechanics
• Strategies to share with your birth team
• Tools for managing different stages of labor

Session 3: Birth Planning & Preparation

• Practice with various labor and birth positions
• Physical strategies for birth progression
• Techniques to optimize comfort during labor
• Partner support positions and guidance
• Tools to communicate physical needs during labor
• Preparation for different birth scenarios

Session 4: Postpartum Check Up & Recovery

• Discussion of postpartum recovery expectations
• Guidelines for the immediate postpartum period
• Framework for return to activity
• Strategies for early recovery
• Resources for ongoing pelvic health support
• Integration of techniques into your birth preferences

Preparing for Childbirth: Our Unique Approach

Our program stands out through its foundation in physical therapy expertise while complementing traditional childbirth education:

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Physical Preparation Focus

• Understanding your body's unique structure
• Learning optimal positions for your anatomy
• Practicing evidence-based comfort measures
• Developing body awareness for labor
• Building physical stamina for birth

Birth Planning Support

• Incorporating physical strategies into your preferences
• Understanding your options for movement during labor
• Creating tools for communication with your birth team
• Preparing for various birth scenarios
• Planning for physical recovery

Labor Coaching Elements

• Hands-on position practice
• Partner support techniques
• Breathing strategies
• Movement patterns for labor
• Comfort measure tools

Program Benefits

✓ Learn positions that work with your body structure
✓ Reduce risk of severe pelvic floor tearing during birth
✓ Practice physical strategies for labor comfort
✓ Develop awareness of your body's birthing abilities
✓ Master comfort techniques for different stages of labor
✓ Understand your body's needs during birth
✓ Prepare for physical recovery after birth
✓ Receive guidance from pelvic health specialists
✓ Build confidence in your body's capabilities
✓ Create strategies to work with your birth team

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Collaborative Care Approach

We value working in partnership with your existing birth team and recognize the essential role each provider plays in your birth journey. Our specialized physical therapy approach complements the support provided by your:

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• Midwife or OB-GYN: Supporting your medical care plan
• Doula: Enhancing their comfort measures toolkit
• Childbirth educator: Complementing childbirth education
• Other healthcare providers: Coordinating comprehensive care

Each member of your birth team brings unique expertise to support your journey. We're honored to contribute our physical therapy perspective to your comprehensive preparation.

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Finding the Right Birth Class Near You

When choosing a childbirth class in Portland, consider how different approaches can work together to provide complete preparation. Our program offers:

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• Expert physical therapy perspective
• Individual attention to your needs
• Flexible scheduling options
• Coordination with other classes and providers
• Focus on physical preparation and comfort

Call (503) 749-9360 or email hello@mendwellhealth.com to book your first session. We'll discuss how our physical therapy-based preparation can enhance your existing birth preparation and support your overall birth journey.

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Program typically begins around 35 weeks of pregnancy. We support open communication with your birth team to ensure coordinated care.

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Preparing for Your Sessions

• Wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement
• Bring any questions about physical aspects of birth
• Include your partner or support person if possible
• Share any relevant medical history
• Let us know about your other birth preparation activities

Your journey to birth deserves comprehensive support. Let our specialized physical therapy approach enhance your preparation while working in harmony with your complete birth team.