Birth Preparation Program in Franklin County, PA
For a Confident Pregnancy and Birth
The journey toward childbirth can bring excitement, anticipation, and sometimes uncertainty. Dr. Christine's Birth Preparation Program is designed to empower expectant mothers with knowledge, physical preparation, and confidence as they approach labor and delivery. Unlike traditional childbirth classes that focus primarily on the stages of labor, this program provides hands-on, personalized physical preparation to optimize your body's readiness for the birthing process.
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By combining evidence-based pelvic floor physical therapy with comprehensive education, the Birth Preparation Program helps you understand your body's capabilities, learn effective strategies for labor, and develop a foundation for postpartum recovery—all tailored to your unique needs and birth preferences.
Birth Prep Program Benefits
Physical Preparation
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Comprehensive assessment of your core and pelvic floor function
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Personalized exercises to optimize pelvic balance and alignment
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Techniques to encourage optimal fetal positioning
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Strategies to improve pelvic floor coordination and flexibility
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Hands-on skills to manage common late-pregnancy discomforts
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Labor Preparation
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Evidence-based breathing techniques for different stages of labor
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Effective positions to facilitate labor progression and comfort
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Practical pain management strategies beyond medication
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Hands-on techniques for your birth partner to support you
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Tools to work with your body's natural processes during labor
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Mental and Emotional Readiness
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Building confidence through knowledge and preparation
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Developing personalized coping strategies for labor
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Understanding the mind-body connection during birth
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Creating realistic expectations about the birthing process
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Reducing anxiety through practical skills and information
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Postpartum Planning
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Understanding what to expect in the early postpartum period
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Learning the basics of pelvic floor recovery after birth
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Creating a framework for physical healing and adjustment
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Identifying signs that might indicate the need for additional support
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Setting realistic expectations for your postpartum journey
Birth Prep Program Structure
The Birth Preparation Program is designed to be flexible. Women may start in the second or third trimester, but depending on your goals and birth history, early intervention may be beneficial. The program includes:
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Initial Assessment Session
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Detailed health history and birth preferences discussion
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Baseline assessment of core and pelvic floor function
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Evaluation of posture, alignment, and movement patterns
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Identification of personalized goals for your birth preparation
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Development of your customized birth preparation plan
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Follow-Up Prenatal Sessions
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Typically 2-3 sessions throughout pregnancy
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Progressive building of skills and techniques
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Practice of labor positions and breathing strategies
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Adjustments based on your progress and any changing needs
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Postpartum Check-in
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Postpartum session 4 - 6 after birth
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Ensure proper healing of perineal tears or C-section
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Address questions or concerns
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Assess for diastasis recti or separation of the abdominal muscles
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Recommendations for postpartum rehabilitation and recovery
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Comprehensive Online Resource Library and Portal​
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Phase-specific exercise videos for pregnancy and postpartum
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Educational content about fetal positioning, labor progress, and recovery
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Printable guides for labor positions and breathing techniques
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Partner support tutorials for labor assistance techniques
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Early postpartum recovery guidelines and exercises
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Progressive core and pelvic floor exercise programs
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Personalized Exercise Plan based on your assessment results
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Private messaging with Dr. Christine between sessions for questions or concerns
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What Makes This Program Different
The Birth Preparation Program differs from standard childbirth education classes in several important ways:
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Individualized Approach: Rather than general information for a group, you receive personalized assessment and guidance specific to your body and birth goals.
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Physical Therapy Expertise: Led by Dr. Christine, a specialized pelvic floor physical therapist with advanced training in prenatal and postpartum care, the program addresses the physical aspects of birth preparation with clinical expertise.
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Hands-On Learning: You'll practice techniques with expert guidance and feedback, ensuring you're performing movements correctly for maximum benefit.
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Partner Integration: Your birth partner learns specific hands-on techniques to support you during labor, creating confidence for both of you.
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Focus on Body Mechanics: Understanding how your unique body works allows for more effective preparation than one-size-fits-all approaches.
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Continuity of Care: The relationship established during birth preparation creates a foundation for postpartum support if needed.
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Who Can Benefit
The Birth Preparation Program is ideal for:
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First-time mothers seeking comprehensive physical preparation for birth
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Experienced mothers looking for new strategies for an upcoming birth
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Women planning unmedicated births who want effective coping techniques
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Those who have had previous challenging birth experiences
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Women with specific concerns about the physical aspects of labor
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Anyone wanting personalized guidance beyond standard childbirth classes
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Those interested in optimizing postpartum recovery through proper preparation
Frequently Asked Questions
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When is the best time to start the Birth Preparation Program?
Most women begin between 26-28 weeks of pregnancy, allowing enough time to practice and integrate the techniques before labor begins. However, women who have had a difficult birth experience or who are aiming for a VBAC (vaginal birth after C-section) should aim to start earlier.
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Is this program a replacement for traditional childbirth classes?
This program focuses specifically on the physical preparation and coping strategies for labor. It complements rather than replaces comprehensive childbirth education that covers medical procedures, interventions, and hospital protocols. Many women participate in both types of preparation.
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Will my partner be involved in the sessions?
Partner involvement is encouraged for our final prenatal session where we discuss support techniques for labor, but the program can be adapted for women attending alone.
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I'm planning an epidural. Is this program still relevant for me?
Absolutely! Even with pain medication, understanding how to work with your body during labor is valuable. Many of the techniques are beneficial during early labor before an epidural is placed, and proper positioning remains important even with pain management.
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I have pregnancy-related pain or symptoms. Will this program address those?
The initial assessment will identify any current symptoms that may need treatment. While the Birth Preparation Program focuses on preparation rather than treatment, Dr. Christine can address specific pregnancy-related issues either within the program or through additional pelvic floor physical therapy sessions as needed (available at a discount for Birth Prep Program Participants.)​​​​​
​Prepare for Birth with Confidence
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Dr. Christine is passionate about helping women approach childbirth with knowledge, physical readiness, and confidence. The Birth Preparation Program combines her expertise in pelvic health with practical, evidence-based strategies to support your unique birth journey.
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Whether you're seeking to optimize your chances for a particular birth experience, reduce anxiety about the unknown, or simply feel more physically prepared, this program offers personalized guidance to help you approach labor and delivery with empowerment and readiness.
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Contact us today to schedule your initial assessment and begin your personalized birth preparation journey.