In keeping with ICEA's philosophy of "freedom of choice based on knowledge of alternatives," ICEA workshops focus on developing effective teaching techniques and applying adult education principles to childbirth classes rather than advocating specific content for childbirth education classes. With the material presented, the participants increase their capability of developing appropriate class curriculum and differing their teaching style to meet the individual needs of each class.

This workshop is designed to offer basic training and to strengthen educational skills for perinatal fitness educators. Attending the entire workshop will meet the contact hour requirements for ICEA perinatal fitness educator certification.

Please wear comfortable clothing throughout the workshop. Registrants are required to bring a birth ball and resistance band to the workshop. These materials can be purchased from ICEA.

DATES AND LOCATIONS

Exact workshop meeting room name, location, and hotel information will be sent with workshop registration confirmation. A limited block of sleeping rooms have been reserved for workshop participants at a hotel near the workshop location.

Buffalo, New York USA - October 22-23, in conjunction with ICEA 2008 International Convention. NOTE: Registration materials for the ICEA 2008 International Convention, including the Perinatal Fitness Educator Professional Training Workshop held in conjunction with the convention, will be available in the spring of 2008.

DAILY SCHEDULE
DAY ONE

The Physical Experience of Pregnancy

• Describe physiological adaptations that occur during each of the three trimesters of pregnancy.
  

• Explain the cause of physical discomforts associated with pregnancy and identify possible ways to prevent or cope with them.
  

• Explain fetal mechanisms for adequate oxygen consumption.
  

• List warning signs that should be reported to the health care provider.
  

Preparing for Labor and Birth

• Summarize an overview of the process of labor and birth.
  

• Describe the onset of labor and compare the signs of prelabor to the signs of true labor.
  

• Explain the causes of pain in labor and birth.
  

• Describe the benefits of pushing in an upright position.
  

• Discuss trends in cesarean birth.
  
  

Perinatal Fitness and the Role of the Perinatal Fitness Educator

• Describe the benefits of perinatal exercise.
  

• Discuss ACOG exercise guidelines and contraindications.
  

• Identify common myths and concerns relating to perinatal fitness.
  

• Discuss the needs of the fit and unfit mother.
  
  

Key Components of Perinatal Exercise

• Describe components of a neutral spine.
  

• Discuss elements of good posture and demonstrate the use of proper body mechanics.
  

• Explain the action of the trunk/core muscles and identify the musculoskeletal actions in the lower body.
  

• Discuss the function of the pelvic floor muscles and explain how to do Kegel exercises.
  

• Summarize diastasis recti and demonstrate at least one abdominal exercise to perform when diastasis recti is present.

DAY TWO

Mind-Body Techniques: Breath Awareness, Relaxation, and Massage

• Explain why breath awareness is essential to relaxation and demonstrate at least three different kinds of breathing techniques.
  

• Discuss the benefits of relaxation as they relate to childbearing and childrearing.
  

• Evaluate and then perform at least four different strategies that will enhance the sensation of relaxation.
  

• Demonstrate at least four different massage techniques that can be done during a perinatal fitness class.
  

Perinatal Fitness Programs and Sample Class Format

• Describe safety concerns for perinatal fitness.
  

• Discuss the value of different kinds of exercise û such as cardiovascular exercise, water exercise, strength training, stretching, and yoga û and explain how they benefit the pregnant woman.
  

• Demonstrate specific yoga and strengthening exercises that are appropriate for a perinatal fitness class.
  

• Evaluate and then perform a sample perinatal fitness class format.
  

Nutritional Needs for Active Women during the Childbearing Year

• Summarize normal weight gain expectations for pregnancy.
  

• Discuss the effects of exercise on maternal nutritional needs during pregnancy, postpartum, and lactation.
  

• List three substances that provide energy for the body and explain how the maternal system uses them.
  

• Identify components of a well-balanced diet.
  
  

Fitness for the Postpartum Mother and Sample Exercises

• Describe the physiological and emotional adaptations that occur during the postpartum period.
  

• Explain the cause of common physical discomforts associated with postpartum and identify possible ways to alleviate or cope with them.
  

• Discuss the physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of postpartum exercise.
  

• Identify key components of postpartum exercise and demonstrate exercises that are appropriate for the postpartum mother.