The NOVA Childbirth Education Certification Program is a total of 24 Units.
*Only students who have successfully completed 48 units of undergraduate courses may apply to enroll in the program.
CBE 101 Introduction to Childbirth (4)
This course is an overview of the vast history of childbirth and maternity care, and a basic overview of the process of childbirth from conception to post-partum. It will address the goals of the program and the student’s personal goals for becoming certified in childbirth education. This course is also an overview of the anatomical and physiological processes of pregnancy and childbirth. It will cover in depth the many facets and terminology of the physiological process of pregnancy and birth.
CBE 102 Prenatal Care and Communication in Education & Advocacy (3)
This course is an in depth study of the practical care of women during the prenatal period. Prenatal tests, procedures, and nutritional needs for mother and baby will be covered in detail. This course seeks to develop the communication skills of the students in the area of advocacy and education. It will specifically focus on the reflective process, interpersonal communication, and consideration for values in communicating.
CBE 150 Labor & Birth (3)
This course will cover the vast topics of labor and birth, including the pain of birth, informed consent, interventions used in birth, stages of labor, fetal movements, positions, hormonal, emotional and psychological factors as well. The course will cover types of birth including vaginal, waterbirth, assisted delivery and cesarean. The course will highlight the different types of medical care available in birth, as well as different types of birthing and relaxation methods.
CBE 151 Postpartum Care & Lactation (3)
This course is an overview of all procedures and issues related to newborn healthcare and needs, from birth through 3 months of age. It will address the 4th trimester of development, attachment parenting, sleep behaviors/SIDS, hospital newborn procedures and vaccinations, and colic. It will also address the postpartum period of a new mother, her physical, emotional and hormonal changes and needs including an extensive exploration of the breastfeeding process.
CBE 201 Principles of Teaching & Maternal Complications (3)
This course seeks to develop the communication skills of the students in the area of advocacy and education. It will specifically focus on the reflective process, interpersonal communication, and consideration for values in communicating. This course provides practical instruction concerning the principles involved in the teaching of childbirth education. It will help cover important topics that are applicable to future childbirth educators including different learning styles, class planning and structuring, active teaching skills, and evaluation of teaching.
CBE 202 Childbirth Education Practicum I (4)
This course will implement the application of all program courses taken thus far, as students work with expectant families in the prenatal period, the birth setting, and in the post-partum period. It will serve as a forum for discussion and feedback regarding students’ experiences outside of the classroom, and will help students better understand the many different roles from which they can choose to fulfill as professionals in the field of childbirth.
CBE 250 Childbirth Education Practicum II (4)
This course will carry out the second half of the students’ program application and experience working with expectant families. This practicum will incorporate a cross cultural focus as students will be working with families from their chosen third world regions of destination, specifically in lactation education and support. It will serve as a forum for discussion and feedback regarding students’ experiences outside of the classroom, and will help students better understand the many different roles from which they can choose to fulfill as professionals in the field of childbirth.
