This specialized course was developed by Elizabeth Noble in l987 to meet the demand for trained instructors in prenatal and postpartum exercise for hospitals, HMOs, birth centers, private physical therapy practices, wellness centers, fitness studios, gyms and health clubs. The course emphasizes the rationale for each position and movement, expertise in body mechanics, group psychosocial support and personal growth among childbearing women. Other topics pertinent to childbearing include: physiological birth, Cesarean section and recovery, scar therapy (C/Sec & episiotomy) and breastfeeding. You will be introduced to pelvic floor rehabilitation, general women's health issues and PT modalities. More than 3000 instructors have been trained to date.

The key component of this intensive training program is student teaching i.e. participants will take turns in presenting segments of the exercise programs to each other under supervision. They will gain expertise and confidence to lead groups alone. This individualized experience is possible because registration is limited to approximately 20. The small size of the group also affords opportunities for much discussion, as well as personal growth among the registrants, particularly with regard to their own pre- and perinatal experiences and client challenges.

Participants will observe Elizabeth Noble teaching a model Prenatal Exercise class with pregnant women and a Postpartum Exercise class together with Mother and Baby exercises demonstrated by postpartum mothers and infants. Gym ball activities and infant massage are also shown.

Multimedia presentations projected from a computer bring the latest technology to faciliate learning. The course offers in-depth experiential sessions and teaching practicum for all participants as well as a comprehensive overview of the major dimensions in women's reproductive health.

At the conclusion of the training, participants will be able to instruct prenatal & postpartum exercise classes that include warm-ups, stretching, calisthenics and relaxation.

This course is ideal for health care providers who are themselves pregnant, those who are planning to become pregnant, as well as for those who are new mothers. Infants are welcome as long as they do not yet crawl. Please advise if you are pregnant or plan to bring a baby as pregnant women as volunteers are needed for the model classes.