Birthwaves > Course Content

Course & Workshop Content

Each course is slightly different depending on the priorities and interests of parents.The emphasis is on the steps you and your partner can take for an easier birth and transition to parenthood. See "Course Services" and "Course Dates" pages for date and cost details.

All courses are held at my home in Brighton East.

Birth Preparation (First-Time Parent Course) - $225 per couple

Not only are we able to go into much more depth than most hospital courses, every topic includes a focus on the partner's role and the questions to ask your medical carers. We cover.........

Pregnancy issues - your physical and emotional health
What labour looks and feels like - the signs and the different stages, and when to go to hospital/birth centre
Why labour is sometimes prolonged and what you can do about it
Active birth and self-help techniques including relaxation, breathing, positions and massage - the "twenty ways to an easier birth"! ...how to stay longer at home.
Pain relief - the pros and cons
Induction, assisted births (forceps, ventouse) and caesareans and how to approach them for a better birth
Role of birth partner - one of the most important aspects!
Postnatal issues - the early days and weeks with your new baby (practical and emotional aspects)

This four-session course will provide the practical information and tools you need to remain relaxed and calm during labour and birth and also the early days with your baby. You and your partner will leave feeling confident that you will know how to deal with the many different scenarios you may experience.

If you're looking for a BOOK to inspire you I loved this one: "Birthing from Within" by Pan England and Rob Horowitz. See the ones I suggest below too.

Note:

First-time parent courses include up to 6 couples
For comprehensive breastfeeding advice it is strongly recommended you attend a Birthwaves "Breastfeeding Basics" workshop or one of the Australian Breastfeeding Association's classes. See below and/or http://www.abavic.asn.au/BECs.htm

Active Birth Skills Workshop - $65* per person ($80 with partner)

*(Cost = $45 for women also attending a First-Time Parent course, or $60 with partners)

An opportunity to practise active birth and self-help pain management skills, and understand why they are so vitally important:

Relaxation and visualisation, including an introduction to hypnotherapy (see below)
Breathing
Movement and positions
Massage
Use of birth balls (ie. gym or Swiss balls)

You will leave feeling wonderfully empowered and confident in your body!

For GREAT BOOKS to inspire you see: "New Active Birth" by Janet Balaska; and, "Birth Skills" by Juju Sundin.

HypnoChildbirth Workshop - $65* per person ($80 with partner)

*(Cost= $45 for women also attending First-Time Parent course, $60 with partner)

A new workshop for people who wish to build their understanding and skills in hypnotherapy* as part of their birth preparation. It follows on from the topics covered in the First-Time Parent Course and Active Birth Skills Workshop relating to the Fear-Tension-Pain cycle and also the fundamental role of hormones. It will include practise of:

Breathing techniques including 'surrender breathing"
Positive affirmations and visualisations
Special Place visualisations
Addressing fear and emotions
Partner support

You will receive several scripts and a CD to help you practise at home (daily practise recommended to get the full benefits).

*Hypnobirthing is a wonderful technique used extremely effectively by women to remain calm and confident during their labour and birth. Put simply, it combines deep relaxation and positive visualisation and affirmations. This is no mumbo jumbo! Studies prove strongly that the hormones that play a fundamental part in helping or hindering the progress of labour are powerfully affected by the woman's level of calm versus stress. Stress can bring labour to a halt and dramatically increase the perception of pain. On the other hand, a relaxed woman will feel less pain and will breathe well. Her balanced hormone levels will promote rather than hinder birth and the improved oxygen levels will assist the baby. Science at its simplest!

See this great news item on Hypnobirthing.....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v536xaNBMh4

...and this great BOOK!! Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method' by Mary Mongan (2005)

Breastfeeding Basics Workshop - $50* ($70 with partner)

*(Cost = $30 for women also attending a First-Time Parent course, or $50 with partner)

Advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding and formula feeding
How breastfeeding works
The fundamentals - attachment and positioning: - this is vital to know!!!
What to expect in practice and possible problems (including low-supply issues and what to do about them)
Where to find support and guidance

Breastfeeding gives your baby a fabulous start in life. Parents who understand what to expect with it are far more likely to get off to a good start in the minutes and hours after birth. Breastfeeding is a skill to be learnt by mother and baby with positioning and attachment being key. This workshop will provide lots of practical tips on these and other aspects.

Looking for a good breastfeeding BOOK? See the Australian Breastfeeding Association's 'Breastfeeding .....Naturally'. This is available free when you join the Association (ABA).