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.
Topics include:
Birth Preparation (First-Time Parent Course) - $200 per couple
- Pregnancy issues - physical and emotional health
- Signs and stages of labour 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"!
- Pain relief - pros and cons
- Induction, assisted births (forceps, ventouse) and caesareans
- Role of birth partner
- Postnatal issues - the early days and weeks with your new baby (practical and emotional aspects)
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 http://www.abavic.asn.au/BECs.htm
Active Birth Skills Workshop - $50* per person (women only)
*(Cost = $25 for women also attending a First-Time Parent course)
An opportunity to practise active birth and self-help pain management skills, and understand why they are so improtant:
- Relaxation and visualisation
- Breathing
- Movement and positions
- Massage
- Use of birth balls (ie. gym or Swiss balls)
Breastfeeding Basics Workshop - $40* ($55 with partner)
*(Cost = $25 for women also attending a First-Time Parent course, or $40 with partner)
- Advantages and disadvantages of breastfeeding and formula feeding
- How breastfeeding works
- The fundamentals - attachment and positioning
- What to expect in practice and possible problems (including low-supply issues and what to do about them)
- Where to find support and guidance