The BirthPrep Programme

This is our unique programme for all our classes which aims to show you how to keep birth normal as well as how to cope when complications occur. We cover everything on the list below.

Late pregnancy - you and your baby's health
The physiology of labour and birth - The different stages of labour.
How to reduce the risk of perineal tearing and the need for an episiotomy
How you will know when labour has started. When to contact your midwife
What happens when you go to hospital and what to take with you
Active birth - how to increase your chances of having a normal birth
The birthing ball - how to use it and the difference it can make to your labour
Waterbirth
Coping strategies to help with the pain and when to use them. We discuss all forms of pain relief: breathing, relaxation, water, hypnobirthing, gas & air, Pethidine (and other drugs) and Epidurals.
Positions for labour and birth
Your role as a birth partner. How you can help.
How to cope when labour is not straightforward
What complications can arise and how the Labour Ward Team can help
Medical Interventions: Induction, forceps, ventouse and caesarian section
Giving birth - what it feels like
The baby at birth
Getting started with breastfeeding
Caring for your newborn

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A BIRTHPREP ANTENATAL CLASS

The first thing to say is that there is no role play - guaranteed! The classes are relaxed and informal so that you feel comfortable to get the most you can out of them. No-one is under any pressure to speak although even those who are quiet at first feel able to ask questions. We usually find lots to laugh about.

We encourage questions thoughout because this is your chance to ask an experienced midwife about anything. There are breaks during the sessions where you can get to know others on the course. Here is a rough guide to how we cover topics on The BirthPrep Programme in our classes:

ANTENATAL COURSES

Week 1
The process of labour and birth including coping strategies for pain, managing early labour at home, when to go to hospital, active birth, water birth, birth partner role, use of the birthing ball.

Week 2
This is a continuation of week 1 on labour and birth and includes positions for birth, perineal tearing and how to reduce this, the baby at birth. In this session we cover labour and birth that is not straightforward and what happens including induction, forceps, ventouse and caesarian section. Help with writing down birth preferences.

Week 3
Life after the birth, getting started with breastfeeding. Newborn care. How to hold, bath and change your baby - everyone can have a go (not with a real baby).

ONE-DAY CLASSES

Morning session
The process of labour including coping strategies for pain, managing early labour at home, when to go to hospital, active birth, birth partner role, use of the birthing ball.
The process of birth, perineal tearing and how to reduce this, positions for birth, the baby at birth.

Afternoon session
Labour and birth that is not straightforward and what happens including induction, forceps, ventouse and caesarian section. Early days with your baby. Getting started with breastfeeding. Newborn care. How to hold, bath and change your baby - everyone can have a go (not with a real baby).

ANTENATAL PICK & MIX

Class A
This class covers the process of labour and birth including coping strategies for pain, managing early labour at home, when to go to hospital, active birth, birth partner role, use of the birthing ball.

Class A2
This is a continuation of Class A on labour and birth and includes positions for birth, perineal tearing and how to reduce this, the baby at birth. In this session we cover labour and birth that is not straightforward including induction, forceps, ventouse and caesarian section. Help with writing down birth preferences.

Class B
Covers the early days with your baby, newborn care. Preparing for the physical and psychological changes after having a baby. There is a practical session on how to hold, bath and change your baby.

Class C
A session on breastfeeding