Preparation for Birth & the Fourth Trimester
Group Class 1
How birth works
Understanding interventions
What choices do you have?
Why write a Birth Plan?
"Active Management" vs "Expectant Management"
Having an empowered birth
The uterus & pelvis
More than dilation
Optimal position for baby
Key exercises
Perineal massage
Healthy pregnancy
Group Class 2
Hospital bag
How labour begins
Physiologic birth
When to go to the hospital
Stages of labour & delivery
Coping with the contractions
Partner's role ~ Doula's role
"Comfort measures"
Birth positions
Exploring fears & desires
Creating self confidence
Connecting with baby
Labour and birth breathing
Overdue - what to do
Group Class 3
What to expect after birth
Skin-to-skin
Breastfeeding
~ getting started
~ milk production
~ common problems
Mother's recovery
What do babies need?
"The Fourth Trimester"
Baby care
Crying & soothing
Normal infant sleep
Baby wearing
The new family
