Birth Passion Childbirth Preparation Classes include:

An early pregnancy class  in the 3rd -4th month


Focuses on:
How this pregnancy is changing your life
Nutrition and its role in a healthy pregnancy, birth and new baby experience
Fitness for pregnancy and preparing for birth
Lifestyle adjustments regarding smoking, alcohol and environmental hazards
Introduction to relaxation techniques
Introduction to Informed Consent (Communicating with care-providers about the risks and benefits of tests, medications, medical procedures, birth plans etc)


Late Pregnancy Classes (7-8th month)


Class 1.: Understanding Labour in Late Pregnancy
The Stages of Labour: An overview
How to tell where you are in labour
The First Stage of Labour: The opening of the cervix
The 3 Phases: (Pre-labour), early labour, active labour, transition
Relaxation and Breathing Practice

Class 2.: Planning Ahead for Birth
Birth Plans communicating with caregivers
What to bring to the hospital
Preparing for a home birth
The second stage of labour
Breathing techniques
Optimal birth positioning

Class 3: Non-Medical Labour Coping Skills
Movement, optimal labour positioning, birth balls, hydrotherapy, hot and cold packs.
Massage and counter pressure.
Partner's role in providing support and encouragement.

Class 4: Medical Assistance with Labour and Birth
Pain Medications: Sedatives, Nitrous Oxide, Morphine, Epidurals and Spinals - A risk/benefit analysis.
Labour Induction and Augmentation
I.V.s, Electronic Fetal Monitoring, Episiotomies
Forceps deliveries, vacuum extraction and caesarean births
Postpartum: Recovery for Mum.

Class 5: Breastfeeding:
The "How to's" of positioning and latching on.
How to know if baby is getting enough.
Avoiding and dealing with early difficulties.
Infant Care Skills: Diapering, bathing, dressing, equipment and sleeping arrangements. Plus 12 ways to soothe a crying baby!

Childbirth Preparation Classes