Northumberland Doula and antenatal classes

Birth Education Classes

‘Preparing for Birth and Parenting’ courses for pregnant women and their birth partners.

This is a one/two/three to one course depending on how many birth supporters you have.

The content is aimed at pregnant women and their birth partner(s). The birth partner has such an important role in the birth and I believe it is so valuable that you are both as informed as possible and have lots of tools for coping with labour in your tool box!

Classes are relaxed, interactive and practical and there is lots of space for questions and discussions. You will be given two booklets I have written packed with information and ideas which you can take to your birth .

I am a trained birth-educator and I can help you to access up-to-date research so that you feel fully informed and able to make the choices that are right for you during your pregnancy and birth. I also bring my library of books and resources which you are welcome to borrow.

Over these sessions we will explore:

the physiology of birth, birth hormones and the stages of labour
the importance of the birthing environment
the role of the birth partner
techniques for coping with pain: discussion of non-medical tools to help e.g. breathing techniques, massage, acupressure points , birth positions, ways to use a 'rebozo'/scarf to help with the position of the baby and relaxation.
understanding medical interventions
understanding pain relief medication
how to navigate the medical system
the first hours with your baby
caring for a new born
feeding your baby
caring for yourself postnatally

Practicalities

costs

I can tailor the course to your time preferences but the full course is over four 2 hour sessions and costs £300 for a unit (it is fine to bring more than one birth partner).

If you would like to do one, two or three sessions they will be £75 each. (Please note there will be less content if you choose to do fewer sessions and we can work out together which aspects you would like to focus on.

I am fully committed to making this course accessible to everyone so if the cost feels difficult please get in touch and we can find a price that feels manageable for you.

testimonials

‘The Birth preparation course was brilliant. I learned so much and I came away feeling more confident leading up to our birth, The environment was just right – frindly and informative. My partner loved it too and said he felt much more confident. He had lots of practical tools to help me cope with labour and I’m sure his massage and tricks with the scarf helped the baby to turn. I couldn’t recommend this course enough. Everyone should have access to it!’ (T.H Wylam)