PRIVATE PRENATAL / ANTENATAL CLASSES

Classes conducted at Suite 4 / 151 Cotlew Street, Ashmore, on the Gold Coast.

CHOOSE THE OPTION THAT SUITS YOU

* 4 WEEK EVENING COURSE (held over 4 Sunday evenings)

* WEEKEND WORKSHOP (held over 2 consecutive Sundays)

* PRIVATE CLASS (held over 1 day or 2 half days or evenings)

With over 20 years experience as a Midwife and Childbirth Educator and a mother of 2 boys, I have developed a strong belief in the important role prenatal / antenatal education plays in building self-esteem, self confidence and trust in your natural abilities and instincts, as you prepare for birth and parenthood.

Most importantly, I love offering people an alternative to what other classes offer. No class is going to give you all the information you need, but in small groups or individual classes, people open up, talk freely, have fun and enjoy learning. Indeed, small groups create a friendly atmosphere where you will feel comfortable and supported. It is so satisfying to me to see friendships form and see the fear and anxiety that often surrounds childbirth, be replaced by confidence and eager anticipation.

Committed to ensuring that couples are fully informed with regards their options and choices in pregnancy and childbirth, I have designed a comprehensive and flexible program, where balanced information is offered.

Many aspects of birthing and parenting will be covered during the course, in a multitude of ways; to promote open discussion and active learning and ensure that they are not only informative, but enjoyable and sensitive to the needs of individuals.

All topics are discussed in a relaxed and carefully paced way and there will be ample time for questions and discussion amongst the group.

Your partner or support person is most welcome and encouraged to attend.

Those parents wanting to refresh and update after a previous birth, may choose to attend the whole course or attend a private session catered to your needs.

Classes can be commenced at any time, but are best commenced from about 28 weeks.

Morning tea or light supper will be provided. If attending an evening class, please have something to eat prior to arrival. If attending a weekend workshop, lunch can be purchased from any of the nearby shops and cafes.

As some sessions involve active participation, dress comfortably and bring 2 pillows.

Disclaimer: As a minimum number of bookings are required for workshops / classes to be held, the class may need to be cancelled or rescheduled. Should this occur, you will be notified as soon as possible and booked into another class. Every effort will be made to accommodate your wishes.

If unable to attend a class, please notify as soon as possible and you will be re-booked into the next available class.

PROGRAM FOR 4 WEEK EVENING COURSE

The content of each class is discussed within the group, so that apart from those topics listed below, particular topics of interest for you can be focused on. This ensures that individual needs are met and full and open discussion is encouraged.

WEEK ONE

Meet and greet, introductions, getting to know one another
Signs of early labour, when to come to hospital
Basic anatomy, hormones and the pelvis explained
Stages and phases of labour, positions of the baby
Induction of labour
Interventions (episiotomy, forceps, etc.)
Birth plans / preferences
Birth of the baby, demonstration with doll and pelvis
Characteristics of the newborn
Birth DVD (carefully chosen and optional)

WEEK TWO

Options for pain relief - Nitrous Oxide, Pethidine, Epidurals, and TENS
Pain in labour explored, principles of 'active birth', endorphins
Role of the doctors, midwives, partners and support people
Massage, touch relaxation, the birth environment, positions for labour and birth
Relaxation techniques and breathing to let go
Caesarean sections
- indications
- anaesthetic choice
- pre and post op care

WEEK THREE

The newborn - DVD and discussion
Topics discussed include Vitamin K, Immunizations, premature babies, circumcision, newborn screening, jaundice, hearing test, caring for baby in hospital
What to bring to hospital for you, your baby and the birth suite
Hospital routine and procedures, discharge, baby clinics
Feeding your baby - making the choice, benefits of breastfeeding and practical aspects of breastfeeding explained and discussed

WEEK FOUR

Becoming parents, lifestyle changes, your relationship, working families
Parenting issues, taking the baby home, the importance of fathers
Crying babies, sleeping patterns , settling techniques
Postnatal education and support
Setting up the nursery, bathing, wrapping and nappies.
Postnatal Depression, SIDS, sex after childbirth and contraception.

WEEKEND WORKSHOPS ARE HELD OVER 2 CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS

The content is the same as the evening classes, with the topics for weeks 1 and 2 covered on the first Sunday and the topics for weeks 3 and 4 covered on the second Sunday.

PRIVATE PRENATAL SESSIONS

These one on one sessions for individual couples, can be completed over 2 sessions, or one day.

Choose either a One Day Workshop on a Saturday or Sunday 9 am - 5 pm
or 2 morning, afternoon or evening sessions of 3 1/2 hours each.

You and your partner may prefer to have an individual short session (2 - 4 hours) tailored to meet your needs and lifestyle, that will cover just those issues important to you.

These popular sessions suit shift workers, busy people or those who simply prefer a more private and individualized approach.

All those topics discussed in the Weekend Workshop or evening classes will be covered, or just those topics of interest to you.

Content, fees and times can be discussed with Anne.

ACTIVE BIRTH CLASS

This special 2 hour class is designed for those who want more information to help them achieve a natural birth. This class can be done at any time and may compliment what you have covered in other classes or build on the knowledge you already have.

Be empowered as you understand how to tap into your innate wisdom, natural abilities and instincts. This will help you tune into your body's rhythms, thus working with and coping better with the labour and birth.

Support people will learn how to create the perfect environment to encourage the right balance of hormones during labour and birth.

In this very practical class, you and your partner or support person will be shown practical skills and relaxation techniques, such as massage and breathing to help you let go and relax. Learn comfort positions that open your pelvis, ease discomfort and allow gravity to assist in the birth process.

BREASTFEEDING CLASS

Want the confidence to breastfeed your baby?

IT DOESN'T MATTER WHERE YOU ARE HAVING YOUR BABY, WHICH PRENATAL CLASSES YOU ARE ATTENDING, OR IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST OR FOURTH BABY; THIS NEW CLASS WILL BE INTERESTING AND PROVIDE GREAT INFORMATION AS YOU PREPARE FOR THE BIRTH OF YOUR BABY.

BY ATTENDING THIS SPECIAL BREASTFEEDING CLASS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY, YOU WILL GAIN INCREASED KNOWLEDGE AND CONFIDENCE TO HELP OVERCOME ANY OF THE CHALLENGES IN THOSE FIRST FEW DAYS AND WEEKS AFTER THE BIRTH OF YOUR BABY, DISCOVERING THE JOYS AND SATISFACTION OF BREASTFEEDING.

Held every month on a Friday evening.

Women only - Max. 8 participants
Best attended later in the pregnancy, but can be attended at any time during the pregnancy
Guest Speaker - Australian Breastfeeding Association representative

Very open agenda with topics including:

Discussion on physiology of breastfeeding and the benefits for mother and baby.
Importance of correct positioning and attachment of your baby.
Common problems encountered and prevention and management of these. E.g. Sore nipples, Mastitis
Nutrition and general health during lactation.
Weaning and commencing solids.
Expressing and storage of breast milk. Going back to work.
General discussion on a range of pregnancy and parenting issues, including where to get help postnatally.
During this relaxed and friendly class, have all your questions answered through active participation and sharing knowledge and experiences.