Sessions provide parents with some dedicated time to explore their feelings, fears and desires about pregnancy, labour and parenthood. By gaining information parents can be empowered to make choices that suit their needs. The individual nature of these sessions ensures that you and your partner can approach the birth of your baby with the feeling of confidence that will give you the best opportunity to have the birth you want.

Birth preparation sessions run in the evening, but if you need a weekend date I am happy to fit in whenever possible. This comprises three two-hour sessions in your home and is aimed at increasing your confidence and that of your birth companion. Your birth companion should be present for at least the second session.

Two two-hour sessions charged at £220.

Session one

• Optimal foetal positioning. Getting your baby into the right position can make the difference between a tough labour and an easy one. We will look at how to maximise your chances of baby starting in the right position.
• Your feelings about your pregnancy and the birth.
• How you want your birth to be.
• Prenatal bonding with your baby.
• Preparing your birth preferences (birth plan) together (I bring extra copies of the finished plan to the birth with me).
• Auditing the whole pregnancy lifestyle.
• Review pregnancy and personal history.
• Couple’s feelings about pregnancy and the birth
• Your preconceptions about birth? What are you expecting?
• How do YOU want the birth to be?
• Discuss strategies for increasing chances of having the birth you want.
• Opening up negative thoughts.
• Relaxation practice.
• Drawing up your birth preferences/plan.
  

Session two

• “How to handle a (labouring) woman” – preparing your birth companion.
• the labour and birth environment.
• pain management.
• use of movement.
• relaxation before, during and after labour.
• breathing techniques.
• Plan labour and birth environment. 
  
• Review issues which commonly arise 
• What to pack and what not to pack 
• Coping with labour: movement, breathing, relaxation
• What to pack and prepare in advance.
• Breastfeeding basics and tips
• Specially for the birth companion: how to support a labouring woman
• Rehearsing the birth: we practice using movement and breathing. It’s best if your birth companion is present at this session, if he/she cannot be present at all sessions.