Physiology of Birth

• How Labour works - onset of labour, first stage, second stage (pushing), placenta birth

• How our brain works - neocortex activity, limbic system, instinctive behaviours

• Subconscious and conscious mind

• What is hypnosis and why do we use it for birth?

• Goal setting for birth - what is your dream birth?

• Building neural pathways

• What actually happens during a contraction

• Hormones - endorphins, oxytocin, adrenaline, melatonin, relaxin, catecholamines.

• Fear of birth and how we can reduce the fear

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Why Mindset Matters

• Why mindset matters - we really need to dismantle our pre existing ideas about birth and start building up a new mindset.

• Mindset work

  • Affirmations

  • Scripting/Journalling

  • Creating a positive birth board.

 

 

Choosing your care provider

• Differences between midwives and obstetricians

• Important considerations when choosing your hospital

• Why achieving continuity of care has many benefits

• Student midwives/doulas.

 

 

Creating your Birth Environment

• How to ensure your birthing environment best supports your body for labour.

 

 

Relaxation tools for Pregnancy, Labour and beyond!

• Breathing

• Visualisation

• Music

• Aromatherapy and scent

• Massage

• Acupressure

• Movement

• Water 

• Tens machine

• Heat

• Vocalisation

 

Physical preparation for birth + staying healthy

• Healthy diet

• Physical activity

• Perineal Massage and reducing tearing

• Variations in positioning - breech, transverse or posterior.

• Researching your options and choices

• Birth plans

• Navigating different birth paths (inductions, caesarean, epidurals)

• Partner's role

 

 

Focussing on Birth

• The 'typical' labour and what to expect

• What do I do when labour starts?

• When do I head into hospital?

• What to expect when arriving at the hospital

• Signs of transition

• Getting closer and pushing

• The birth of your baby!

 

 

Post Birth Options

• Skin to skin, delayed cord clamping, the golden hour/

• Basics of Breastfeeding

• 'The Fourth Trimester'

• What to expect

• Postnatal recovery

• Newborn neurological development

• Supporting your sleep and your baby's sleep.