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The Birth Preparation Course
Can't decide between a traditional antenatal class, pregnancy yoga or hypnobirthing?
Have all three in our unique, holistic course which combines everything you need to prepare for birth together!
What is it?
The Birth Preparation Course includes gentle yoga movement, breathing techniques and relaxation in six weekly classes for mum-to-be, followed by traditional antenatal education delivered in a 4hr workshop to help both you and your birth partner prepare for a confident birth. Once your baby has arrived, there will be a 2hr reunion which also includes an introduction to baby massage and calming techniques.
The Birth Preparation Course includes:
ACTIVE BIRTHING CLASSES (weekly 1.5hr sessions over six weeks for mum-to-be only)
- Gentle yoga movement to relieve physical symptoms of pregnancy and to prepare the body for birth. Learn movements and positions to aid cervical dilation in labour and utilise gravity which can lead to a shorter, less painful labour.
- Breathing techniques for each stage of labour to provide a calming focus, promote relaxation and reduce stress. Boost your pain relieving hormones and make contractions feel more manageable.
- Guided relaxation with elements of hypnobirthing to reduce muscle tension, manage stress and anxiety and help mum-to-be feel more focused and in control.
** These sessions take place on Wednesday evenings from 7.30-9pm at Plymouth Wellbeing Centre.
BIRTH PREPARATION WORKSHOP (a 4hr group workshop for mum-to-be plus birth partner)
The session is designed to help both mum-to-be and her birth partner prepare for labour and birth by exploring the options available and help them to make informed decisions about their care. The session will include:
- How the labouring body works
- Positions/movements for labour/birth
- Breathing techniques
- Stages of labour
- Pain relief options
- Induction/assisted delivery/c-section
- Birth partners guide
- Birth environment
- Birth preferences
- Role of hormones
- Massage techniques
** The workshop will take place on a Sunday soon after the six Active Birthing classes have finished at our lovely venue overlooking the river at Ashtorre Rock, Saltash **
REUNION & BABY MASSAGE SESSION (2hr session for parents and their babies)
Enjoy a reunion with your fellow classmates and your new little arrivals! Chat and catch up over refreshments before learning some baby massage strokes and calming techniques to help soothe your newborn baby.
** This session will take place on a Sunday at Ashtorre Rock in Saltash, approximately 4-6 weeks after the last baby in the group has been born **
How much does it cost?
£185 per couple to include all six Active Birthing classes, Birth Preparation workshop and Reunion/Baby Massage session. This also includes a private WhatsApp group, all printed and digital material.
When should I do the course?
Courses run throughout the year, just look for the course with your due date included in the title.
Is this just for first time parents?
No! It is open to everyone however if you are not a first time parent and would prefer a less comprehensive course but still have all the benefits of weekly yoga movement, breathwork, relaxation and a community of other mums then the Active Birthing classes would be perfect!
You can find them here:
I attended a Birth Preparation Workshop during my first pregnancy specifically because I was keen to try a homebirth and didn't have much support from my family. My husband attended the workshop with me and it gave us both so much confidence to plan for a homebirth. Kate was really supportive and gave every attendee time and focus for their questions or concerns. It helped me steer the rest of my pregnancy into a healthier and more confident mindset and the information and skills I gained from it were invaluable during a difficult birth. I immediately booked onto her six week course when I was pregnant with my second child because I knew I would be in safe hands!
Sally
I attended the Birth Preparation Workshop with my husband before both of our births. Kate was so welcoming and having a small group of couples meant there was time to ask questions and make it personal to us. Kate took time to understand what each of us wanted from the session and the handouts were great to go back to and revise from closer to the birth. I have recommended it to a few friends now! You helped to make both of my births really positive because we understood what was happening - thank you!
Emma