Nearly Newborn courses support parents-to-be as they prepare for the birth of their baby (or babies!) and their journey into parenthood. In order to ensure that parents-to-be get what they want from each course, groups will be invited to contribute to the agenda for each course themselves, but discussions generally focus on topics related to preparing for labour and birth as well as what happens during the early postnatal period and baby care. Each course involves 12h of prenatal education as well as a 2h postnatal reunion.

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Topics related to labour and birth generally include:

- physiological labour and birth

- the role of hormones and how to maintain

the flow of helpful hormones during labour

- positions to use for labour and birth

- breathing, massage and relaxation techniques

- options for pain management

- decision-making strategies and tools

- how birth partners can support a birthing mother

- induction, assisted birth and Caesarean birth

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Postnatal topics generally include:

- what happens immediately after birth during the 'golden hour'

- what to expect in terms of birth recovery

- baby care topics, such as nappy changing, bathing,

dressing, holding and calming a baby

- your baby's transition to the world

- breastfeeding basics and where to get support

- emotional well-being

- supporting each other as a couple

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My goal is not only to educate parents-to-be, but also to empower them on their journey and help them to develop confidence in their decision-making around labour and birth, and build strength in their ability to support one another on their shared journey, both within couples and amongst the wider group. I will help to prepare parents-to-be for labour and birth by equipping them with practical skills they can use to support the normal physiological processes of the mother's body. We will also explore how similar tools can be used for Caesarean or medically-assisted births, and you will be supported however or wherever you choose to birth your baby. Parents will also be encouraged to build empathy for their baby in relation to how they experience the world following their own births and how connections can be developed during the early postnatal period. 

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