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I believe in a woman's ability to birth naturally, that birth is beautiful and sensual and an amazing journey that doesn't just start with conception and end at birth but continues forever.

I am aware that birth sometimes does call for assistance and help and for that reason women need to be informed of their choices. I aim to equip women and partners with the ability to ask questions, assess the benefits and risks and make decisions based on their knowledge.

I am an independent educator and keep a close relationship with local hospitals, birthing centers and independent midwives ensuring I have the most up to date local information.

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Class content:

My classes focus on natural, active management of labour and self help skills. These skills are focussed around eliminating the Grantly-Reid cycle of pain, that fear leads to tension which leads to pain, so incorporate relaxation techniques, positions for comfort, breathing exercises and techniques, massage skills, visualisation and other comfort measures. Please note that in all classes, time is set aside for relaxation exercises, positions for labour, massage and other self help techniques. Not all these may be covered in every class, but at least one or two will be. For this reason it is important to wear comfortable clothes.

You will learn how to eat well during your pregnancy, how your body changes, the different stages of labor, (how to recognise them, how you might feel and what you might want to try or do) signs of labor, informed decision making, using pharmalogical pain medication (the benefits and risks of each), what happens when labor doesn't go to plan (ie: assisted delivery, induction, cesarean section.) postpartum care and recovery.

Classes also incorporate breastfeeding and newborn care saving you the need to booking separate classes for each. Both these areas are covered in detail to include :

• Breastfeeding: making an informed choice to breastfeed, health benefits to mother and baby, support for breastfeeding, the physiology of breastfeeding, latch and position being key, dispelling common myths, overcoming common difficulties, breastfeeding and returning to work and maintaining a happy breastfeeding relationship with your baby.

• Newborn care:  decisions in the delivery room ie: routine shots and tests, buying for your baby, bringing your baby home, cord and infant care, diapers, making decisions as parents, safety in and around the home.

These classes are very in depth and are aimed at not only helping you manage your labor, but also informing you of choices available to you throughout pregnancy, birth and early parenting. The whole course is designed to meet your needs without you having to make separate bookings for different classes as you so often have to at the hospital.

Resources:

I have an ever increasing lending library that you are welcome to borrow from for the duration of your course or by arrangement. Below you will see some examples of books

I also have a range of equipment that is available for short term hire so that you can see if it appeals to you and your family before spending money on purchases. These items include, slings, cloth nappies, breastfeeding cushions and other equipment.



Library books:

- a small selection of what is on offer

Babies