Prepare4birth have created a prenatal workshop for expectant parents based on our experience of working with pregnant women and their partners. This workshop gives emphasis on the birth partner having a sound knowledge of how to support the woman in labour by providing him/her with a unique "tool bag" of breathing, massage and coaching techniques.

The Prepare4birth workshop is designed for couples and you can choose to take the workshop privately or on a small group basis. The duration and frequency of private classes can largely be tailored to suit and meet your needs.

Apart from practical tools for use during the birth process, this workshop will also provide information to help you decide where and how you want to welcome your baby.

When should we attend the workshop?

We are flexible about when you attend, but would suggest it is between 24 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. However, we recommend attending earlier rather than later as it will give you a chance to practice the exercises from the workshop in time for the birth. This workshop is of great benefit to couples having their first baby as well as couples that have already given birth and are pregnant again.

Due to the limited number of places, these classes can get booked up quickly so it is advisable to book early to ensure your place. Booking is carried out on a first come first serve basis. Your place will only be confirmed upon receipt of full payment and the completion of the booking form if a space is still available.

What will we learn in the workshop?

Our focus will be on the birth process and you will also be asked at the beginning of the workshop to write down any questions that you would like answered during the day. This makes each workshop unique to your needs. As a guideline the topics we cover are:

• The stages of labour and the process of a straightforward birth
• Self help methods and pain relief options
• Relaxations and visualizations
• Hormones and the effect the birth environment has on labour
• The role of the birth partner
• Positions to encourage straightforward labour and birth
• Hospital procedures and communicating with health professionals
• Induction and Augmentation

What makes this workshop different from the other antenatal classes?

The unique "tool bag" that you will be taking away from this day will give the birth partner the confidence to use massage, breathing and coaching techniques in a way which will be supportive to the labouring woman. You will also receive straight forward information about the birth process and your options. Our belief is that giving women and their partners the information and knowledge to make choices for themselves in labour will lead to a happy memory of the birth, whatever the circumstances. Our focus is on you both, as a couple, to make your bond even stronger and prepare you for the months and years ahead with your child.

How much does it cost?

The price of the one day workshop is £150.00 per couple. Once you have filled out the booking form, we will inform you via e-mail whether we have a place available on your requested date or on your alternative day. You will receive an invoice asking you to pay via internet banking or alternatively you could send us a cheque. Your place will only be confirmed on receipt of full payment.

Please contact Nina if you would like to book a private session. These can be arranged on a one-to-one basis or in a small group setting if there are a few of you that would like to get together.

How is the workshop taught?

We will use evidence based knowledge and will provide information, practical skills and resources to enable you to make informed choices for yourselves and your baby. The workshop is built around the birth process and at each of the stages we will be offering information on how to best support the labouring woman by explaining what happens and also by carrying out "hands on" activities.

We will not be providing medical advice but would encourage you to take any questions about your medical care to your midwife or doctor.

Will I need to bring anything?

We will provide everything that you will need for the course. It is recommended that you wear comfortable casual clothes for the day. You will be taking home an information pack with information we cover on the day. Please bring your own notebook and pen if you would like to make additional notes.

Is there any support beyond the workshop?

There will be a lot of information covered during the day, which means that after the course you may still have some questions. You are welcome to make contact with either of us via telephone or email, using the information detailed on our Contact Us page.