We are currently offering 2 Antenatal class options: 

Beautiful Births Antenatal classes with Erika

I believe antenatal preparation is fundamental to improving birth experiences. Over the years I have seen society dramatise childbirth as a difficult medical event which every women must endure. This leaves couples frightened and apprehensive about what is to come. So, determined to inform prospective parents about the truth around birth I formulated Beautiful Births birthing classes. These classes will put the scare stories into perspective, prepare you for the journey your body is going on, inform you realistically of what really goes on in birth, tell you what to expect and how to deal with the unexpected! You can remain calm and in control of your birth throughout if you are prepared. If you are well-informed you can approach your birth with confidence, joy and
excitement.

The classes are brought to you with knowledge, honesty and humour in an innovative way and in a relaxed manner. My aim is you will have fun as well as gain the knowledge and confidence you need.

Your personal session will be tailored to suit your needs but can cover topics such as:

• Physiology of labour – Understanding this can help you use your body to your advantage
• Practical techniques for labour and relaxation
• Water birth
• Coping with labour techniques 
  
• Medical pain relief
• What to expect if things don’t go to plan and how to deal with it if that happens
  
• Communicating effectively with your health professionals
• Birthing partner’s role, Dads are important too
• Postnatal changes
• Practical tips for coping with and understanding your new baby
• Help with breastfeeding
• Help with bottle feeding
• Options for birth such as home birth, hospital birth, water birth and the type of birth experience you’d like
• Relaxation
• Evidence based, recent, relevant advice and information
  Classes are organised in two 2.5 hour sessions
  
  
  Please call Erika on 07828719278 for more info with regards to fees or to book a class.
  

AND

Birthing in Awareness classes with Rachel 

These classes incorporate my knowledge and experience of birth with my practice as a pregnancy yoga teacher. You can choose whether you'd like 2 separate sessions of 2.5 hours or a full morning/ afternoon. These classes are also personally adapted to what you would particularly like to cover, I allow plenty of time for you to ask all the questions you may have and also provide follow-up resources if you have further questions or would like to see the research evidence on a particular issue. I aim to empower you and your partner with knowledge and understanding to help you birth with awareness. 

​TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:

- The Physiology of labour, what exactly is happening in your body, the hormones involved and the role your partner/birth supporter can play at each stage to optimise your environment so you can remain calm and confident in your body's ability to give birth. (Also includes discussion around home birth, hospital birth, water birth.)

-Active birth positions: How to work with your body and help your baby find the optimal position for birth.

- Techniques to help you & your partner stay calm, the role of the breath, including helpful practices, integrative hypnosis and relaxation techniques, basic massage for labour, pressure points, positive affirmations

-Decision making and techniques to remain calm if the unexpected arises or your birth journey takes a different path to your original plan

-When are interventions necessary?  how best to avoid them/ processing previous experiences 

-The early days of parenting, information on nurturing the mother in the first 6 weeks after birth, preparing for feeding your baby and local resources 

-Nutrition tips and recipes for birth and breastfeeding

Included is an aromatherapy massage oil for you to use during your labour and recommended reading and further resources

 
Fee: £250 + travel from Southbourne. 

Please call Rachel on 07830261160 to book