Session topics

    • How physiological (aka “natural”) birth unfolds: the stages of labour (duration, physical changes, hormonal changes, mind/emotion, experience)

    • Birth philosophies and beliefs and why they matter

    • Recommended resources

    • Techniques to shift mindset from fear/risk-based to trust and confidence

    • What makes a birth “great” and what you and your partner can do to maximize your chances for a positive experience

    • End of pregnancy: what a “due” date really means

    • Induction

    • Early labour: what is it like, how long does it take, what to do

    • How to know you are in labour, when to head to the hospital/call your care provider

    • The importance of continuous care/support and how to get it

    • The role of your mind, emotions, and inner narrative in birth

    • The role of hormones during birth

    • Physical measures of coping: hip squeeze, massage, comfort, rest

    • Psychological measures of coping: calm environment, breathing techniques, deep relaxation

    • Active labour and transport to hospital

    • Transition (the phase of labour at the end of the opening of the cervix and leading into pushing)

    • Pushing

    • Common interventions in routine maternity care: vaginal exams, artificial rupture of membranes, fetal monitoring, coached pushing, episiotomies

    • Partner: how to be a great support person and an advocate for your partner’s wishes and your birth plan

    • Physical measures of coping during active/transition/pushing phases

    • Psychological measures of coping: breath, mantra, leaning into sensations

    • Increase skill of deep relaxation (with distractions and movement)

    • Placenta birth and immediate postpartum (“golden hour(s)”)

    • Introduction to breastfeeding (early initiation, common issues, when and where to get help)

    • Sleep (realistic expectations, common issues, when and where to get help)

    • Baby care (tests/medications commonly recommended; you’re going home with a baby, now what?!)

    • Dealing with birth grief or trauma

    • Mental health and wellbeing in postpartum

    • “Dress rehearsal”: we will put all the learned skills together – and discuss what to do if it all goes out the window

    • Medical measures (medical pain relief, epidurals, labour augmentation, vacuum/forceps, cesarean)

    • How to tell if something is an emergency vs. emergent

    • Cascade of interventions and how to avoid it

    • Your rights and how to advocate for them

These topics are suggestions and can be adapted to clients’ needs and specific interests.