Gilly Keith Antenatal Classes

Class 1	Introductions and your agenda Preparation for the birth – practical and physical Pregnancy health – symptoms to watch Your baby’s movement and optimal positioning Equipping the nursery Understanding the physiology of early labour Recognising early labour and pain management at home Checklist for partners When to go into hospital and what to take in
Class 2	What happens on arrival at hospital How your birth partner can help in labour The physiology of active labour Breathing and relaxation techniques Different positions in labour Pain relief in labour
Class 3	The third stage of labour (delivery of the placenta) If things don’t go to plan Induction and how to get labour started – old wives’ tales ? Medical interventions and procedures Forceps and suction Caesarean section Post-natal care in hospital
Class 4	Breastfeeding Why do some women struggle to breastfeed? The importance of positioning and attachment Feeding cues Frequency of feeds Is my baby thriving ? Formula feeding/sterilisation
Class 5	Writing a birth plan The first few weeks with your baby Managing at home – what to expect Caring for your baby Adapting to parenthood Community midwife + health visitor roles Support network + post-natal groups