Prenatal Class: Childbirth Prep, Postpartum and Newborn Care - 4 Weeks
Karrie Skillings has been a a Maternal Health Nurse of 25 years and a recently certified BIRTHING FROM WITHIN® mentor. She is a mother of 2 children and has previously worked in paediatrics at sick kids in Toronto. Karrie has been teaching prenatal classes for public health for several years and has now joined with The WOMB to infuse a traditional prenatal curriculum with the soulful and holistic philosophy of Birthing from Within. Her approach to birth and parenting preparation integrates experiential exercises, hands on learning and focused discussion.
This childbirth preparation class covers information needed to make the best decisions possible for families and their baby’s. Birthing mothers and partners will learn about how their personal strengths can be used as coping practices during their birth and parenting experience; whether things go as planned or when something unexpected takes the journey on a detour.
Our prenatal series is recommended for expectant families to attend early in the 3rd trimester. This series is now being offered in person in four weekly 2 hour evening sessions for $165/couple.
Add our Prenatal Breastfeeding Class with Sarah Harmer, IBCLC for $50/couple (regular $75).
Topics include:
Session 1: Labour and Birth
Preparing for your labour and birth
What is a "normal" birth?
Understand the anatomy and physiology of birth - what to expect at each stage of late pregnancy and labour both physically and emotionally.
Session 2: Confidence and Comfort Measures
Build confidence in yourself to birth your way
Build confidence as a birth partner being an effective support person through each stage of labour and birth
Gain knowledge about making empowered decisions in labour
Learn how fear affects childbirth,
Bringing your home to the hospital
Develop pain managing practices for labour including breath awareness, visualization, use of positions, and other advanced comfort measures
Understand when it is compassionate to use drugs and epidurals
Demystifying any potential medical procedures that may be required during your birth
Understanding a Caesarean Birth
Session 3: Postpartum Changes
Understand birth recovery and learn the ins-and-outs of the postpartum period for a smoother and softer transition to parenthood
Normal physical changes that occur in the 6 weeks after birth
Birth control options after baby
The difference between baby blues and postpartum depression and strategies to cope with both
Postpartum depression in partners
The importance of partner involvement
What is it like bringing a baby home?
Basics of breastfeeding
Session 4: Newborn Care and Safety
Learn how to care for and feed your newborn
Understanding newborn characteristics
Common newborn procedures offered to parents after birth
Routine newborn screening offered to parents and why
Important tips for car seats, crib, and sleep safety
Why do babies cry and how can you soothe them?
The importance of healthy attachment and ways to promote it
Establish community resources to support your journey to parenthood
Prenatal Breastfeeding Class
with Sarah Harmer, IBCLC
$50/Couple (regular $75)
Each parent and baby have an innate connection response that make for their ideal breastfeeding "technique".
Facilitated by The WOMB's International Certified Lactation Consultants, The WOMB's Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes will help you understand your baby's biological needs right from birth and how meeting those needs will facilitate increased breastfeeding success and parenting confidence. The class will assist you in establishing a breastfeeding relationship with your baby(ies) from birth and troubleshoot any challenges that may arise.
• how to establish a connection to your baby right from the beginning
• how skin to skin contact helps establish breastfeeding
• where breastmilk comes from and how to ensure a great supply
• the essentials of knowing how to express breastmilk
• what is 'normal' newborn breastfeeding behaviour
• establishing a latch and positioning your baby at the breast
• understanding the relationship between happy babies and full tummies
• the role of partners in the breastfeeding relationship
• what to do in special situations (jaundice, hypoglycemia, weight loss)
• where to get support
• ask questions and get answers!
