Online Antenatal Class - Self Paced

Welcome to Preparing You for Labour!

As the big day approaches, it's natural to feel a mix of excitement and nerves. This section will guide you through everything you need to know to feel empowered, confident, and ready for the journey ahead. Let’s dive in and get you ready for an incredible birth experience!

In this Pregnancy Anatomy section, we’ll take a closer look at the incredible changes happening in your body as it nurtures new life. By gaining a deeper understanding of how your body works during this time, you’ll feel more connected to the amazing process and more confident as you continue your journey toward birth!

In this section, we’ll explore the important role of your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postnatal journey.

Your LMC is there to support, guide, and care for you every step of the way—whether it’s providing essential health checks, offering advice, or being by your side during labour. From pregnancy appointments to your postpartum care, they play a key part in ensuring both you and your baby are well looked after.

In this Birth Plans and Wishes section, we’ll dive into how to create a birth plan that reflects your personal preferences for labour and birth. Whether you envision a specific environment, pain management techniques, or have particular preferences about your care, a birth plan helps communicate your wishes to your birth team. We'll also discuss the importance of flexibility and why Birth Wishes are easier to consider, knowing that things may change on the day.

In this section, we’ll explore the importance of creating a safe, calm space for labour and birth.

Your environment plays a big role in how relaxed and supported you feel, which can help the birthing process unfold more smoothly. Whether it’s dim lighting, soothing scents, or familiar objects that bring comfort, the goal is to make your space feel like a sanctuary where you can focus on your body and your baby.

In this section on Fetal Position, we’ll look at how your baby’s position in your uterus can influence your labour and birth experience. Understanding fetal positioning empowers you to work with your baby and your body, potentially making labour smoother and more comfortable. Let’s explore how to encourage optimal fetal positioning and what to expect if your baby is in a less-than-ideal position.

In this section, we’ll explore the amazing mechanics of your pelvis and how it plays a crucial role during labour. As your baby moves through the birth canal, the bones, muscles, and ligaments of your pelvis work together to help guide their journey.

Knowing how your pelvis works can empower you to use different positions and movements during labour to help your baby navigate through more easily.

In this Taking Care of Your Perineum section, we’ll focus on the importance of caring for the perineal area during pregnancy and after birth.

This sensitive region can be prone to discomfort or tearing during birth. We’ll cover practical tips for strengthening and soothing this area, including massage, relaxation techniques, and postnatal care strategies.

By taking proactive steps now, you can support your body’s healing process and enhance your overall comfort during and after your labour.

In this section on Informed Consent and the BRAIN Acronym, we’ll delve into the importance of making informed choices during your pregnancy, birth and beyond.

By using BRAIN, you can confidently navigate your choices, ensuring that you’re well-informed and aligned with your birth preferences. Let’s explore how to use this tool to advocate for yourself and make empowered decisions throughout your birthing journey.

In the next section on Labour and Birth, we’ll explore the three stages and what to expect during this transformative experience. From early contractions to the final push, we’ll break down each stage of labour, discuss strategies for managing pain, and offer tips to support both you and your baby. Understanding the process helps you feel more prepared and empowered for the big day.

In this section we’ll cover the key indicators that your body is preparing for labour. From changes in your mucus plug to the onset of contractions, these signs can help you recognise when it's time to start heading to your birthing location.

We’ll also discuss how to differentiate between Braxton Hicks Contractions and labour signs, so you can feel more confident and prepared as you approach the big day.

In this section on Labour Stages, we’ll break down the journey of labour into its key stages, from early labour through to delivery.

Understanding these stages helps you know what to expect and how to manage each phase. We’ll cover early contractions, active labour, and transition, leading up to the pushing stage and the arrival of your baby. By familiarising yourself with the progression of labour, you’ll feel more prepared and empowered to navigate each stage with confidence and support.

In this section on The Benefits of Being Upright and Active During Labour, we’ll explore how being upright and moving can positively impact your birthing experience. Adopting upright positions and engaging in gentle movement can help facilitate labour progress, reduce pain, and enhance your comfort. Plus, being active can help you stay focused and empowered during labour.

Discover how simple changes in your position and movement can make a big difference in your labour journey!

In the next section we’ll explore the various methods available for managing pain and supporting your labour. We’ll cover both natural techniques, and medical options, including epidurals and analgesics. Understanding these interventions and pain relief strategies helps you make informed choices about what might work best for you during labour. Whether that's a natural approach or medical pain relief, this section will provide valuable insights to help you prepare.

In this section on Natural Pain Relief Methods, we’ll explore effective ways to manage pain during labour without medical interventions. Understanding these natural approaches allows you to find what works best for you and supports a positive labour experience.

Let’s dive into these soothing techniques and how they can enhance your comfort during labour.

In this section, we’ll address the topic of Pooping During Labour. It’s a common concern and nothing to be embarrassed about. This is a normal part of the process and often happens when the baby’s head is descending. Healthcare providers are prepared for this and will handle it with professionalism and discretion. Understanding this can help you feel more relaxed and focused on the task at hand, knowing that your care team is there to support you every step of the way.

In this section on Nitrous Oxide, we’ll explore how this gas can be used for pain relief during labour. It’s a flexible option that allows you to remain in control of your pain relief, as you can start and stop using it as needed. Nitrous oxide can help you stay more relaxed and engaged in the labour process. Discover how this option might fit into your pain management strategy and what you can expect if you choose to use it.

In this section on Epidurals, we’ll delve into this popular form of pain relief during labour. We'll cover how the procedure is performed, the benefits it offers, and potential side effects.

Understanding how an epidural works can help you decide if it's the right choice for you and prepare you for what to expect during your labour.

In this section, we’ll cover Induction, Forceps, Ventouse, and Episiotomy—four medical interventions that might be used during labour to assist with the delivery of your baby.

We’ll explore how these interventions are performed, their benefits and risks, and how they can impact your birth experience.

Understanding these options helps you feel more prepared and informed about the various possibilities during labour.

In this section we’ll delve into the surgical procedure used to deliver your baby through an incision made in your abdomen and uterus.

A caesarean section may be planned in advance or performed as an emergency measure if complications arise during labour. We’ll cover the reasons a caesarean might be recommended, the procedure itself, recovery expectations, and potential benefits and risks.