Antenatal appointments

Session 1

In our first session together, we begin the wonderful journey of getting to know one another. Building a relationship where you trust me and feel comfortable to share your thoughts and feelings openly. Being invited on this journey alongside you is a great honour and I want you to know that I am always here if you need anything.

We begin by exploring your beliefs around birth and how these can shape your experience and upcoming birth. Discussing your desires for your birth and any fears you may have as you embark on this journey.

Next, we will discuss physiological birth, the hormones involved, the stages of labour and what to expect as your birth unfolds. We will explore transition, the pushing phase, meeting your baby and the importance of protecting the golden hours after birth. 

Before the session please watch:

Module 1 - Beliefs about birth

• Introduction to beliefs about birth

• Your birth vision

• Mindset

• Your belief system

Module 3 - Physiological birth

• Introduction - Physiological birth 

• Physiological birth

• The hormones of birth

• Quick Biology lesson

• Stages of labour - what to expect

• Timing contractions

• Knowing when to go to hospital 

• Active labour

• Transition

• Pushing your baby out

• Protecting your perineum

• Golden hour after birth

• Birthing your placenta

• Blood loss

• What will my baby look like

Homework after session 1

• Reflect on your beliefs around birth and stories you have heard from family and friends. How do these beliefs influence your experience and what would you like to modify?

• Make notes of any fears or anxieties about your pregnancy, birth and postpartum. For each worry, practice flipping it around into a positive and empowering affirmation. Discuss these with your partner.

• Start a birth preference document. Just begin by listing initial thoughts and hopes for your birth experience. We will discuss this in our next session in more detail. Your birth preference list will evolve as you learn through this experience. 

• Start a daily practice of listening to a guided meditation. It is a wonderful way to connect with your body, mind and baby. 

Please make any notes in your workbook of anything that you would like to discuss with me further in our sessions.

Session 2

In our second session, we’ll talk all about birth mapping—also known as birth planning. Birth mapping is a process where we explore the different possibilities and scenarios that may arise during labour and birth. Together, we’ll look at potential outcomes, interventions, and your preferences so you can develop a plan or strategy for each situation.

The purpose of birth mapping is to help you feel informed, prepared, and empowered throughout your birthing journey. It gives you space to consider your values, priorities, and the choices that align with your desired birth experience.

When creating your birth map, we will explore topics such as:
• Interventions and medical procedures
• Unexpected scenarios
• Communication and advocacy

By discussing these “less than ideal” possibilities, the goal is for you to feel a greater sense of confidence and control. Birth mapping isn’t about predicting the exact course of your labour, but about equipping you to make informed decisions and navigate your experience with flexibility and assurance.

Before this session please watch:

Module 5 - Advocacy

• Birth in a hospital system

• Informed consent

• Policy V’s evidence

• Weighing up risk

Module 6 - When you need more - Pain Relief Options

• When pain becomes suffering…what then?

• Pharmaceutical Pain relief

Module 7 - Induction

• Natural induction

• Medical induction

• Artificial Rupture of Membranes

• Balloon Catheter

• Synthetic Oxytocinon drip

• Prostaglandin Gel

• Stretch and sweep

• Top tips for a positive induction

Module 8 - Medical intervention

• The three types of fetal monitoring

• Vaginal examinations

• Episiotomy

• Assisted delivery

• Caesarean section

• Tips for a Caesarean birth

Module 10

• Writing your birth preferences
   

Homework after session 2

• Reflect on what was discussed in session 2 and keep adding to your birth preference list. Including your preferences for each stage of labour, pain relief options and possible medical interventions. Also keeping a flexible mindset as unexpected circumstances may arise as your labour and birth unfold.

• Explore podcasts, read books and watch birth videos on Youtube. Please let me know if I can send you my recommendations. 

Session 3

In our next session, we will explore a range of coping strategies to support you throughout your natural labour journey. Our goal is to equip you with a toolkit of effective techniques that will help you navigate the intensity of labour while trusting in your body’s innate ability to birth your baby.

Creating a birth space which enhances comfort and relaxation in labour is very important. We discuss setting up your birth space and how thinking about the five senses can enhance your experience (music, lighting, aromatherapy, personal items) 

We will discuss and practice optimal maternal positioning and how certain positions can enhance labour progress and increase comfort.

In addition, we will cover breathing techniques, vocalisation and visualisation, exploring how these tools can help you stay relaxed, present and focused during contractions.

We’ll take time to look at the power of positive words and affirmations, and how they can shape your mindset and help create a supportive birthing environment. If there are any affirmations or phrases that resonate with you, please feel free to share them on the day.

We will discuss the very important role of your birth partner and how they can actively support you during this process. They will have a cheat sheet to refer to with practical suggestions so they can feel prepared and confident in their role.

Before this session please watch:

Module 3 - Physiological Birth

• Is Baby in position? What you need to know before labour begins

• Get your baby into position

• Setting up your birth space

• Positive birth space ideas

Module 4 - Coping with Labour

• Reframing pain

• Comfort measures for Labour

• Stay present

• Key words and affirmations

• Fuelling your body

• Internal coping strategies

• External coping strategies

Homework after session 3

• Continue adding to your birth preferences list

• Practice movement and positions together. Which positions feel comfortable and intuitive to you? Get familiar with a birth ball and practice regularly so it becomes familiar

• Create a plan for your birth space. Considering elements such as lighting, music and aromatherapy. Look at the checklist in the workbook for ideas.

• Write down some coping strategies that you can begin to incorporate into your daily rhythm. Choosing a few breathing techniques, visualisations and vocalisations that resonate with you. 

• Print out your birth partner cheat sheet and discuss them together. 

• Practice daily affirmations that help make you feel positive, confident and supported. Stick them around the house as daily reminders. 

• Create a vision board - this can include affirmations and photos that inspire you.

Session 4

In our last session we will be exploring all the ways your partner can provide unwavering support to you throughout your birthing journey. Equipping them with knowledge, tools and the confidence to support you every step of the way.

We will discuss the importance of emotional support, physical comfort measures and effective communication. 

We will practice some natural pain relieving massage techniques. By having the opportunity to practice these techniques together, you will be able to share what feels good and what doesn't, allowing us to fine tune the approach to match your unique needs.

Together we will revise your birth map and finalise any changes. 

I will bring the TENS Machine, Rebozo and Birth Sling as well as share some other options to include in your labour toolkit as well as what I have in my doula bag.

This session is all about discovering what works best for you, giving us insight into how we can confidently give you the supportive touch you need in labour.  

Effective communication in the birth space is essential. We will discuss how your partner can advocate for your preferences and needs in labour. We will cover important phases they can use when interacting with care providers to ensure you feel heard and respected.  

We will discuss Fast birth. Although this scenario is unlikely, it does occasionally happen and having a plan for this makes everyone feel reassured.

We will also briefly discuss postpartum and breastfeeding and I will share any resources with you. 

Lastly we will clarify when and how to communicate with me when labour begins and when to expect my support. 

By the end of this session your birth partner will feel confident, empowered and ready to step into the role of ultimate support person. 

Before this session please watch:

Module 11 - Birth Partner Support

• Top tips for birth partners

• How to be her practical support

Module 12 - How to feed Your Baby

• Feeding your baby

• Establishing Breastfeeding

• When your milk comes in

• Tips for Breastfeeding

• Mixed feeding

Module 13 - Changes ahead

• Things are about to change

Module 14 - Life with a newborn

• What are the baby blues?

• How do you treat the blues

• Things to know if the early weeks - Baby

• Things to know in the early weeks - You

• Final word

Homework after session 4

• Finalise your birth map

• Practice your massage and acupressure techniques

• Share vision board/unique coping tools cheat sheet with birth team

• Create a birth support plan outlining expectations and duties for the day eg. packing car, other children etc

• Set aside time with yourself/partner/family/friends to enjoy time together before the baby arrives