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Antenatal, Birth Preparation & Fourth Trimester Courses
Research-led education for Mums-to-be, created and delivered by a qualified Midwife and registered Nursing and Midwifery teacher, and a qualified pregnancy exercise and movement therapist.
Pre-conception/ Early Pregnancy
Online course coming Spring 2019.
Suitable pre-conception to 26 weeks pregnant.
Achieving optimal health prior to conception.
The importance of diet and exercise in the first and second trimester of pregnancy.
The long term impact of lifestyle choices on long term health of mum and baby.
Common micronutrient deficiencies and their affect on conception, pregnancy outcomes and mother and baby’s health.
Safe exercise for before pregnancy and during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Antenatal Birth Preparation
Suitable from 26 weeks.
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Every session combines appropriate theory with practical, safe exercise.
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Prepare physically, psychologically and emotionally for labour and birth.
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Learn about what to expect during labour and birth and how you can increase the likelihood of normal birth.
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Gain knowledge to help improve the long term health of you and your baby, including discussion of the latest evidence about key nutrients and lifestyle in late pregnancy and the potential impact on long term health.
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Gain essential knowledge about how to support your body in recovering from birth and returning to pre-pregnancy state in the early postnatal period.
Fourth Trimester Postnatal Care
Suitable up to 3 months post-delivery.
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Gain knowledge about how to optimally support your body recovering from birth, as muscle mass, metabolism, hormones and organs return to their pre-pregnancy state.
Learn about the importance of the postnatal period for long term health of mothers and babies.
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Safe exercise during initial postnatal period in order to start re-connecting with your core and pelvic floor.
Get practical advice and support.
Antenatal Birth Preparation Course
Five 2 hour sessions
Session 1
Healthy Lifestyle In The 3rd Trimester
Theory - Learn about healthy eating and exercise during the third trimester and its impact on long term health for mothers and their babies. This session includes advice and guidance on the most beneficial nutrition, safe exercise and alleviation of common ailments in the third trimester.
Practical - 'Get Fit for Birth'. Learn exercises that will build your strength to help you manage the third trimester and movements that mimic the demands of labour and birth.
You'll receive a free equipment pack, which will include a pilates ball, and two resistance bands.
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Session 2
Preparing Your Body For Birth
Theory - Learn about the physiological changes, which prepare your body for birth and initiate the labour process. This session gives practical advice about an active lifestyle in preparation for labour and birth and initiation of labour.
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Practical - 'Prepare for Birth'. Learn specific core exercises the will facilitate the passage of your baby and help to allow the core muscles to assist with the process of birth. A strong core can adapt and allow birth to happen. Appropriate core exercises will also minimise Diastasis Recti and maintain pelvic floor function.
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Session 3
Active Birth
Theory - Learn about the normal labour and birth process, and what to expect. This session gives practical advice and guidance which may shorten your labour and birth, improve the likelihood of a normal birth and improve your ability to cope with pain. It also covers practical advice for birth partners to support you.
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Practical - 'Stretch, Release and Relax'. Flexible and supple muscles help increase pelvic space, and are better able to release and yield during the birth process. Learn effective exercises and breathing techniques to relax and release muscles whilst keeping your joints safe.
Please bring along your birthing ball. Birthing partners are welcome to attend this session with you.
Session 4
Immediately After Birth
Theory - Learn about your physiological recovery in the first days following birth. Topics covered include healing after caesarean and normal birth, as well as essential nutrition and exercise to support recovery in the early days.
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Practical - 'Motherhood Movement'. Learn exercises that will help prepare you for the unique ways you will move as a Mother. Learning these movements and training for them during pregnancy will make recovery, core restoration and life much easier.
Please bring along your babies car seat.
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Session 5
The Postnatal Period (0-6 weeks)
Theory - This session covers physiological changes in the first 6 weeks in further depth as some bodily systems return to pre-pregnancy state. Learn ways you can actively support recovery and what to expect. Practical advice and guidance about caring for your baby, advice on infant feeding and common challenges or concerns in the early weeks.
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Practical - 'Recover from Birth'. The first 6 weeks is solely about rest and recovery, but what exercises can you safely do to start reconnecting with your core and pelvic floor during this time?
Dad's are welcome to attend this session.
Fourth Trimester Care Course
Two 1.5 hour sessions
Session 1
The First Year After Childbirth
Theory - Learn about the first year of recovery following childbirth and lifestyle to support your body and baby during this process. Topics covered include metabolic and hormonal changes, nutritional demands, diet and exercise advice and optimising infant health.
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Practical - 'Recover and Retrain'. Following your GP postnatal check-up, this is the all-clear to commence your rehabilitation (not return to pre-pregnancy exercise). Learn about what exercises are appropriate after a vaginal or c-section delivery. Receive a Diastasis Recti check and learn how to heal any lingering abdominal separation/'mummy tummy'. This session is about building the foundations to support your future health and fitness journey.
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Session 2
Core and Pelvic Floor Health
Theory - Learn about the function, recovery and restoration of your core and pelvic floor after childbirth.
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Practical - 'Restore'. Learn how to be core and pelvic floor safe when you're ready to increase the intensity of your exercise - how to manage intra-abdominal pressure, prevent back pain and pelvic floor dysfunction such as leaking and prolapse.