One to one, private and refresher courses are tailored to fit the needs of the client. Cost 50 euros per hour.

As of 2011 courses will now begin on a monthly basis and will consist of one full Saturday plus 3 Tuesday evenings

Week 1 - Saturday from 10.00 - 16.00

All About Labour and how to support the labouring woman

After meeting and learning a little about each other in your group we will explore any worries, anxieties and questions you bring with you from your culture and background.

• How can you make Dutch maternity system meet your expectations?

• Is it really OK if I choose a homebirth?  (Answer - absolutely!)

• The early signs of labour

• When you should go to hospital or call the midwife
• What labour is like physically and emotionally?

• How you can cope, pace yourself and conserve your energy in order to get through those 10 cms!
• What forms of pain management are available both self-help and drug-related - pros and cons

Changing our attitude and understanding of labour pain.
We will examine how a woman's body is designed to give birth and consider how we have achieving this birth for millions of years.  We will look at how to create a birth environment to assist a successful labour and what factors influence the hormones we need to birth well.
You will also learn about breathing awareness; how to alter your breathing to avoid exhaustion and maintain control.  As well as recognising tension and letting go where it is not needed.  We will combine breathing with massage and positions for labour that can ease the pain and speed up the process. We will be exploring

• What will I feel when I need to push my baby out?

• What positions will optimise and shorten second stage.

For birth partners I stress the need for them to remember the birthing Mums wishes.  A labouring woman should feel confident enough to leave the details to her partner.

Week 2 – First Tuesday evening

Induction (when your baby is overdue or labour slows down) and when is a ceasarean necessary

Induction can signal the start of what is technically known as ‘the cascade of intervention’ and without preparation parents can be traumatised by drips and equipment they did not know existed in a medicalised labour environment.  Therefore, it is important that we know what is involved in an induction.

• "Will I need an epidural or pethidine as I’ve heard induction is generally more painful?"

• What are the consequences of certain types of drugs?

• Can they increase the risk of forceps and ventouse?

This week we will explore the circumstances for when a caesarean section may be necessary, discover what happens in a caesarean and how can parents can influence the outcome. We will take a look at what happens if your baby is breech;

• what procedures will be offered?

• Do you have to opt for caesarean or can you still have a vaginal birth?  (Answer -) Yes - with a very experienced gynaecologist a vaginal birth is still possible.)

This can be a very intense evening as we explore medical intervention which happens in about 65% of first-time births.  So we like to end the session by some relaxing massage and visualisations to help if these situations do arise.

Week 3 – Second Tuesday evening (for the women only)

What happens to my body after birth? The Mums-to-be explore both the physical and emotional changes they are likely to experience once baby has arrived, coping with that transition to motherhood, the new you, the importance of time for yourself.

This evening is dedicated to exploring labour and birth in a more expressive way through dance, singing, art, story telling and relaxation.  It is to mark the occasion of carrying this baby as a very special time in your life.

Week 4 – Third Tuesday

Life after birth

This week we will look at feeding your baby;

• What does the current research tell us?

• What can we expect in the first few days?

• How do I get the baby to latch on correctly?

• How do I know my baby is getting enough?

You will discover what physically happens internally in the breast whilst feeding.  You will pick up tips for avoiding infections and there will be a discussion on expressing and storing milk along with going back to work.  We shall also explore where you can get help and support when feeding your baby.

During this session we will also be exploring time management with a newborn;

• What does a baby need in a 24 hour period?

• Can a baby fit into your current lifestyle?

• How can you meet both your needs and the baby's?

The aim of the exercise is that a couple goes home with some ideas on how to problem-solve running a household with a new baby to care for.  How it will impact on your time, your sleep, how you shop, eat, cook, and is there room for couple time?

The last part of the session is thrown open to the group. Some issues raised

• prevention of cot death,
• Where do I go when my baby is ill,
• how to cope with colic and crying,
• why do babies cry?
• what does my baby wear in bed?
• what temperature should the room be that baby sleeps in?

Before wishing you luck with your imminent birth and new adventures we conclude with a ‘coming home with baby’ relaxation.