A Stór Mo Chroí Antenatal

I trained as a midwife 8 years ago, and since that time, I have continued to work in a busy maternity hospital in Dublin. In that time, I have realised that no 2 couples are the same, and no 2 pregnancies or birth experiences are the same either. Every day I go in to work, I get to witness the miracle of childbirth. I get to see the unbelievable inner strength of labouring women, and the love and compassion between the woman and her birthing partner during one of the most special and intimate time of their lives.

I feel that there is a lot of fear and anxiety surrounding childbirth, and this has got worse over the last few years. I also feel that the hospital classes, while they are useful, book up very quickly, and are sometimes very overcrowded with little room for open discussion or asking questions. I also feel that education is key to relieving some of the fear and anxieties that couples may have.
I strongly believe that by understanding what exactly what is happening to your body, and why it is happening, while all the time knowing that this is all perfectly normal, helps you to trust your body to birth your baby. Your body is amazing, it knows exactly what to do.

This is where I come in. I have set up some private antenatal classes whereby, couples can educate themselves in all things pregnancy and childbirth related. classes are tailored to each individual couples needs.
Ideally, classes are held in the couples own home, at a time that suits them. I have found that this is becoming more and more popular. these classes can be held 1 evening per week, for 3 weeks. Please contact me to see if this service is available in your area.

Group classes are held in small groups to facilitate a relaxed and trusting environment, where couples can feel free to ask questions, and chat about their worries or concerns.
These classes are held over 2 days at the weekend.

course content includes ( but is not restricted to):
* the third trimester minor ailments, and how to alleviate them
* the physiology of labour, how the labouring body actually works
* signs of labour
* coping mechanisms for labour at home
* when to go to the hospital, and what happens when you get there
* pain relief options ( both pharmacological and non pharmacological)
* positions for labour and birth
* tips for birthing partners
* special circumstances, and making decisions
* feeding your baby, an open non judgemental discussion
* making a birth preference list, discussion and help with writing same.

this list is not exhaustive, please contact me beforehand if there is anything you would like covered on the course, or feel free to ask questions on the day

I look forward to hearing from you