BIRTH PREPARATION +
Antenatal course in Shrewsbury & Online
The antenatal class that combines antenatal education, hypnobirthing tools, evidence based information and passed down wisdom and knowledge.
I talk to so many women who are anxious about giving birth....
And I get it and understand. They aren't necessarily worried about the pain and birth itself. They are fearful of the maternity system. Will they be listened to, and what about birth trauma? I often hear them say, “I’m just going to go with the flow”. “Birth is so unpredictable, what’s the point in learning about it”. “I already know I’m high risk so, so many options have been removed from me”. My heart breaks, as this simply is not the case.
We hugely underestimate what it takes to give birth and hugely overestimate what the maternity system can provide. Birth Preparation+ provides families like yours with the tools, support, information, and evidence they need to have an empowering and positive birthing experience.
Whether the birth is everything you hoped for or you are thrown curve ball after curve ball to navigate, the antenatal course, which is realistic and judgment-free, will help you make whatever type of birth you have the right one. The three pillars throughout the course are Informed, Supported and Prepared.
Whatever birth you are planning, be that a homebirth that you didn’t think was ‘allowed’ or the caesarean birth you nervously really want but don’t know how to communicate with your care team, we are here to help and are with you every step of the way. A handhold throughout.
THE BIRTH PREPARATION+ COURSE INCLUDES:
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A complete antenatal & postnatal preparation
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7 x 2-hour sessions
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Guided relaxation MP3s (For pregnancy, birth & beyond)
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Course Companion
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Birth Preferences Template
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Birth Bag Packing List
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Birth Nerd Hub with extra resources, links & information
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Support within the Birth Nerd Community WhatsApp Chat
John, Shrewsbury
HIGHLY recommend Steph. Within just 30 minutes of the course we learnt more than our entire NCT course. Steph is knowledgeable, patient and full of great advice for Mums and Dads
Abbey, Telford
The course is so much more than a course, it's acess to Steph, who is just so knowledgeable, logical and helpful! I am so grateful we have done this, this time and have her support
Ben, Shrewsbury
Absolutely fantastic course!! As a birth partner it's hard to put into words quite how invaluable the tuition and support has been. Whilst things may never always go to plan when it comes to birthing, it's provided us with the knowledge to make informed decision. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend
The Birth Prep
How the Mind & Body Works
In this module we will explore how your mindset can your views on birth, the choices you make and the way birth physically works.
Decision Making & Communication
We explore how to make informed decisions and where to access information. However we won't stop there. We will look at how to communicate what you need with your care providers in a way that doesn’t feel hard, confrontational or scary.
Choices: Caesarean birth, Common Interventions, Birth Place & Pain Relief
There are a lot of choices when it comes to pregnancy and birth. At first it might feel overwhelming but I am here to help you understand them and help work out what is best for you and your baby. We look at all your birth place choices- hospital, midwife led unit and home. The pros and cons of each place, practicalities and the ‘what if’ situations. Caesarean birth, a method of birth experienced by 1 in 4 women in the UK. We explore what to expect from a caesarean and what choices you have. Common Interventions - This is an important module that explores the (rapidly rising) common interventions in labour, induction & instrumental birth. Looking at what these things involve, what can be done to avoid them (if you want to) and how to make them positive if they are needed. Pain management in labour. Covering your medical options of pain relief like epidurals, opiates or gas & air. To the holistic options like massage techniques, tens machines and waterbirth,
Labour & Birth (what to expect)
I call it the birth partner guide. The birthing mums will tackle everything that comes their way but it is often the birth support team who are standing on the sidelines, watching and wondering how the hell they can help. We will explore what birth feels like and looks like, the other choices you might face along the way, the pushing stage, the first hour after birth and how to put together your preferences for birth.
The Postnatal Prep
The 4th Trimester
We will explore what’s going on for your baby in those first few weeks after birth. Normal newborn behaviour with a focus on normal, evolutionary baby behaviour!
Basic Baby Care
All your basic baby care, safe sleep, bedsharing, nappy changing, bathing, cord care.
Infant Feeding
Boobs, bottles and everything in between. A holistic and inclusive deep dive into infant feeding. From breastfeeding- including positioning & attachment, signs they are ‘getting enough’, common pitfalls and normal feeding behaviour, to bottle feeding formula or expressed milk.
Post Birth Recovery
The bit that people rarely talk about! You will discover what to expect from YOUR perspective in your post birth recovery. From a vaginal birth to caesarean recovery, bleeding, tears, mental health and hormones.
MY WHY
I have been teaching hypnobirthing and antenatal education since 2018.
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Autumn 2022 saw the launch of, Birth Preparation+ designed and written by myself, drawing on all of my knowledge and experience as a midwife, birth educator and birth doula. I have over 16 years of experience and I know exactly what it takes to fully prepare for pregnancy, birth and beyond.
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I loved being a midwife but all of the red tape, mismanagement, time pressures and system failures led me to burn out and I walked away. But my passion for birth remained strong and I am here now supporting and educating people like you. Taking you from worried, anxious, and overwhelmed to informed, excited and most of all prepared, for every birth. Whilst holding your hand every step of the way.
Birth Preparation+
The antenatal class that combines antenatal education, hypnobirthing tools, evidence based information and passed down wisdom and knowledge. You will be able to make informed educated decisions that are right for you. Opening your eyes, your mind and finding your power.
Group - In Person (Shrewsbury)
I teach small groups of up to 6 couples at a time (or 6 mums and their chosen birth partners). A group allows you to connect with other expectant parents, bounce ideas around, share thoughts and learn with others. Working in a smaller group compared to large organisations means you can work with me closely, share your thoughts and feel relaxed without overwhelm. It also provides plenty of time to ask questions as we go. There are 5 in-person sessions with me, followed by 2 online sessions. There will be a week between the sessions. This allows you time between sessions to reflect, read, research and practice any tools or techniques. You will also be invited to join a group WhatsApp where I’m on hand to answer questions, share videos and valuable links until everyone’s babies have arrived earth side. £275 The space can be secured with a £75 deposit with the remaining balance due 3 days before the course starts.
Private
A private course offers a more personal and tailored experience. When booking a private course, you receive one to one support from me outside of our sessions via a WhatsApp group between us. Whilst the programme has been carefully curated, if you have specific topics of interest, particular concerns or areas you would like to focus on, working 1-2-1 will allow this. Some people feel more comfortable working one-to-one, and it provides a safe space for you to relax and release. Private courses are also ideal if you are near the end of your pregnancy, if group dates don’t work, or you need flexibility. £585 Payment can be in full or £85 deposit followed by 5 monthly payments of £100.
Group - Online
The same great benefits of the in-person group but offered live online via Zoom. Get all of the pregnancy, birth, feeding, and parenthood prep you need from the comfort of your home. The beauty with online is that you can join from all over the UK and from across the World £275 The space can be secured with a £75 deposit with the remaining balance due 3 days before the course starts.
