Lynda Leach > antenatal classes

Meeting the needs of new fathers is crucial. Fathers should be closely involved in the antenatal process. There will be opportunities for men to talk to each other and express their needs. Practical suggestions will be offered to men about how to prepare themselves and how to support their partners.

Relaxation and breathing will be taught as coping strategies to help manage pain and stress during labour and in everyday situations.

To meet the differing learning needs of the class members, a mixture of teaching techniques and aids will be used. As well as being an experienced Midwife, Lynda has facilitation skills and a sound understanding of adult learning needs and group dynamics. The focus will be on facilitating discussion and learning. There will be a strong interactive element.

People attend antenatal classes for a variety of reasons. Some do so in order to meet and talk to other prospective parents. Some come for information. Many will have read and “surfed” widely about childbirth and they will want an opportunity to clarify matters they have already considered.

Lynda will provide members of the class with balanced, researched-based and realistic information to enable them to reach informed decisions.

The topics covered in the classes will include:

• Antenatal period: pelvic floor exercises, perineal massage, exercise and nutrition
• All aspects of labour: early signs of labour, coping strategies, labour positions and pain relief (orthodox and self-help)
• Procedures for induction of labour, Ventouse deliveries, forceps deliveries and caesarean sections • Caring for babies; including both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding
• Parental life after birth
• Making time for each other
• Accessing appropriate external support

A detailed agenda has been established for the course but, within this framework, participants will have the opportunity to add their own issues to this agenda.

Appropriate handouts will be provided in support of many of the topics covered in the classes; for example, pelvic floor exercises. Also, there will be additional handouts; for example, a list of the things which women will need to bring into the hospital with them.

Finally, for women and their partners who would prefer to have antenatal preparation provided on a strictly personal basis, at their homes, this can be arranged.