Prenatal sessions for expectant parents

Goal

To provide a clear understanding of how the body prepares for childbirth, how to recognise the true onset of labour, and how to act until arriving at the maternity facility.

Topics

• What preparation for childbirth really means
• Hormonal changes before childbirth
• Early signs of labour and the prodromal period
• Practice contractions and how they differ from true contractions
• Changes in the cervix, mucus plug, and abdominal dropping
• Signs of the onset of labour
• Amniotic fluid leakage – what to do and when to go to the maternity facility
• When it is time to go to the hospital for first and subsequent births

Practical

• Breathing for calm during the latent phase
• Positions and movements during the childbirth waiting period
• Recognising and releasing body tension – shoulders, jaw, pelvis
• How to maintain energy and rhythm at the beginning of labour
• Partner support during the waiting stage

Goal

To explain the course of childbirth step by step, the woman’s sensations during each stage, and practical ways to help yourself during labour.

Topics

• Phases of labour and their logic
• The latent and active phase
• Transition stage
• Pushing stage
• Birth of the placenta
• The woman’s sensations during each stage of labour
• The partner’s role during childbirth
• Medical support options – monitoring, pain relief, interventions
• Cooperation with the birth team
• The first minutes after the baby is born – skin-to-skin contact and the beginning of adaptation

Practical

• Basic principles of breathing during different stages of labour
• Movement and position options during childbirth
• Types of partner support during contractions
• Using the voice and body to reduce tension

Goal

To provide clear and balanced information about alternative birth scenarios, so the couple can feel safe even in unexpected situations.

Topics

• When and why labour induction or augmentation is performed
• What to expect if a caesarean section is indicated – planned or urgent
• The partner’s role in the case of a caesarean section
• Emotional recovery after a caesarean section
• How to prepare – flexibility of the birth plan

Practical

• How to prepare for possible medical interventions without unnecessary worry
• How to make informed decisions during childbirth
• How to structure a flexible birth plan
• What to expect on the day of surgery in the case of a caesarean section
• The partner’s actions and support in unexpected situations
• Recovery during the first days after a caesarean section – practical recommendations

Goal

To help expectant parents prepare for the first days at home and emotional adjustment.

Topics

• The first hours and days after childbirth – what to expect
• Beginning breastfeeding – common difficulties and solutions
• Emotions after childbirth – baby blues, fatigue, and the partner’s role
• Recovery of the mother’s body, back and pelvic health
• How to plan support during the first weeks at home

Practical

• Breastfeeding positions
• Postpartum support exercises
• Conversations about emotional balance

Goal

To discuss the characteristics of the newborn adaptation period, emphasising the difference between normal physiological changes in the newborn and potential problems.

Topics

• A newborn baby in the family
• Approaches in the delivery room and after a caesarean section that support successful adaptation and secure attachment with the parents
• Specific aspects of organ system adaptation in newborns and when to seek help
• Nuances of newborn care and how to find a successful balance
• Breastfeeding nuances from a paediatrician’s perspective
• Positioning as support for the baby’s wellbeing
• Recommendations on preventive measures for newborns