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 preliminary period
• Practice contractions and how they differ from true contractions
• Changes in the cervix, mucus plug, abdominal descent
• 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 waiting period before childbirth
• 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 in each stage, and practical ways to help herself during labour.

Topics

• Phases of labour and their logic
• Latent and active phase
• Transition period
• Pushing stage
• Birth of the placenta
• The woman’s sensations at each stage of labour
• The partner’s role during childbirth
• Options for medical support (monitoring, pain relief, interventions)
• Cooperation with the birth team
• The first minutes after the baby is born — skin-to-skin contact, the beginning of adaptation

Practical

• Basic breathing principles in different stages of labour
• Movement and positioning 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 childbirth scenarios, so that 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 scheduled (planned or urgent)
• The partner’s role in the case of a caesarean section
• Emotional recovery after a caesarean section
• How to prepare: flexibility in the birth plan

Practical

• How to prepare for possible medical interventions without unnecessary anxiety
• 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
• Starting breastfeeding: the most common difficulties and solutions
• Emotions after childbirth — baby blues, fatigue, 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 specific features of the newborn adaptation period and highlight the difference between normal physiological changes in a newborn and potential problems.

Topics

• A newborn baby in the family
• Approach in the delivery room and after a caesarean section to support successful adaptation and secure attachment to the parents
• Specific features of organ system adaptation in newborns, and when to seek help
• Nuances of newborn care and how to find a healthy balance
• Nuances of breastfeeding from a paediatrician’s perspective
• Positioning as support for the baby’s well-being
• Recommendations on preventive measures for newborns