Frequently asked questions:
^ What is a childbirth preparation course? What is included in the programme?
The course aims to prepare the pregnant woman and her partner or support person for the continuum of pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and postpartum and to provide support for that entire period..
Through group discussion, or individually if preferred, and practical work, a hospital tour and information on every stage of the childbearing year each family can make informed choices.
The course concludes with a parents and babies party but the individual support continues as long as necessary.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE BASED ON INFORMED CONSENT
^ Who needs it? Isn`t there enough information in books and on the internet.
The birth of a baby, particularly the first, is the most wonderful, overwhelming, intensive experience of a lifetime and becoming a parent brings enormous joy and satisfaction.
But this is often accompanied by fears and anxieties, "old wives tales".
The care of the pregnant woman and the new mother and baby is divided among many care-givers: obstetrician, Tipat Halav nurse, staff in the maternity ward, the postnatal ward and the neonatal nursery and later a pediatrician.
There are many questions and dilemmas.
Will I have unbearable pain?
Will I stay in control?
What choices do I have in the birth-place?
Will the baby be healthy?
Can my body cope?
How will my partner see me afterwards?
Will we have a normal life as a couple after the birth?
Will I be a good parent?
Why do new mothers get depressed even when everything goes well?
So many of my friends stopped breastfeeding early on – what can I do to prevent those problems?
And the expectant father worries about his partner`s pain and wellbeing, and how he can help and support her.
In my courses we meet in small groups in a quiet relaxing environment. There is a programme but at the beginning of every course I ask the group to tell us their expectations and what they want from the course – and what they don`t want. Each programme is planned to suit the individual group
I can`t promise a painless birth
I can`t promise a baby who doesn`t wake up at night
I can`t promise that you will all feel wonderful all of the time.
But through the group discussions I can give you the tools and information.
Knowledge is power.
Fear + Tension = pain
If you understand the processes of your body throughout this period and the emotional changes, the fear and tension will be reduced, this helps you to flow with your body instead of fighting against it, and the effect of this is to naturally speed up the labour and reduce pain.
^ What is natural birth?
Today we talk about active birth rather than natural birth, for most births are "natural"
Active birth means using alternative postures and positions for handling contractions and during every stage of the birth. Massage and oils, aromatherapy, TENS, baths or showers ,music, relaxation, guided imagery, controlled breathing are all tools to help you feel comfortable during labour. There is no rigid routine, just guidance in flowing with your body and doing what feels good.
Unmedicated births, walking around and relaxation help the production of the "love hormones," that help labour to progress, the endorphins which provide tranquility and at the same time power and energy.
^ Who is a qualified childbirth educator?
Childbirth education is a profession in itself. It is not an integral part of other professions such as nurse, midwife, yoga teacher, shiatsu practitioner or any other branch of alternative medicine or even a doula.. The training of childbirth educators is only available through recognized organizations such as the Israel Childbirth Education Centre which gives study credits from the Ministry of Health. The course takes at least a year and in order to retain certification each teacher must fulfill further study requirements. A Certificate is awarded to the graduates of these courses and if in doubt ask to see this Certificate.
The Ministry of Health also runs in-service training courses to public health nurses and midwives, also with a Certificate at its conclusion.
^ If I know I want an epidural, is there any point in going to a childbirth preparation course? Will I be put under pressure by the counselor or the group?
It is the right of every woman in labour to choose how she gives birth and nobody has the right to decide for her.
There will be much information in the course about different medications for pain relief and it is important to know their effect and their timing.
Medications are only offered in the hospital environment so it is useful to learn other coping skills for early stages at home and when you arrive at the hospital..
^ If I go to a childbirth course that focuses on normal birth, won`t I feel guilty and frustrated if I have a Cesarean? Isn`t it a waste of time and money?
In the course we discuss every type of birth and I give preparation and support for planned and emergency Cesareans, and all other birth situations and how to cope with a change in plan and recovery, physical and emotional.. After a Cesarean birth, couples usually need even more support especially for breastfeeding.
^ What is a breastfeeding counselor and what can I expect from her?
In Israel there are bf advisors who have done a basic course in the art of breastfeeding and there are counselors who have completed extra examinations and studies with overseas organizations such as NCT in the UK or IBCLC the International Board Certification for Lactation Counsellors.
My childbirth preparation course is a package deal and I offer a home or hospital visit after the birth and continued breastfeeding counseling for as long as is needed. We also have a group meeting after the birth with the babies.
Parents who have not attended my prenatal course may also call me for counseling and I will visit their home or see them in my studio for an agreed fee.
^ Is a hospital tour included in the course? Do you recommend any one hospital?
In every course I arrange a tour and meeting with a midwife in each of the three Haifa hospitals. Where possible I accompany the group on at least one of the tours and we discuss your impressions afterwards in the group.
Choosing a birthplace is a very individual decision. I give information but do not aim to influence that decision.
If a tour is needed at a hospital outside Haifa, I can give contact information.
I also have updated information on home births.
^ Why do so many mothers have problems with breastfeeding?
The early days for mothers and babies require a lot of adjustment and it takes time to get in tune with each other.
Many mothers stop breastfeeding because they did not get accurate preparation during pregnancy or practical support after the birth.
A home visit with follow-up telephone calls will give the mother practical help with positioning and the baby`s latching on and an opportunity to ask questions about the many issues of baby care and the mother`s recovery.
^ Why do women get depressed after birth?
During pregnancy and birth there is a tremendous hormonal upheaval. This, together with fatigue, anxiety about the baby and the huge change in the couple`s life, can cause emotional changes and mood swings. This is quite normal in the first two or three weeks but if it continues, professional help should be sought.
Parents are invited to a group meeting with the babies after the births of all the group, but parents can also ask for a private consultation to discuss these changes and any traumas that they might have experienced during the birth.
I shall be happy to welcome you to a meeting or course and answer all the questions you have. |