This prenatal course in English enables expectant international couples to feel comfortable about having a baby in the Netherlands. The Childbirth Preparation Course is intended for couples around 29 weeks pregnant. The class consists of six evening sessions (8 till 10 PM) on Tuesdays and one postnatal reunion when the babies are born.
Subjects to be covered during this class
- Avoidable hazards in pregnancy
- Stages in labour
- Dilation, what happens in your body
- Pushing and birth of the placenta
- When to call the midwife or hospital
- Attitude towards contractions and pain
- Different ways to cope with labour and how partner can support
- Pain relief options and implications
- Obstetric interventions explained (vacuum, caesarean section and induction)
- Breastfeeding information
- First week with baby, bonding - post-natal care
- Life with a new baby
- Birth plan
- Giving birth in the Netherlands; the Dutch Maternity Services
- Helping you to make informed choices and handle concerns
- Relaxation
- Breathing and massage techniques
- Exercises such as pushing in different positions
- Positions for labour and how partners can help
