Workshop 2: Birth Plans and Informed Decision-making

 

Learn about common medical interventions, and the benefits and risks of each. Explore your intentions for birth, learn how to confidently make decisions for your care, and practice the art of self-advocacy.

 

Research has shown that a woman’s perception of her birth experience has a significant impact on how she sees herself as a woman, as a mother, and on how she relates to her child(ren). Her experience of birth, whether positive or negative, has much more to do with how she was made to feel during her birth (active, involved in decisions, listened to, respected... or not) than on the clinical events of labour (and whether birth went "according to plan").

 

Although birth can't be "planned", expectant parents have choices to make- both before labour begins, as it unfolds, and in the early postpartum period. Having evidence-based information is key to making informed choices that fit your philosophy of birth and are safe for you and baby. Being able to communicate well with your health care provider, and knowing what questions to ask and when will enable you to feel actively involved in all decisions regarding your care, no matter how labour unfolds.

 

In addition to information about interventions and decision-making, participants will receive resources and assistance to help them prepare a birth intentions and care guide (birth "plan"). Parents will also learn how to cope and birth in awareness even when birth doesn't unfold as hoped.

 

Workshop 3: Postpartum Wellness & Your Newborn

 

Learn about routine hospital newborn procedures, and what to expect over the first days of your baby's life in terms of appearance, feeding, sleeping, soothing, and general health & wellness. Receive information to help you make the most of community resources and support as you take on the very important role of caring for your new baby! Parenthood can be a challenge, full of the unexpected!

 

This workshop will help increase your awareness and prepare for the early days and weeks of this amazing journey.This workshop  will also cover postpartum wellness and recovery on physical, emotional, and relationship levels. You will develop a postpartum plan that will ensure your family has the support and communication to confidently navigate the transition to parenthood. Knowing what to expect in the early days and weeks of your postpartum recovery (and when to seek help!) are key to ensuring a happy, healthy family!

 

Workshop 4: Breastfeeding

 

Set yourself up for a successful breastfeeding experience. Learn about breastfeeding preparation, initiation, overcoming common challenges, and building your support network.

 

Breastfeeding is the natural and normal way for humans to feed their young... but "natural and normal" doesn't always mean easy! Common myths and our cultural view of breastfeeding, coupled with misinformation and a lack of support can make the early days and weeks of breastfeeding challenging for new families.

 

Fortunately, the vast majority of mothers ARE capable of nursing their babies, physiologically. This workshop will provide information, bust common myths, and help expectant (and new) parents access online and community resources to facilitate a successful nursing relationship!I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you.