Part 1 Understanding your body and the birth process: introduction; woman's body up to pregnancy; baby development from conception to full term (includes twins and OFP); role of hormones before pregnancy, during, and up to going into labour; the physiology of the birth process (includes breech and twin births); positions for labour; role of hormones and what happens after birth; role of hormones in breastfeeding/the mother-infant dyad. Part 2 Making sure you get the birth environment you need: introduction: the role of the midwife; 56-59 other birth supporters; giving birth at home; pain relief; water birth at home; birth centre or midwifery unit; choosing an independent midwife; 'natural' birth in hospital; electronic fetal monitoring; accelerating labour; epidural anaesthesia; instrumental delivery caesarean section. Part 3 Self-care during pregnancy: introduction; your body's changes; antenatal tests; lifestyle changes; relationship changes; nutritional needs; pregnancy sickness; early discomforts; weight gain and exercise; optimal fetal positioning; travel; antenatal classes; minor ailments; medical emergencies; getting ready; going overdue - avoiding induction. Part 4 The Birth introduction: recognising first stage labour; late first stage labour; non-pharmocological pain relief options; second stage labour; third stage managed and physiological; debriefing the birth; birth stories (include caesareans, instrumental deliveries, twins, breech etc). Part 5 Babymoon: introduction; your body after birth; daily checks, blood loss, perineum, stitches, breasts; your body after a caesarean; fluids, catheter, wound care, pain relief, getting mobile; feelings after birth; good & bad reactions to the overwhelming experience of birth; 'baby blues'; your new baby; cord, fontanelle, skin, breathing, jaundice, hypoglycaemia; baby health checks - a baby with problems; what a new mother needs; support, care, love, keeping visitors under control; practicalities of the early days; what a new baby needs; food, love, sleep, care - birth from the baby's point of view; state management; breastfeeding - includes expressing; latching on guide and possible problems and solutions; how to express milk bottle feeding; detailed info about preparing bottles; sleeping/crying baby; baby calming in the early days; complementary therapies; where to sleep; organising your day (inc. PND); becoming a parent; settling down; sorting out priorities; working through this major change; meeting other mums for support and info; postnatal exercises (more about PND); pelvic floor exercises; strengthening your back; walking with a buggy outdoors; sex; baby massage; massage is good for both mother & baby - detailed 'how to do it' guide.
