Preparing For Birth

Birth preparation classes assist you to be informed of the path in front you and helps you to be
prepared in advance to situations you may encounter and ways you can meet them. The
classes help you to see how important it is to see yourself as active and central actor in your
birth and your birth partner as equally active support for you. Birth classes also shed light on
ways the maternity hospitals function and what are the routines that you are likely to encounter
and what possible decisions you may need to do while birthing. The birth classes will also assist
you to look beyond birth – the newborn and early breastfeeding.

Is it for me?

Childbirth and postpartum preparation classes are suitable for all pregnant person and their partners (or without a partner) regardless of gender, together we will consider the content tailored to your wishes. You can come to the training alone, with your spouse, partner and doulas.

The midwife’s gentle childbirth classes for your needs:

My birth preparation classes takes place in Helsinki, at Kätilötalo (House of Midwives).

Birth Preparation Class for your own family 3 hours / €260
At a time that suits you and about things important to you in childbirth and preparing for childbirth. Of course, we have time to try out pain relief methods and birthing positions using various aids.

Birth Preparation Class for your own family 2 x 2 hours / €320
A bit longer class, with an additional part of baby care and breastfeeding in a nutshell. Of course, we have time to try out pain relief methods, birthing positions and baby care using various aids.

Postpartum Preparation Class: The First Weeks with the Baby 3 hours / €260
At a time that suits you and about things that are important to you during the first weeks after birth and advice on how to prepare for it. We can practice putting on diapers, carrying and
feeding baby dolls.

Mini training / Midwife ́s Appointment 90 min/€120
When you want to learn about a few things or worry something about birth/postpartum.

If you haven’t found suitable birth or postpartum class for you, don’t hesitate to ask. There are currently no group classes available.

Birth Preparation Classes in House of Midwives will give you:

  • knowledge and understanding
  • tools and confidence
  • strength and serenity
  • build trust in your unique birth journey

Content in Birth Preparation Class

  • Normal course of childbirth
  • Physical stages of childbirth, as well as psychological and emotional stages (birth labyrinth)
  • How labor starts and when to go to the hospital
  • The importance of the oxytocin hormone
  • How to help yourself
  • How a father/partner can be of great help
  • Ways to relieve pain and painkillers (advantages and disadvantages)
  • Hospital routines and procedures (advantages and disadvantages)
  • Your birth wishes, birth plan, letter to the midwife, how to discuss options during birth
  • We try positions on a sack/ball/birthing stool/bed: how to make room for the pelvis, how to relieve pain, how to help the baby descend
  • Practicing pain relief methods such as acupressure, gua sha, rebozo
  • Wishes and concerns
  • A pile of written instructions

 

Content for the Postpartum Preparation Class: First Few Weeks with the Baby

This class will help you to understand the special days after birth. How to breastfeed, take care of the newborn and yourself. Nowadays when midwives are busy in the hospitals, it is important to know basics about breastfeeding and recovery already beforehand.

  • Postpartum hospital routines
  • The first days of childhood: rest, milk and love
  • Various rites of passage to facilitate the mental journey of the childbed period from pregnancy to mother/father/parent
  • Gorgeous newborn with skills
  • Life at home with a baby
  • Maternity recovery, wounds, hernia and pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation
  • Basic baby care
  • Breastfeeding, how to avoid breastfeeding cramps
  • Spouse’s role
  • Baby massage
  • The journey back from childbirth, the nine gates of the childbirth story
  • Physiology of childhood and the needs it brings: support, rest and nutrition

I have been talking with Danielle Bensky in Birthing in Finland’s podcast about what makes for a positive birth experience.

We are very satisfied with the childbirth classes offered by Anu Lampinen. She was able to provide timely and personalized advice (backed on scientific research) on all kinds of matters that concerned us including, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and baby care. We highly recommend her services as she is extremely competent in what she is doing while showing also great people skills and being able to provide rather flexible schedules as well.
Tedi and Todor