Preparing for Childbirth

Next Classes	September / Oktober 2010
Class Location	Florastrasse 21 8700 Küsnacht
Dates and times	Sunday, 26th September, 14:00 - 18:00 Friday, 1st October, 19:00 - 21:45 Sunday, 3rd October, 14:00 - 18:00
Living far away from 'home' and having a baby is one of the biggest challenges of your life - particularly without extended family nearby. The New Stork Times courses team offers prenatal classes in English to assist you as a couple in preparing for birth and parenthood. Our aim is to provide educational information about the birth process and help reduce anxieties about having your baby in Switzerland.

By learning what happens during each stage, you will learn to work with your body instead of against the natural processes of birth. By understanding your options, you will be able to make responsible choices regarding the type of birth you desire.

Topics include

-	Birthing in Switzerland	-	Partner's role during labour & birth
-	Active birth	-	Stages of labour
-	Options in childbirth	-	Pain management / relieving pain
-	Positions - Breathing	-	Caesarean birth
-	Massage	-	Postpartum support
-	Comfort measures	-	New parenthood

Facilitators:
Classes are conducted by Andrea Bader-Rusch and midwife, Francine Lüthi-Martin (see Francine's details under Infanct Care and Breastfeeding courses).

Mother of two daughters, Andrea experienced a hospital birth in the USA and a home birth in Switzerland. She knows the importance of being "well-prepared" both physically and psychologically and considers the following as essential:

- Allowing time to prepare for the birth and to practice relaxation techniques
- Gaining confidence in your innate ability to give birth
- Finding your "safe place" to give birth
- Remaining active and in charge
- Having support from a person you trust

Format:
This is an intensive childbirth preparation course catering to the needs of today's professional couple. Conducted in a comfortable and compassionate setting, classes usually include two half-day sessions followed by one evening session. A maximum of seven couples ensures that your personal situation and concerns are addressed.

Even if you are a second-time parent, you may want to learn more about having a baby here in Switzerland.

Private Classes and Consultations:
Private classes tailored to your specific needs are also available upon request. Consultations throughout your pregnancy are also an option (English or German).

We recommend that you attend this course after the 26th week of your pregnancy.

Sign up now! Send an e-mail to courses@thestork.ch