According to Dr. Donald E. Wetmore, one of the foremost experts on Time Management and Personal Productivity, we retain 10% of what we read, 20% of what we hear, 30% of what we see, 50% of what we hear and see, 70% of what we say and 90% of what we say and do. With this in mind, New Life Prenatal Classes are taught using a variety of learning techniques (lecture, group discussion, visuals such as videos, charts and models, demonstration, practice, and handout sheets for review at home) to increase understanding and maximize recollection. ![]() | Topics Include: * nutrition and exercise * coping with discomforts and changes in pregnancy * warning signs to report to your doctor/midwife * birth plan * the process of labour and birth - signs of labour approaching - pre-term labour - true vs. false labour - stages of labour - timing contractions - when to leave for the hospital/call your midwife * comfort measures, pain management and coping techniques including - relaxation techniques - massage - breathing techniques - positioning & movement - medication options * role of the father, partner and/or labour companion * medical interventions including - induction of labour - augmentation of labour - cesarean birth * postpartum care and the adjustment to parenthood - mother's physical recovery - relationship changes - dealing with fatigue - how father or partner can help mother - distinguishing between postpartum blues and depression * newborn basic care - normal newborn characteristics - newborn behaviour and communication - the importance of skin-to-skin contact - breastfeeding basics & infant nutrition including - anatomy and milk production - benefits for baby and mother - establishing milk supply - baby hunger cues - proper "latch" and positioning - how to know if baby is getting enough - expressing/pumping - storing, freezing and thawing breastmilk - introducing solid food - bathing and diapering - soothing a crying baby - signs of illness - baby safety and equipment - parenting and bonding with your child * resources/help for expectant and new parents |