* 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 midwife
* comfort measures, pain management and coping techniques including
- relaxation techniques
- massage
- breathing techniques
- positioning & movement
- hydrotherapy
- medication options including epidural
* role of the father, partner and/or labour companion (how to be supportive and helpful)
* medical options & interventions including
- induction of labour
- augmentation of labour
- cesarean birth
- benefits, risks and alternatives of each
* postpartum care and the adjustment to parenthood
- mother's physical recovery
- relationship changes
- dealing with fatigue
- how father/partner and others can best 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
- bathing and diapering
- soothing a crying baby
- signs of illness
- baby safety and equipment
- parenting and bonding with your child
* 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
* resources/help for expectant and new parents