Most hospitals in Adelaide provide the opportunity for their birthing mums and partners to attend childbirth classes in house.These classes generally cover the medications offered and the possible interventions that may be recommended during your birth .Over the past 10 years , research has shown that mothers who attend classes run independent of their birthing hospital, are empowered with more knowledge about the natural birthing process, including alternative methods of managing the sensations .

Hypnobirthing is just one example of a type of antenatal class now available which informs parents of how they can utilise natural methods including breathing, touch, aromatherapy, lighting, visualization etc to have amore positive birthing experience.

Hypnobirthing childbirth education classes  are available in Adelaide or online by Kate Bergamasco who is an experienced , compassionate and calming midwife

Kate Bergamasco has been offering private childbirth education classes for mothers birthing at Burnside Hospital, Adelaide under a variety of Obstetricians from around Adelaide for over a decade

Tag Archive for: childbirth class Burnside

Be THE most supportive birth partner ever

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Be THE most supportive birth partner ever

Many partners feel as though pregnancy and birth is a time where all the attention is focused on the mother growing her little bundle .Partners can often feel as though they are on the outside and dont know what thie role is .

In fact your role IS vital- you can make such a difference to a mothers experience of labour and you can set yourself up to be the person she attributes to her amazing experience (no matter how her birth pans out)

By being involved and knowledgeable , she will likley brag about how amazing you were in supporting her through a very challenging but rewarding day .

One of the best things about hypno-birthing classes , is that partners report they gained confidence and knowledge which wa snot available through the hospital classes.

  1. Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power. Learn about the stages of labor, comfort measures, and your partner’s birth preferences. Attend hypno-birthing childbirth classes together if possible.
  2. Stay Calm and Positive: Your calm demeanor can be contagious. Encourage and reassure your partner throughout the process. During my hypno-birthing classes we will cover many tools including ” positive affirmations” which help you adjust your mindset and your partners
  3. Advocate for her wishes : Be familiar with your partner’s birth plan and preferences. Communicate these to the maternity team and help ensure they’re respected unless medically necessary.
  4. Provide Physical Comfort: Offer massage, counter-pressure, or help with breathing techniques. A simple light touch or holding hands can also be comforting.During hypnobirthing classes we will show you both light touch and accupressure points
  5. Keep her  Hydrated and Nourished: Offer water and snacks as allowed. Labor can be exhausting, and staying hydrated and fueled is important.
  6. Create a Relaxing Environment: Dim the lights, play soothing music, or use aromatherapy if desired. Help your partner find a comfortable position.
  7. Be Present: Your emotional support is invaluable. Listen actively, offer encouragement, and be there every step of the way.
  8. Stay Informed: Keep updated on the progress of labor and ask questions if something isn’t clear. This shows your commitment to being involved and informed.
  9. Be Flexible: Birth plans may need to  change, if  unexpected situations  arise. Be adaptable and supportive of decisions made for the well-being of your partner and baby.
  10. Celebrate Together: Once your baby arrives, share in the joy and celebrate this special moment as a team. Your support doesn’t end with labor; being a supportive partner continues into the postpartum period as well.

When you attend my hypno-birthing/positive birth preparation classes either online or in person-you and your partner will gain knowledge tools and confidence to meet the challenges and triumphs of birth

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Top tips for choosing an OB in Adelaide

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What’s the lowdown on choosing an obstetrician for birth

Choosing an obstetrician for birth is an important decision that involves a number of considerations

Cost

•  Check the out of pocket expenses for your obstetrician , paediatrician and anaesthetist ( in case you decide to have an epidural)
• Many couples choose to see a private OB because they have private insurance BUT don’t realise there are a lot of out of pocket expenses $$$

Philosophy and Approach:

Does  the obstetrician’s approach to childbirth align with your preferences, such as a natural birth, epidural use,

Communication and shared decision-making are crucial.(Of course best laid plans can certainly change , requiring interventions )

• When you look at their website – do you get the feeling they’re more c section focused !
• Their website may give you a good indicator of their values
• Ask the receptionist for their c section and induction rates•
• WHO says c section rates should be 10-15 percent BUT in Australia our rates are around 30 percent – an OB with rates of 40-50 percent is concerning
• When you sign up with an OB you must be aware the medical view of birth is one of managing risk – which may sound comforting BUT can come with a very interventionalist view of birth

Where would you like to birth

•Ensure the obstetrician is affiliated with a birthing hospital that you are comfortable with and is conveniently located.
• You may not know if you’d like your birth in water right now – but it’s a great way to labour and reduces the need for pain relief significantly – most private hospitals in South Australia DO NOT “allow” water birth but your OB may have rights at a public hospital that does .

The OB support team

• Inquire about the obstetrician’s support team, including midwives.

  • Some OBs have midwives attached to the practise who can spend time providing you with more education about childbirth and breastfeeding

• Understand their availability for antenatal visits, emergencies, and labor.

  • Will they be available when your due date approaches ?
  • What are their backup arrangements?
  • Are you just as comfortable with their back up OB ?

Continuity of care with a known midwife is important

• Usually the midwives in an OB practise are there to check BP and have a brief chat before your

  • Continuity of care with a midwife is associated with lower rates of stillbirth, prem birth and greater satisfaction

Just because your friend loved their OB doesnt mean that is the right fit for you

• Patient Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews from other patients and seek recommendations from friends, family, or online communities. Personal experiences can offer valuable insights.

• Communication Style: Consider their communication style and how comfortable you feel asking questions, expressing concerns, and discussing your birth plan with them.

• If you feel that you can’t discuss your preferences on an even playing field – they’re not the OB for you

Aftercare

• Postnatal Care: Discuss their approach to postnatal care, including follow-up appointments, breastfeeding support, and postpartum wellness.

Some OBs have midwives within the practise who can provide extensive lactation support for you after birth – you may want to meet with a lactation consultant (LIKE ME ) before birth to ensure you know what to expect and what you can do to minimise nipple pain after birth

By considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can choose an obstetrician who aligns with your needs and preferences, ensuring a positive and safe childbirth experience

If you would like to discuss your options please contact kate

How to have an active birth

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How to have an active birth

An active birth is often the key to achieving a vaginal birth with less need for pharmacological pain relief.

Your body i built for birth but with impact of TV, internet and medical involvement in this natural process, society has lost perspective.We see so many dramatic birth, we hear so many traumatic stories and medical science crates such a fear , that we have lost perspective.

In fact research shows that women who are well informed about how the female body , hormones and environment work in sync, have more positive bieth outcomes than women who only receive standard childbirth education.

What is the difference ?

In standard childbirth classes, women are informed about medications, procedures and hospital policies.

Information is often presented in such a way that women and partners feel they dont have choices about procedures.

STaff are employed by the hospital and therefore the content is dictated by the organization.

Independant childbirth classes

Provide evidence based, natural   , positive and empowering information.Couples are provided with more infomration on how the hormones worlk with the body to promote natural labour.

Youll recive information about different positions, breathing techniques, accupressure points and undrstand how they work with your body to promote natural birth

Accupre4ssure pointslight touchPr4essure points help labour

Join my next group class

Your amazing uterus

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Epidural and Labour

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