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ACCESS Childbirth Preparation Classes

ACCESS has been helping the international community for over 35 years. One of their services is providing childbirth preparation courses in several major cities in the Netherlands. These childbirth preparation classes from The Hague are currently held online, every Wednesday evening for 5 weeks.

Schedule of class dates for 2021:

February 10, 17, 24 – March 03 , 10

April 21, 28 – May 05, 12, 19

May 26 – June 02, 09, 16, 23

August 04, 11, 18, 25 – September 01

September 08, 15, 22, 29 – October 06

October 13, 20, 27 – November 03, 10

Trainer for these classes: Meida van Baal

The purpose of these classes is to help expectant couples familiarize themselves with birthing in the Netherlands. Having a baby at home is still an option in the Netherlands, but with the rise of births in hospitals, couples need to be informed what to expect and what is available when they decide to have their baby in a hospital. This comprehensive course makes learning about pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum interesting, interactive and informative. The course will give you the knowledge you need to approach labor with more confidence.  It is also a great way to meet people and to learn about resources available in the area. You can join my classes at anytime of your pregnancy.

To register online for The Hague: click here

Class 1:

• Pregnant female anatomy

• Stages of labor

• Pre-labor signs and symptoms

• Labor progression

• When to go to the hospital

• Prenatal tips and giving birth in the Netherlands

Class 2:

• Finding balance and making room for the baby

• Dilation stage or stage 1: early, active and transition

• Partner support during dilation stage-how you can help

Class 3:

• Hormones and their benefits

• Pain, emotions

• Comfort measures-water therapy, TENS, counter pressure, breathing etc.

• Writing a birth plan

• Pain medications

Class 4:

• Pain medications continued

• Medical interventions: induction, vacuum delivery, c-section, etc.

• Partner support during a medical intervention

• Home vs hospital delivery and healthcare workers

Class 5:

• Stage 2- Birth of the baby/pushing stage

• Stage 3- Birth of the placenta

• Summarizing the key points of labor and delivery

• Postpartum

• Breastfeeding

• Kraamzorg week, a brief overview

Reunion (online meet-up during the Corona pandemic):

• Birth stories

• Potluck meal (subject to government guidelines)

Cost: €295 per mother-to-be/couple. Including handouts, extra tips, important links, video links, help with the birth plan

For more information, please contact me.