New ante-natal classes for Waiouru

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 381, 9 April 1991, Page 5

New ante-natal classes for Waiouru

Waiouru parents-to-be can now participate in a new ante-natal care course run by Carolyn Smith, a Waiouru nurse. The classes are 2 1/2 hours for eight weeks and cover topics from conception, fetal development and nutrition, to labour, pain relief and self-help techniques during labour.

"First time mothers especially need a good education to help them through pregnancy and labour. It's important that they have as much detail and understanding of what is happening to their bodies so they can cope better," said Carolyn. Carolyn strongly believes in 'informed choice' where the

mother is fully aware of what is happening to her. This is so she can make decisions and retain control over her body and baby, all of which makes the whole process less frightening. Carolyn is an enrolled nurse having spent most of her career in maternity nursing. At present she is

completing a two year diploma run by the Associates in Childbirth Education. As part of the course Carolyn is required to teach active birth classes. There is also a lot of study, workshops and exams. Carolyn has also worked as a La Leche League leader, which offers support, information and

encouragment to breastfeeding mothers. As part of her role as a childbirth educator Carolyn offers her support to couples, and single women, during pregnancy, labour and delivery. This is especially important in the m i 1 i t ary environment when husbands are often out in the field or away on courses. Carolyn feels that it is very important to the mother to have constant support during labour because it has been shown that when nursing staff change shifts, or the support partner has to leave for some reason, this causes women increased stress which in turn leads to requests for more pain relief. Carolyn also offers stretching for pregnancy classes and post - natal exercise classes for $2.00 a session . The ante-natal classes are also offered to Waimarino parents. Carolyn can be contacted on Waiouru 56 607 in the evenings.