Preparation for birth and beyond: giving birth and meeting our baby

Abstract

A key part of the transition to parenthood is giving birth and mothers and fathers need to be carefully prepared for this life changing experience. The time generally available for parent education means that it may not be possible or desirable to give detailed information about anatomy and physiology and the management of labour. Instead, the focus in PBB is on helping group members understand what the experience of labour might be like and on helping them maximise their personal resources for coping. Additional information is given in response to individual or group need and parents are signposted to further resources.