Maybe a strange statement? What matters is that the baby is healthy, right? Well, not quite. A healthy mother (and healthy parents) play a very important role in ultimately delivering and caring for their baby as best as possible. Don't you put on your own oxygen mask first before putting on your child's?
This blog focuses on the preliminary research conducted by Mirasoon, in collaboration with Scientific Consulting Curaçao and the University Medical Center Groningen. We looked at what the birth experience is like on Curaçao, and whether couples benefit from a course and/or coaching for their birth. Read more about that research here
'Empowerment'
How do I get through my pregnancy and childbirth empowered? What can I do to better prepare for the arrival of my baby? How do I deal with pain and stress during childbirth? These are questions that concern many expectant parents. At Mirasoon they understand these concerns and offer a unique pregnancy course, under the guidance of an experienced midwife. This course is specially designed to support expectant parents in making well-informed choices, so they feel prepared and confident during pregnancy and childbirth. This course consists of three evenings, with each evening dealing with a specific theme.
This is the description of the course at Mirasoon:
Evening 1: Physiology during childbirth
On the first evening we will delve deeper into the physiology during childbirth. We discuss how the body works during childbirth and its different stages. This helps expectant parents understand what to expect and how to prepare for the arrival of their baby.
Evening 2: Preparation, postures and dealing with pain
During the second evening we focus on the correct preparation (mental and physical) and different positions during childbirth. Examples are given of which exercises can help to strengthen or relax certain muscles. We also provide tips and techniques for dealing with pain, which can also help make the birth smoother and less stressful. This session is important for building confidence and reducing anxiety.
Evening 3: Birth wishes, introduction and complications
The last evening deals with drawing up birth wishes and what to do in case of any complications during childbirth. We also discuss the options and procedures surrounding induction. By providing this information, we help parents feel supported and prepared, even if the birth does not go as expected.
Bad birth experience in Curaçao
The aim of our course is to help pregnant women and their partners feel prepared, relaxed and supported, with a sense of control over their birth. Preliminary research shows that following a pregnancy coaching program has a major effect on the childbirth experience, especially in women who are giving birth for the first time . This same study has shown that women who give birth for the first time in Curaçao in particular have a poor birth experience, significantly worse than, for example, in the Netherlands.
Women who have previously given birth (multiparous) indicate that they also find the course and coaching very useful!
'I especially liked that I knew a bit about what to expect in the hospital. This way I was a little more prepared for what was to come because everything works a little differently here than in the Netherlands.'
Although a course that focuses on feelings and wishes may sound a bit dull, this form of empowerment unconsciously offers many proven benefits. This research, conducted in such a defined area as Curaçao, provides strong additional evidence for these benefits.
Many long term benefits
Although further research is needed to fully understand the exact effect of a pregnancy coaching program, it is clear that following such a program does absolutely no harm to mother or child. Proper preparation for childbirth can significantly improve the experience and have a positive effect on the mother's mental well-being. This in turn can impact the child's early life, reduce the likelihood of postpartum depression and contribute to better long-term physical and mental health. In addition, a pleasant experience has a positive effect on the bonding between parent and child and on the relationship between the parents.
125 guilders for 3 evenings
Their antenatal course is cost-effective; 125 guilders for 3 evenings per couple. In addition, the course is also very accessible, no question is too crazy and there is certainly a lot of laughter! In addition to the substantive benefits, the course also offers valuable contact with other participants. The support and contact between each other are an important source of emotional support, where experiences and advice are shared. This social aspect contributes to a sense of community which can be very valuable in the overall experience of pregnancy and childbirth.
Vision Mirasoon
Mirasoon's vision is: If you are pregnant, you are not sick. It is a special time that everyone should be able to enjoy as much as possible. Unfortunately, pregnancy is not easy, quick or without consequences for everyone. Their goal is therefore to be there for everyone, in every situation. They provide personal guidance and listen to your wishes. At Mirasoon they believe that good preparation and support during pregnancy can make a world of difference for both mother and child.
Join the course and experience the benefits of a well-supervised pregnancy and birth for yourself!
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