Mothertide Prenatal Series – Into Birth

A five-week prenatal series for first-time parents — Foundations & Flow

Register here: https://mothertideniagara.square.site/into-birth-prenatal-series

Location: The Nauta Building, 1789 Merrittville Hwy, Welland

November 13, 20, 27 & December 4, 11

Thursday evenings · 6:30 – 8:30 PM – Each session is scheduled for two hours, though conversations and questions often flow a little longer as we wrap up together.

Mothertide: Into Birth is a five-week prenatal series designed for first-time parents who want to feel grounded, informed, and supported as they prepare for birth and beyond. Blending evidence-based education with real-world guidance, reflection, and community, this series moves through the physical and emotional foundations of labour, comfort and communication tools, feeding and recovery essentials, and the art of intentional postpartum planning. Each week features guest experts in holistic wellness, yoga, mental health, pelvic health, and lactation, offering diverse perspectives and practical insights to support your journey. Led by doulas who believe in the power of calm confidence and connection, Into Birth helps you enter this new chapter with knowledge, trust, and a sense of belonging

Week 1 — Understanding Birth & Setting Intentions
• What to expect as birth approaches and labour begins
• The physiology of birth and how the body works best
• Choosing your birthplace — pros and cons of each option
• Induction and intervention — understanding your choices
• Exploring personal values — what’s most important vs. negotiable
• Gentle ways to prepare the body for labour through nutrition, movement, and natural supports, with open discussion of various techniques and their pros and cons
• Guided intention setting and journaling with Samantha Eldridge of Reverie Roots Wellness
• Begin your personal birth plan

Week 2 — Pelvic Floor, Pushing & Protection
• The mechanics of the pushing phase and how the body opens
• Birth positions that support dilation, relaxation, and pelvic balance
• Guided relaxation and breathwork to ease tension and prepare the body
• Guest expert: Carmen Schmidt, DPT, PT — Calm Health Physiotherapy
– Understanding the pelvic floor before, during & after birth
– Using your pelvic floor effectively during labour
– Warning signs, recovery tips, and strategies for postpartum healing
– When to seek physiotherapy support
• Continue adding to your birth plan with new insights about relaxing your body and pelvic floor

Week 3 — Labour Comfort, Communication & Mental Health (Partner Night)
• Partners or support persons attend this session
• Exploring the partner’s role and personal comfort preferences in labour
• Understanding changing needs — when support may look different than expected
• Practicing hands-on comfort measures and common birth positions
• Advocacy in birth — preparing for scenarios where your voice matters most
• Guest expert: Sarah Andrews (RP) — Therapy Niagara
– Maternal mental health in pregnancy and postpartum
– Recognizing signs of postpartum depression & anxiety
– Understanding what’s “normal” adjustment vs. symptoms of anxiety or depression
– How anxiety can present unexpectedly and disguise itself in daily life
– How partners can support and respond with awareness and compassion
– Key resources for support and follow-up care
• Add to your birth plan — outlining your partner’s role and preferred comfort measures
• Create a personalized take-home guide for partners on maternal mental health and signs to watch for

Week 4 — The Golden Hour, Newborn Behaviour & Feeding Choices
• The golden hour — its role in bonding, recovery, and feeding readiness
• Understanding the first feeding and its physiological benefits
• Newborn behaviour and sleep — what’s normal, what’s not, and common myths
• Feeding choices — inclusive discussion on breastfeeding, formula, and combination feeding
• Bottle safety, proper ratios, allergy awareness, and responsive feeding
• Guest expert: Ashley Brown, Postpartum Nurse and IBCLC “The Boobie Busting Lady”
– Evidence-based feeding guidance and early postpartum care
– Choosing and using pumps, proper flange sizing, and realistic expectations for pumping
– Identifying tongue-tie and latching challenges
– Understanding different bottle types and recommendations for healthy feeding
– Expectations vs. reality — what’s common, what’s normal, and how feeding really looks for most families
– How a lactation consultant can help once baby’s here
– Reliable, evidence-based resources for ongoing questions and concerns
– Insights on lactation nutrition from Boobie Busters by Ash
• Personalize your baby feeding cheat sheet — key feeding cues, frequency, effective latch signs, and partner support strategies for those late-night moments at home
• Update your birth plan with postpartum and feeding intentions

Week 5 — Postpartum Planning, Adjustment & Reflection
• Life after birth — settling into your new normal and learning to flow with your baby’s rhythms
• Understanding physical recovery — what to expect in the early weeks and how healing unfolds
• Setting healthy boundaries — visitors, family, and friends; protecting your space and recovery time
• Sleep realities — navigating infant sleep, understanding what’s normal vs. what apps or schedules may suggest, and exploring resources for safe sleep and co-sleeping so families can make informed choices
• To sleep-train or not to sleep-train — discussing evidence, family differences, and finding an approach that supports both parents and baby
• Advocacy in the postpartum period — trusting your intuition, speaking up about your health, and knowing when to seek support for yourself or your baby
• Building support systems — connecting with mom groups, community resources, and finding ways to get out of the house and feel supported
• Honest discussion on pregnancy, postpartum, and baby products — what’s hype vs. what actually helps, and how to prioritize what truly supports your recovery and baby’s needs
• Finalize your birth plan — integrating postpartum care, support, and personal goals
• Gentle postpartum yoga and mindfulness with Andrea France of Moms Niagara & Mama Bear Wellness
• Closing reflection and journaling with Samantha Eldridge of Reverie Roots Wellness — processing the journey, setting intentions for the path ahead, and finding grounding as you move forward
• Extended connection circle — open conversation, Q&A, and a final moment of community before you embark on this new chapter