Preparing for Labour: Birth Preparation Workshop

With Carla Kelly, Registered Midwife & Co-Founder of Ask The Midwife, and Sophie Mallen, Pregnancy & Postnatal Movement Expert Prepare for birth with greater confidence, knowledge and trust in your body. Join us at Kóve Studios in Cork for a practical, evidence-based and empowering workshop designed to help you prepare both physically and mentally for labour, birth and the early stages of recovery. Led by two mums and professionals, Carla and Sophie bring together midwifery knowledge and specialist pregnancy and postnatal movement guidance to help you feel more informed, prepared and confident as you approach birth. This is a welcoming, relaxed space to learn, ask questions and explore practical tools you can use during pregnancy and labour. This is a women-only workshop for pregnant attendees. Birth partners will not attend this session, allowing us to create a comfortable environment where women can focus on their own preparation, ask questions openly and connect with others who are preparing for birth. What we'll cover Understanding labour and birth The stages of labour and the changes happening in your body Recognising signs that labour may be starting and knowing when to contact your maternity team Understanding labour hormones and how your environment can support comfort and coping Exploring medical and non-medical pain relief options Preparing for birth in the final weeks of pregnancy Movement and active birth How movement, gravity and positioning can support comfort during labour Practical birth positions, squat variations and pelvic mobility Using a birth ball, breath and movement to support relaxation Pelvic floor awareness and working with your body Adapting movement and comfort strategies if you have an epidural or require monitoring Mindset and feeling prepared Breathing, grounding and visualisation techniques Communicating your preferences and asking questions of your maternity team Understanding your options and advocating for yourself Practical ways to approach labour with greater confidence Preparing for recovery What to expect immediately after birth Gentle breathing and movement during early recovery Preparing for the first days and weeks with your baby Recognising when to seek additional postnatal support What you'll leave with A clearer understanding of labour and birth Practical movement and comfort techniques to practise during pregnancy Tools to help you feel informed and involved in decisions about your care Realistic expectations of early recovery A supportive space to ask the questions you've been afraid to Google! Next Workshop details Date: Saturday, 14 November 2026 Time: 2pm–4pm Location: Kóve Studios, Douglas, Cork Duration: 2 hours Suitable for: Pregnant women, particularly those in their second or third trimester Birth partners: This is a women-only session; partners are not included. Dublin & Kildare dates announced soon Spaces are limited to keep the workshop personal and interactive. Advance booking is essential. We can't wait to welcome you and help you feel more confident as you prepare for your baby's arrival.