Royal College of Midwives Accredited courses
(Suitable for PREP requirements)

Courses for Midwives

"This course has definitely fulfilled all these objectives and equips midwives to support the mother, baby and birthing partner."
Clare Maxwell - Hudson

(These courses are also suitable for Doulas and Maternity Care Assistants on request)

Learn an innovative, award winning massage programme for use during the last month of pregnancy and during labour. No previous massage experience needed.

Part 1 teaches the basic LK massage techniques and gives a comprehensive introduction to the neuroendocrine responses to massage and the environmental conditions recommended to promote normal birth.

Part 2 teaches the advanced LK massage techniques and builds on the information taught in the basic course. This course is suitable for professionals caring for women in labour who have completed Part1.

Part 3 (new course available for 2008) covers the LK massage techniques that support women following birth.

All courses consider current research evidence and have a scientific basis.

Following completion of the Basic Course (part 1), participants can undertake the 2 day Trainers weekend. You will learn the principles of teaching the basic Programme to couples. Registration is expected prior to teaching the LK Massage Programme®.

Background

The aims of the LK Massage Programme are to ensure that control over the birth process is with the mother and her chosen birth partner, supported by the health professionals, mainly the midwife. Couples are taught the Programme during the last month of pregnancy and are well practised to work together in labour, often encouraging them to remain at home within their own environment until labour is well established. Alternatively, chosen techniques can be taught during labour to consenting couples.

We believe that by using a non pharmacological coping strategy such as the LK Massage Programme, the overall birth experience for mothers, birthing partners and midwives can be enhanced.

These series of courses have been adapted and developed by three midwives in response to feedback from both scientific research and couples using the Progamme.

BASIC COURSE (Part1) - 4 days

Complementary Therapists Association (CThA) Approved

Cost £395 - Inclusive of updated professional version of the DVD 'Towards Natural Childbirth and Beyond' (Part 1), Course Material, Assessment & Certification plus the use of carrier oil and massage couches.

Student midwives - Discount £345

During this course you will learn the principles of massage and the basic LK massage techniques.

The theoretical component of the course will introduce you to the neuroendocrine responses to massage in pregnancy, labour and birth and the importance of a conducive physical environment to promote normality.

Aims of the course

To equip professionals with practical skills and the theoretical knowledge needed to use the LK Massage Programme effectively within their practice to promote normal physiological childbirth.

Objectives

• To develop a basic understanding of the neuroendocrine responses to massage in late pregnancy, labour and birth and the importance of a conducive physical environment.
• To develop practical skills to perform the basic techniques of the LK Massage Programme, designed to reduce maternal pain and anxiety during late pregnancy, labour and birth.

Course components

• Information giving sessions will be interspersed with supervised practice sessions.
• Teaching and learning activities will include presentations, discussions, audio visual, guided practice and suggested reading.

Following completion of the course

Participants will receive Part 1 of the professional series of DVDs, 'Towards Natural Childbirth and Beyond' which offers comprehensive information on everything taught on the course and is intended to act as a reference. Participants will also receive a Guideline Booklet.

A case study needs to be completed demonstrating basic knowledge of current scientific findings that inform the Programme and an account of how the Programme has been practised on a selected client.

• Submission is required within 3 months of completing the course.
• Case studies should be submitted electronically in word format and all sources of information used must be fully referenced (word count, 2,000).

The case study will be returned within a month with comments from the course tutors and a pass/defer grade. A certificate of completion of the Basic Course will be awarded to those who pass and a second attempt will be given to those who are deferred.

Teaching component

To be able to teach couples you will need to attend a further 2 day Trainers weekend course. Guidelines will be given along with teaching materials for both trainer and couples.

Course Dates 2007/2008

Registration

Basic - entitles you to:

• Email and/or telephone access to specialist advice from the tutors to discuss cases and to answer any questions as the year progresses
• 10% off all future courses and updates
• Secure/passworded area on the Childbirth Essentials Website to view emerging information, feedback and sample case studies
• Networking between other therapists will also be available

The LK Massage Programme Trainers Course - 2 days

Cost £240 + £75 Assessment - Inclusive Course Material, Certification, a beginners teaching/resource pack and practice guidelines plus the use of carrier oil and massage couches.

To become an LK Massage Programme Trainer and teach couples we expect high standards from the potential trainers. A commitment to comply with specific guidelines is essential to ensure standards and consistency is maintained. Trainers will need to maintain competence and keep abreast of the Programme's developments.

Pre-requisites

Before attending a Trainers course candidates will need to:

• Successfully complete the Basic Course and for the Tutors to collectively support their suitability to undertake the Trainers course
• Have a desire to teach women and their birth partners
• Have a Commitment to develop and practise the skills learnt
• A full knowledge of the techniques and be competent in performing them

All Trainers will be required to register with Childbirth Essentials and follow specific guidelines.

If interested please contact Childbirth Essentials for further information.

Aims of the course

To provide participants with the necessary skills to teach the basic LK Massage Programme safely to couples.

Objectives of the course

• To ensure that participants are fully competent it the practical skills of the basic LK Massage Programme.
• To ensure that participants are able to share knowledge about the neuroendocrine, environmental and model of care aspects of the LK Massage Programme
• To ensure that the participants are competent to teach women and their chosen birth partner, paying special attention to safety issues.

Course components

• Information giving sessions will be interspersed with supervised practice sessions.
• Teaching and learning activities will include presentation and teaching skills workshops, discussions and guided practice.

Completion of course

All participants are expected to practise their teaching skills and conduct an observed class within 3 months of completion of the course. Students will notify the course coordinator when they feel ready for this assessment within the timeframe.

Following successful completion of this stage, the LK Massage Trainer will receive a certificate and needs to register with Childbirth Essentials. This will allow regional referrals for classes to be made via the Childbirth Essentials database, access to evidence based updates and information sharing amongst qualified practitioners.

Registration as a Trainer:

Your name will be placed on a database and any enquiries received by the course tutors from couples within your area could be referred to you.

Registering ensures that you will keep up to date with the current research and possible changes to the LK Massage Programme so you can advise the couples being taught.

It will entitle you to:

• The trainer's name, picture and contact details on the Childbirth Essentials website
• Referrals to couples in their area
• Link with their website if they have one
• Up to date information flagged via email
• Email and/or telephone access to specialist advice from the tutors to discuss cases and to answer any questions as the year progresses
• Secure/passworded area on the Childbirth Essentials Website to view emerging information, feedback and sample case studies

Cost of registration £30 per year or £75 for 3 years

Course Dates 2007/2008

Banbury	3,4 November 2007
Banbury	3,4 May 2008
Banbury	8,9 Nov 2008

To ensure 1:1 attention we teach no more than 6 participants per course

ADVANCED COURSE (Part 2) - 4 days

Cost £395 - Inclusive of updated professional version of the DVD 'Towards Natural Childbirth and Beyond' (Part 2), Course Material, Assessment & Certification plus the use of carrier oil and massage couches.

You need to have completed the Basic Course (part 1) and submitted your Case study prior to attending this course.

Aims of the course

To provide participants with the remaining advanced LK massage techniques required to complete the Programme. To develop a more advanced understanding of the neuroendocrine changes in late pregnancy, labour and birth and their links to massage.

Objectives

• To consolidate the basic techniques taught in Part 1
• To develop an advanced understanding of neuroendocrine mediation of massage and neuroendocrine changes in late pregnancy, labour and birth
• To become competent to implement the LK Massage Programme in pregnancy, labour and birth. The advanced massage techniques learnt will enable the participant to fully realise the potential of the Programme.

Upon successful completion of the course participants will:

• understand the history and reported physiological benefits of massage
• understand the philosophy of the LK Massage Programme and become competent in its use when supporting couples during pregnancy and labour
• understand the neuroendocrine changes during late pregnancy and labour that regulate increased pain threshold and reduced maternal stress responses
• understand the importance of a conducive physical environment and be able to implement changes within the work place

Course Components

• Information giving sessions will be interspersed with supervised practice sessions
• Teaching and learning activities will include presentations, discussions, audio visual, guided practice and suggested reading
• Practical labour scenarios will be used to train the participants in the use of the LK Massage Programme in its entirety. The aim being to identify specific techniques for specific situations in labour

Following completion of the course you will receive DVD, Towards Natural Childbirth and Beyond Part 2 which gives all the advanced techniques and further information taught during the course.

A case study will be required.

Course Dates 2007

NEW COURSE AVAILABLE FOR 2008

POSTNATAL COURSE (Part 3) - 3 days

Inclusive of updated professional version of the DVD 'Towards Natural Childbirth and Beyond' (Part 3), Course Material, Assessment & Certification plus the use of carrier oil and massage couches.

This course can be undertaken independently of the other two as a three day block. If you have already completed the Basic Course (part 1) you will be exempt day one and therefore the course will be two days.

It is highly suitable for midwives, lactation consultants and breast feeding specialists / counsellors and massage therapists or any professional in contact with mothers in the early weeks after the birth.

Further course details and dates coming soon 2007/8.

Aims of the course

To provide participants with the postnatal component of the LK Massage Programme - the simple massage techniques are designed to reduce maternal stress and anxiety during the postnatal period and enhance maternal & infant well-being.

Objectives

• To develop a basic understanding of massage and movement (day 1)
• To develop a basic understanding of the neuroendocrine changes during the postnatal period and the benefits of massage
• To gain skills to perform the LK massage techniques designed to reduce maternal anxiety during the postnatal period

Course Components

• Information giving sessions will be interspersed with supervised practice sessions
• Teaching and learning activities will include presentations, discussions, guided practice and suggested reading.

Following completion of the course you will receive a DVD, Towards Natural Childbirth and Beyond Part 3 which offers revision of the taught massage techniques and information given in the course.

Courses in your area

To run a course in your area we would need a minimum of 12 people. The venue and massage tables will need to be supplied by the organisation.

BASIC (4 days) and ADVANCED (4 days) COURSES

Cost £395 per place. Minimum 12 people

Maximum 16 places - 16th place free.

POSTNATAL COURSE - 3 days

To run a course in your area we would need a minimum of 12 people. The venue and massage tables will need to be supplied by the organisation.

REGISTERED TRAINERS COURSE - 2 DAYS

To run a course in your area we would need a minimum of 6 people. The venue and massage tables will need to be supplied by the organisation.

Cost £240 per place plus £75 assessment

Course Co-ordinators

Linda Kimber
RN, RM, Therapeutic Masseuse (ITEC), Aromatherapist, Reflexologist, City & Guilds Teaching Certificate
Tel: 01865 372937 or 07765 192048
info@childbirthessentials.co.uk

Anne Haines
RN, RM, MSc Interprofessional Health and Community Studies, IBCLC, SOM, City & Guilds Teaching Certificate
info@childbirthessentials.co.uk

Mary McNabb
RN, RM, MSc Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Senior Midwifery Lecturer
rhizome1@xs4all.nl

Clare Maxwell-Hudson will assess the courses on a yearly basis.

Application Forms: 2007

To download the application form, please click the link below or contact:

info@childbirthessentials.co.uk or telephone 01865 - 372937 or 07765 192048

• Enrolment form for Midwives (PDF)

All content and photography featured on this web site are copyright © Linda Kimber and Anne Haines 2007

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