- A prenatal workshop at the Ribera Imske hospital helps couples cope with childbirth with practical and emotional resources, and with the active participation of both parents.
- Midwife Elena Pajuelo emphasizes that training with a specialist before birth "reduces fear and strengthens the bond even before the baby is born."
Hospital Imske Riverbank Every month, the center hosts a childbirth preparation workshop for couples, aimed at expectant mothers and fathers who wish to experience the birth of their baby with peace of mind, information, and emotional connection. It is an intensive weekend morning designed to facilitate the attendance of both partners and create an intimate, personalized, and practical space.
The workshop is led by midwife Elena Pajuelo, who emphasizes the importance of joint prenatal education: “Pregnancy is a time of maximum openness and learning. Before the baby is born, families have more mental and emotional space to integrate information without the stress of 'it's already happening',” she explains.
Knowing what will happen helps reduce fear
One of the main objectives of the workshop is for the couple to arrive at the birth knowing what to expect at each stage and how to prepare, both physically and emotionally. The first part of the session covers key theoretical concepts: how labor begins, what happens when the amniotic sac ruptures, the different stages of the process, arrival at the hospital, and the progression of labor until birth.
The workshop then becomes entirely practical. The couples experience different situations and work step-by-step on what to do at each moment, how to support each other during contractions, how to offer physical and emotional support, and what the partner's active role is during the pushing stage.
“When they understand that their support can be conscious and complete, a very powerful 'click' happens,” Pajuelo points out. “They go from insecurity to confidence, and that completely transforms the birth experience.”
Emotional resources and couple bond
In addition to the physical aspects, the workshop dedicates significant time to emotional resources: breathing, presence, emotional support, communication as a couple, and shared visualization of the birth day. All of this is approached with a focus on bonding, not only between the parents but also with the baby.
“It’s not just about knowing what to do, but about feeling capable from the start,” says the midwife. “Couples who participate communicate better, are more involved, and experience the birth more calmly,” she adds.
The workshop takes place in small groups, in the attic of the Ribera Imske hospital, the group's health center. Ribera In Valencia, with plenty of natural light and in a carefully curated environment, the course includes brunch and a practical guide to review and practice everything learned at home. It takes place almost every month, and you can check the new dates by calling the hospital or visiting the midwife's website.
