No matter if this is your first pregnancy or not, childbirth classes can help prepare you for an unforgettable labor and delivery experience. Classes may be available through hospitals or private instructors.
Consider the class size; smaller groups allow for increased interaction and camaraderie. Furthermore, search for classes which teach various childbirth techniques.
Prenatal Classes
Pregnancy care training (also referred to as antenatal or birthing classes) provide the best way to learn about and prepare for childbirth. Classes feature education, discussion, activities and hands-on demonstrations that cover topics like nutrition for you and your baby during gestation, common health concerns during labor onset recognition pain management options delivery techniques fetal development newborn care.
Attending childbirth classes will give you confidence that your body can handle labor and birth. While no one can predict exactly how your experience will unfold with each pregnancy, studies show that attending childbirth classes has been associated with lower rates of interventions during labor as well as less use of epidural anesthesia.
Many women find solace in conversing with other expectant mothers taking birthing classes. You will likely make friends who will provide support throughout your birthing experience and beyond, while sharing any questions or voicing any concerns with fellow class members as well as consulting doctors or nurses regarding information specific to where you intend to give birth.
Many antenatal classes also provide women-only sessions that may be beneficial to single moms-to-be and those whose partners cannot or do not wish to attend. Such courses may offer unique curriculum or focus on supporting labor and birth during this phase.
Childbirth Classes
Childbirth classes educate expectant parents about all aspects of pregnancy and labor. They help prepare expectant mothers for labor and delivery process including pain management strategies, hospital procedures and what to expect during cesarean section delivery. Many classes also include tours of maternity units/childbirth films/education on breastfeeding/infant care.
No matter whether you take your childbirth class in person or online, it’s essential to select the ideal course. Childbirth courses come in all forms from one-day workshops to weekly sessions lasting several months – in either case group classes may help expecting parents meet others who will also give birth around that same time and form important bonds together.
Classes are generally instructed by a certified childbirth educator or labor and delivery nurse, and some classes offer the Bradley Method of birthing; this may be most suitable for parents-to-be who desire an all-natural birth without using an epidural. Other offerings, like Birthing From Within series classes in private settings may provide more appropriate solutions to concerns related to emotional trauma, anxiety or loss associated with labor experiences or previous traumas or losses.
Parents who have given birth before can also benefit from attending these classes, which will provide them with a more thorough understanding of what to expect during labor and help navigate all of the information about childbirth available from friends, family and the internet.
Postpartum Classes
Attending a breastfeeding class can give new moms confidence when caring for their new arrival postpartum, and can provide nutrition education both moms and babies alike.
This class is ideal for women looking to support their partner during childbirth, offering relaxation techniques, breathing techniques and coping methods as well as knowledge on pain medication usage during labor.
Meet other expectant mothers and their partners – they provide invaluable support throughout pregnancy and postpartum, especially when experiencing depression or anxiety that often develops after giving birth.
Alternatively, consult with your physician or midwife first before attending this livestreamed class designed for pregnant mothers who have entered their second trimester. It offers low-intensity stretching that targets extremities, hips and core while including breathing exercises to aid relaxation, gentle movements that strengthen pelvic floor muscles as well as toning/strengthening exercises that target pelvic floor and abdominal muscles and more. Find out more information online by registering today.
Infant Care Classes
Even though nothing can completely prepare you for childbirth, classes offer invaluable insight into labor and delivery that cannot be gained through hearing stories from friends or reading online articles. They’re also an opportunity to meet other expectant parents as well as connect with those who have gone through it before you.
Antenatal classes are often conducted by medical professionals such as nurses or lactation consultants, though midwives, physiotherapists and yoga practitioners may also run them. Some classes are free; while others could run up costs exceeding several hundred dollars; you might even be eligible to claim some costs on your health insurance policy.
Turner takes great pride in offering courses designed to be interactive, and allow expectant mothers to ask questions throughout. These topics range from how to ease transition back to work easier for working mothers to breastfeeding and baby care basics. She is particularly proud of the infant care class he created which specifically helps new parents understand the significance of skin-to-skin contact after birth and how it reduces SIDS risk.
Pregnancy, childbirth and infant care classes can be found either locally at your hospital of choice or online via Amma Parenting Center’s website. For more information or registration visit them now.