21st Century Childbirth Education
What You Really Need to Know
The number one question from newly expectant parents these days is, “What do I really need to know for this upcoming baby?” In the 21st century – with endless information and products available in just a click – this is the million-dollar question!
Before the internet, expectant parents asked their doctors or midwives questions, read books, talked to their friends and family. Many were directed to childbirth preparation classes where they could learn from the experts. Some women, who were truly ahead of their time, took a prenatal exercise class that combined strength and stretching exercises with relaxation and visualization techniques, and aerobics for the endurance to run the marathon we call “labor.”
In the ‘80s, parents began to realize that labor – on average lasting 14 hours – was a quick step in the long journey called parenting and parenting classes became quite popular. Expectant parents began to seek out classes that would not only prepare them to swaddle, diaper, bathe and soothe a cranky baby, but also help them to think about how they would blend parenting styles they learned from their own parents into something that worked for their new families.
Fast forward to 2010 and what do we see? Expectant and new parents now look to the internet and social media for much of their initial information about labor, birth and parenting. The problem with the internet is that there are so many sites and schools of thought. How does one decide which ones are the most trusted and have the best, up-to-date, research-based information? Parents-to-be are having difficulty deciphering all the information and making decisions about what they really need to know.
So, once again, we are seeing a stream of parents-in-the-making seeking information from their doctors and midwives and attending childbirth, parenting, breastfeeding and fitness classes to work with the experts. When they get there, they sometimes receive an unexpected bonus: other parents who are looking for the same things! They realize that they not only have their “expert” who is their instructor, they also have the opportunity to develop a network that may be important to them after their babies are born. This network can keep them from feeling isolated in those early months, when everything in life changes.
So, in a nutshell, what do you need to know about to prepare yourself to give birth and become responsible parents? I break it down this way: essentials and nice-to-haves.
Essentials:
Childbirth Education Classes
You can choose from a series, or one-day, online or hypno-birthing classes where you will learn the basics about labor and birth – how it works, how you can manage it, comfort measures, how your partner can help, what your options are. YouTube videos are not always the best teaching tools.
Weekly Newsletters
Most hospitals now have a weekly email newsletter that will keep you up-to-date on your baby’s development, your changing body, hospital information and local resources.
Parenting Series or One-Day Classes
You will learn about parenting styles, how to change a diaper, swaddle a baby, bathe a baby, how to tell if your baby is ill, when to call your pediatrician, car seat safety, items you really need and what you don’t.
Prenatal Fitness
Research tells us that an aerobically fit pregnant woman reduces her risk for several disorders of pregnancy, will likely have shorter labor and less pain, require less pain medication, and recover faster, especially if she has a Cesarean.
Infant/Child CPR Skills
Learn the basics of infant/child CPR from a certified instructor. Anyone who will be taking care of your baby should know these basics; this class is great for grandparents, too.
Breastfeeding Basics
Many moms think that once they have delivered their baby that they will learn everything they need to know in the hospital. After you’ve given birth, it is not always easy to absorb all the information you will need to be successful. Parents who take the time to learn the basics of breastfeeding during pregnancy will be able to spend most of their hospital stay “practicing” breastfeeding.
Nice-to-Haves
Infant massage, anesthesia and pain relief, baby sign language, refresher/vaginal birth after Cesarean class, prepared Cesarean class, sibling class, maternity tour and eLearning. Depending upon your needs, some of these “nice-to-haves” might be “essentials.”
So, continue to talk to your doctor, your midwife, your friends and family. Search the internet, use Facebook and YouTube as you begin your journey. When you are ready to prepare yourself for birth and beyond, find qualified experts who will teach you the essentials of fitness, breastfeeding, birth and parenting.