Your Prenatal Education Options
What Classes Should You Take?
How will I care for myself in pregnancy? How can I be more comfortable? What are some warning signs I should be aware of in pregnancy? When should I call my doctor? What are my options for comfort in labor? How long will I be in labor? What is “skin to skin care” and “rooming in”? How will I care for myself after the baby is born? How will I care for the baby once the baby is born? What if I need a c-section?
These are some important questions that will be answered in your childbirth preparation classes. There are many benefits to attending Childbirth Preparation classes for soon-to-be parents. Much of what is reviewed in class is information for a lifetime of healthy living. The relaxation technique, nutrition and exercise tips, and communication between mom and dad/coach are all important for pregnancy, labor, and for life! Knowledge is power. If you know what to expect, you will have a much easier time in labor and delivery.
Most childbirth preparation classes teach a combination of relaxation techniques: Lamaze breathing, guided imagery, aromatherapy, massage techniques, and other coping tools that you'll utilize in labor. If this is your first baby, you don't know what labor will be like. The more you "practice", the better the relaxation techniques will work for you. Most hospital programs also offer information on other comfort options including pain medication and epidural anesthesia. Even if you know you want to have an epidural, you should still practice relaxation techniques for the beginning of your labor. It is helpful to know the position you need to be in for the epidural to be placed and to learn what other interventions might occur.
A tour of the hospital will most likely be included, so you can begin to feel comfortable with where you will have your baby. You get to meet other couples that are expecting about the same time as you, and many go on to form playgroups and lifelong friendships with those they meet. The classes are usually about six hours in length and packed with important information to make your pregnancy, labor and first weeks with baby much smoother. Many programs may offer weeknight classes that you attend for a couple of weeks or weekend classes that you attend all in one day. These are growing more popular for couples that both work.
In addition to a childbirth preparation class, you can ask about what other educational offerings are available. Breastfeeding is another very important class to take. A breastfeeding for beginners class will help get you and baby off to a great start. It is also nice to meet the Lactation Consultant who will be helping you with baby in the hospital.
Attending a refresher class if it is not your first baby can be helpful as well. You will always feel more at ease when you can be reminded or learn new information in a comfortable setting and have time to think about the information. Then, as the doctor or nurses are explaining things to you in labor, you will be more relaxed because the information will not be brand new to you.
Baby care classes usually include basic information such as diapering, bathing, sleep and safety; all valuable information first-time parents should not miss. Infant CPR classes include first aid and safety for the first year and are very important to take. Don't forget the siblings! Many hospitals offer sibling classes and tours of the birthplace so that soon-to-be big brothers and sisters feel included. Infant massage classes can strengthen the parent-baby bond and soothe colic.
After delivery, find out about classes that you and baby can both attend like a nursing moms group for breastfeeding support or a group for new mom and new parents. This will provide you with information about taking care of baby for the first year. It is also a great place to meet other new moms or parents! Since information changes with each generation, grandparenting classes can review all the new research on sleep, new car seat regulations, breastfeeding and much more. Ask if your hospital has a babysitter class to send older siblings to, or ask any babysitters you hire if they have attended.
Replace your fears of the unknown with knowledge, so you can enjoy this special time in your life!