Prenatal Education and the Journey to Parenthood

Congratulations!  You are embarking on one of life’s most exciting journeys… parenthood!  From the moment you received the good news, you have likely been bombarded with information from your health care provider, books, friends and family.  In the fast-paced world we live in today, finding time to prepare for the arrival of your new baby can be challenging.  Fastest and easiest often overrules taking the time to know what the options are for you and your partner.  While prenatal visits and good daily care are important in minimizing risk and improving the health status of mom and baby, childbirth education classes can help make this journey more enjoyable for everyone involved.  Prenatal education classes are designed to help ease the fear of the unknown many parents experience and educate them on the various options available when the exciting day finally arrives.

Expectant parents often have many questions and fears about the upcoming birth of their child...  How bad will the pain be?  What if there’s a complication during labor?  Will I be a good parent?  What if the baby needs special attention after birth?

These fears are normal.  Prenatal classes, such as childbirth preparation, provide answers to these questions through knowledge and support.  It is important to educate yourself during pregnancy by attending classes, sharing with other couples who have similar concerns and learning what to expect so that during labor you understand what’s going on and can make decisions with your health care provider.

So what are your options?  It is important to choose classes that respect the developmental, emotional and physical needs you are experiencing.  Your prenatal education should focus on helping you meet these needs in the highly complex and technological world that surrounds normal birth.  When choosing childbirth preparation or any other prenatal classes, select programs taught by nationally-certified educators with creative and interactive teaching strategies that allow for questions, participation, state-of-the-art technology, flexible class schedules, and convenient times and locations that meet your needs.

Good childbirth and prenatal education programs should include classes that discuss:

• Pain management options: Epidural or natural birth?  Every mother is different.  These classes will teach you the various ways of handling pain, with or without medications.
• Preparing for a cesarean birth: Whether or not you are anticipating a cesarean delivery, it is important to learn why it is needed and what to anticipate if it occurs.
• Learning the baby essentials: These classes teach you techniques for how to bathe, feed and diaper a newborn.  Prepare yourself to understand your infant’s needs and behavior and know what is normal and what to look for.
• Balancing a career and new baby: Get information on how to maintain and store milk for feeding your baby and tips for talking with your boss.  Also, learn about child care options for once you return to work.
• Preparing an older sibling: A new baby will bring big changes to a child that once had all their parents’ love and attention for themselves.  This class prepares the older sibling to think about the changes that come with a new baby, including safety training and learning their new role as a big sister or brother.
• Car seat training: These classes should be taught by nationally-certified child passenger safety technicians.  Learn how to properly install a child’s seat and what to look for when shopping for a car seat.
• Tours of the hospital: Tours allow you to familiarize yourself with the areas of the hospital where you will be spending time, making for fewer surprises when the big day arrives.

Nothing replaces the natural instincts of caring for a newborn.  However, it will help when you know what to expect, how to respond and where to turn if questions or confusion occur.  More than anything, your pregnancy is a time to slow down.  This is one of the most exciting times in your life.  Being prepared is your best option for making the process as enjoyable and stress-free as it should be.

By Sharon Breunig, RN, MSN, operations coordinator, Northside Hospital MothersFirst Program.