Childbirth Education Classes
Many
pregnant women have ques tions about childbirth as they get closer to
the time for the baby’s birth. Family and friends share their childbirth
experiences with you, which may lead to some confusion and more questions.
Many of these questions can be answered by attending a series of childbirth
education classes. These classes are designed to prepare you for the process
of childbirth and to help decrease the fear of the unknown that many first-time
expectant parents experience. The goal of childbirth education classes
is to teach coping skills that a woman in labor can use to foster a sense
of self-control and to minimize her discomfort. You’ll have the
opportunity to ask questions and to interact with other expectant parents.
Many types of childbirth education classes are taught today; the most
common types are Lamaze and the Bradley Method. The majority of programs
use a combination of the two in their classes. Both teach breathing and
relaxation, the role of the labor support person, the process of labor,
and skills to cope with the discomfort of labor. You will learn that pregnancy
and labor are normal, healthy occurrences. You will learn how to trust
the process and not fight the contractions. Research has shown that women
can make the birth process easier by being informed about labor and using
controlled relaxation methods. The role of the labor support person is
to offer emotional support, time contractions, provide comfort measures,
and keep the laboring woman focused.
The stages of labor are discussed in great detail so that you know what
emotional and physical changes to expect during childbirth. Techniques
that a woman can use to manage labor pain during each stage are taught,
along with a discussion on the possible use of pain relief measures. Techniques
such as touch and massage, music, position change, visualization, and
imagery can help with relaxation. Prenatal exercises that are designed
to minimize the minor discomforts of late pregnancy are taught in class.
These exercises also help to build physical endurance for the labor process,
especially during the pushing stage.
Below is an overview of each type of childbirth class so you can explore which method appeals to you.
Lamaze
Lamaze is focused on control. By controlling breathing, you can control
pain. By focusing on something other than the pain, you can control your
perception of the pain of labor. Exercises are taught, as well as breathing
techniques. Multiple types of breathing for the various stages of labor
are taught so that your attention is on breathing and muscle relaxation.
The coach or partner’s job is to monitor and help adjust the breathing
pattern of Mom.
Bradley
The Bradley Method emphasizes the importance of diet and exercise during
pregnancy. This method teaches conditioning exercises and muscle relaxation
in labor. It advocates a slow, deep-breathing, take-your-time approach,
generally in a quiet, unlit environment. It also involves the husband
or partner as an integral participant in the birth process.
Early registration for classes is recommended. You can sign up starting in your fifth, sixth, or seventh month. It is suggested that you plan on finishing a series of four to six classes several weeks before your due date. The earlier you sign up, the more options and flexibility you have regarding class dates and times. Classes are generally two to two-and-a-half hours in length and are very informal. Your clothing should be suitable for floor exercises, and two pillows and/or an exercise mat are suggested.
Some hospitals offer a single eight-hour class, which is a condensed version of the series. There are also classes for parents who have experienced a birth but would like to review and practice breathing and relaxation techniques, special classes for women who anticipate a vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC), and a series designed for parents expecting multiple births (such as twins). Other classes you might find include pregnancy fitness/exercise, infant care, CPR, and breastfeeding. Ask about the qualifications of the instructor for any class for which you register. You especially want a childbirth educator certified by a national childbirth education organization.