For most women, becoming a mother might seem stressful, and women rarely feel ready and prepared for what is to come. The same principle applies to pregnant women when it comes to preparing for childbirth. The older generations of women, who did not have all the luxury and help we have today, might share that they did nothing significant to prepare for childbirth. Still, the resources they had back then cannot even closely be compared to all the services future moms have at their disposal today.
In today’s article, we will be elaborating more on preparing for childbirth, childbirth classes, and education, as well as breastfeeding education and other important information new mothers should know. Oh, and also make sure you have chosen a doctor who will give you all of this necessary information beforehand, so you can adequately prepare. Doctors who are experienced in this field can be found in different clinics across the U.S., such as My OBGYN Specialists, so make sure to check them out!
Where and When Do I Start My Childbirth Education?
Childbirth education classes are an excellent way to start preparing for labor. They are most often recommended by experts during the third trimester of your pregnancy, but you can begin your childbirth education anytime before the labor. If you are scared, frightened, and uncomfortable, the earlier you start the classes, the more relief you will feel.
In case you are carrying multiple babies (twins, triplets, etc.), these classes are advised earlier because this type of pregnancy is more complicated than single pregnancies, especially because the children tend to come earlier than anticipated.
The classes most often last for a few weeks, and it is important to plan them and apply on time because they fill up very quickly, especially in smaller locations and quite far from major cities.
When looking for childbirth education classes, there are a few things you need to take into consideration, such as:
- A certified teacher should teach the classes.
- The groups should be smaller (not more than ten couples) so that every person can get enough time with the teacher.
- You should ask about the timetable, the price and the location on time.
- Most birthing facilities and hospitals offer these types of classes; in some cases, you can have them online.
- Sometimes your insurance might cover your costs and advise you about the options close to your residence.
Preparing for Labor Through Childbirth Education
Many women wonder about the content of childbirth classes and whether it will be beneficial for them, considering that they need to pay a significant amount of money for the lessons and set aside time and resources for this activity.
During childbirth education classes, you will first get an opportunity to share all concerns and questions you might have about your pregnancy, labor, and newborn care with people who are going through the same experience and with a certified expert. The teacher can help you resolve any type of suspicion and insecurity during these classes and offer immediate anxiety release and comfort.
There are numerous misconceptions about preparing for labor and labor itself, both online and offline, so classes like these can only help future mothers calm down and share their struggles with an experienced specialist.
Many studies have shown that women who attended birthing classes are much less likely to experience high anxiety and stress during labor than those who did not go to childbirth classes and did not have a chance to share their fears and ask questions.
Here are some steps you should take during your childbirth education so you can maximize your time and learn as much as possible:
- Get to know the facility you have the classes in, and if that is also the hospital you will give birth in, make sure to learn about their rules, regulations, and resources.
- Be very open and approach your teacher anytime you need to ask something.
- Try to attend the childbirth classes with your partner so they can also learn about labor and how to help you best during labor and afterward.
- Talk about managing pain and what some alternatives are.
- Learn breathing techniques, relaxation methods, and visualization to cope with contractions and pain.
- Many class coaches will also discuss the benefits and risks of common pain management techniques, such as epidural blocks, so ask questions if you want to learn more.
- Learn about medical procedures concerning labor and what might be some potential complications so you can prepare to the best of your abilities.
- Learn about the most used interventions and their effect on your labor progress.
- Make sure you also learn and speak about newborn care and potential complications.
- Most childbirth classes also have a segment on what to do when the baby comes, so topics such as choosing a doctor for the baby, breastfeeding education, bathing, diapering, etc., will most probably come up – take advantage of that and ask anything you might want to know.
- Practice what they preached in class because if you do not practice what the coaches teach you, you cannot use that knowledge effectively during labor.
How Many Types of Childbirth Classes Are There?
There are many different types of childbirth education, depending on the specific kind of delivery, the particular interest of the parents, the main aim of the education, etc. Regarding distinct delivery types and strategies, there are different classes for women who want a C-section, a vaginal birth after a C-section, multiple births, etc., The two most used and popular birthing classes are Lamaze and Bradley.
In Lamaze classes, the main aim is to work on the confidence of pregnant women to believe that they can give birth to a baby. During the classes, the coaches teach you how to approach discomfort and maximize your comfort and labor efficiency. Techniques that are most talked about are breathing tactics and massage.
During Bradley classes, women are taught about relaxation techniques, and their partners are guided through the labor management process as external helpers. Birth is presented as a natural process, and preparing your body and mind for this particular activity is the number one aim of the Bradley technique.
Numerous other classes have different approaches and techniques regarding childbirth education, so choose which class you want to take based on your delivery method and your gut feeling. Some courses, for example, teach methods of hypnobirthing, where women combine self-hypnosis and deep relaxation techniques.
Call Us!
A wide variety of different childbirth education might be a bit confusing for future mothers. Hence, instead of struggling with the choices, call our experts, schedule a consultation, and let them help you choose the best possible way to learn about childbirth and prepare for labor.
Call our clinic and find out what comfort feels like!