Childbirth classes are a good option for mums who want to be absolutely prepared for the birth of their child/children and to make the best of an unforgettable moment in life. First time mums should definitely pay attention to childbirth education. It will help them to feel at ease with what they are going through.
How to choose a childbirth educator
1) You want to get the most out of your class right? Then checking the certification is a must. Some of the well-known and longstanding childbirth education organizations include the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA), Lamaze International and AAHCE (Bradley Method). Don’t hesitate to ask potential educators directly about their credentials.
2) Flexibility is important too. When you are carrying a bulge, convenience becomes a priority. Check the schedules to see if it nicely fits in with your doctor’s appointments, work, exercise classes, etc. Don’t rely on crash courses; it’s very likely that you won’t remember much when time calls for recollection! Plus, you don’t want to stress yourself. Don’t delay the classes to the very last week-you never know if an early delivery is on the cards.
3) The size of the class is another thing you should consider. You are not there to get a degree but to learn how to cope with a fundamentally important time in your life. The class needs to work like an interactive group, where you can ask all the seemingly silly questions. You’d like to experience a sense of privacy too. The ideal number of students should be not more than 10 couples.
4) Last but not least, check the lesson plan. Typically, your class would cover the following:
- Coping with labor / relaxation
- Positioning during labor
- Birth planning
- Comfort measures
- Epidurals and other relevant medication
- Common complications
- Caesareans
- Unexpected outcomes
- Breastfeeding
- Special care for mother after giving birth
- Parenting –Newborn
Did you know that some insurance companies reimburse expenses for these classes, because they provide numerous health benefits? Some hospitals or health centers will offer free childbirth education classes.
Although you’d do well to consider the above before selecting a class, take a moment to decide what exactly YOU are looking for. Some expecting ladies will want to make their classes more fun and socialize with other couples who are in the same situation. Others will be so thrilled about the idea of being pregnant that they’d want to share it with others and dissect all available information. Maybe you’d want to watch recorded births or maybe you’d feel stronger without it. Understanding these little personal preferences can help you to make your classes more satisfying.
What are the different techniques of childbirth education?
In the US, the Lamaze technique and the Bradley method are the most popular.
Lamaze - This technique wins hand down. It’s a philosophy based on the fact that birthing is a natural process. So it focuses on giving pregnant women the strength and comfort they need to deal with labor and birth. Mental conditioning (understanding pain) is as important as relaxation techniques. This method realizes that tensing up will only increase the difficulties.
Bradley - This is also called the "Husband-Coached Birth". It gives an important place to the baby’s father and encourages medication-free birth. The importance of nutrition and exercise are also stressed.
