Posted on April 23, 2009 - by Marie

What happens in childbirth classes

We all hear about pregnant women dragging their significant others off to childbirth classes. We all know what’s going to happen when the baby inside decides that they are ready to see the world. The baby will come whether we are ready or not. This brings up the question, “Do childbirth classes really make a difference?”

When it comes to childbirth classes, some women attend them and some do not. Some attend more advanced classes beyond the basics. Do they do it to have the experience or do these classes actually help prepare the mother for what is going to happen in the labor and delivery room? That is what we are here to find out.

The purpose of childbirth classes is to prepare the mother for labor and delivery. No one can describe the experience exactly because just as each woman is different, each delivery is not the same. However, it goes without saying that there will be at least some excruciating pain before the joy of holding the wee one in our arms.

But, childbirth is more than just the pain. The classes prepare parents for what they will see and hear. Hopefully the films in class will keep the men-folk from passing out when the baby’s head appears. Soon to be parents become familiar with birthing terms and how long labor can take, although this varies tremendously, when attending these classes.

They are made aware of the options open to them in the labor and delivery room. For one, there are vaginal and cesarean births. Certain criteria exist for a cesarean birth and mothers should know what they are. For a vaginal birth, a mother can have the assistance of pain medication on board if labor is long. This would be the epidural.

With an epidural injection, a monitor lets a mother know when contractions are occurring. The doctor will also tell you when to push to help the baby in the process of delivery. Some moms use just the breathing techniques learned in their childbirth class and either choice is fine. The epidural is safe for the baby and a godsend for many mothers.

I hit on one important thing that is done during childbirth class: breathing techniques. Mothers are taught how to breathe through a contraction to lessen the pain. This is the Lamaze method that many mothers subscribe to. Another method of childbirth class is the Bradley method which relies on the coach to talk the mother through the labor process.

Childbirth classes are a way for parents to bond over their child. Both learn about taking care of baby after birth and how the mother’s body will change before and after she delivers. You may not want help breathing through a contraction, but remember, childbirth classes teach more than that. Any mother and father to be will benefit from a childbirth class in one way or another.

Image from Flickr.

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Last 5 posts by Marie

• Exercise during pregnancy - April 15th, 2009
• How to find the right obstetrician - April 13th, 2009
• Planning a pregnancy - April 8th, 2009
• Is back pain or morning sickness killing you? - April 7th, 2009
• Are you ready for a baby? - April 6th, 2009