Having a baby can present a lot of firsts for women. It’s important to be prepared and educated on what to expect on the birth day of your new addition. Being prepared will give moms-to-be a sense of confidence when getting ready to head into the delivery room. A good place to gain the confidence and knowledge is to choose a birthing class.
Choosing a class that best suits your time constraints is a good place to start. You can find courses that range from one-day workshops to weekly classes. Look at your schedule and pick something that easy to commit to.
Regardless of which class you choose, you should pick something that highlights the following:
- Signs of labor
- What happens during labor and delivery
- How to cope with pain and anxiety
- How your partner can be involved in making you comfortable
- When to alert your midwife or doctor
Lamaze
Lamaze classes are a popular choice for women who are planning on having an all natural birth. Lamaze instructors teach natural coping and breathing strategies that are easily done during labor and delivery; they also teach various positions and movements to promote comfort. In addition to these coping mechanisms, Lamaze classes also teach women to trust their intuition and to make informed decisions, particularly when it comes to consenting to medicine during the delivery.
The Bradley Method
The Bradley Method promotes the partner’s role as a coach during the delivery. In these classes, you and your partner will learn how to best prepare for labor and delivery of your baby throughout your pregnancy. There is an emphasis on everything from your diet during pregnancy to physical and breathing exercises to make you strong enough for an all natural birth. Like Lamaze and other classes available, The Bradley Method classes also offer help for adjusting to postpartum life.
Other Options
While Lamaze and The Bradley Method classes are popular choices among moms who are planning natural births, there are many other options available. Hypnobirth is a choice among many mothers as it promotes relaxation, visualization and self-hypnosis during labor. While the practice promotes natural birth, it is also popular for mothers who will be receiving medical intervention during labor and delivery.
Prenatal yoga classes focus on relaxation and strength while delivering your baby. If you already do yoga,this may be a great choice for you as it includes various yoga poses and breathing techniques to strengthen you for delivery. You can contact any certified yoga instructor about different prenatal options.
At Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, we are committed to helping you make the best choice for you and your growing family. If you have questions regarding childbirth class options, please contact us here.
