Many people consider prenatal or childbirth classes to be a rite of passage for new mothers-to-be and their birth support partners. These classes focus on the practical details of labor and delivery, sharing pain relief positions, techniques and medication options. By demystifying the labor process, they aim to empower the mother, reducing the anxiety and fear of the unknown.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, consult with your doctor before enrolling in a class.
The benefits of prenatal classes
Attending a prenatal class with your birth partner will give you access to much of the information you need to prepare for labor and the delivery of your baby. They generally cover the labor process, pain-relieving techniques, pain relief options, epidurals, cesarean births, and postpartum recovery, breastfeeding and caring for your baby.
Childbirth classes are best attended in the second and third trimester, as the information will be fresh, but you still have time to prepare.
Types of prenatal classes
There are four primary childbirth classes to choose from, though there are many more that offer services tailored to every taste. All aim to create a positive birth experience for the mother and baby.
Lamaze
Lamaze breathing is a traditional breathing technique for preparing for childbirth. Described as conscious relaxation and controlled breathing to manage the pain of childbirth, it has been used as a way to give birth without drugs since the 1960s.
The Alexander technique
Learning the Alexander Technique during pregnancy will help in adjusting to the weight of your growing baby. As your body feels heavier, with backaches, breathlessness and fatigue, you will learn to change your posture and learn movements to prepare for labor and birth.
The Bradley method
Dr. Bradley advocated for an intervention-free birth thanks to an environment with dim lighting, solitude, comfort, familiarity, a sense of safety and confidence, physical relaxation and controlled breathing. The Bradley Method childbirth classes focus on how to have a healthy pregnancy and a natural birth, with lots of practical advice for labor and birth.
HypnoBirthing
HypnoBirthing, invented by Marie Mongan, aims to transform birth into an empowering, tolerable experience through hypnosis. A positive birth experience is taught through relaxation, rejecting the belief that childbirth equals intense pain and fear.
How to choose the best class for you
High-risk pregnancies more often require medical intervention for the benefit of the mother and the baby. The above methods all offer positive approaches to childbirth that include practical information, relaxation techniques and an informed preparation for labor and birth.
When choosing a class, keep in mind your expectations, as well as the associated cost and convenience. Do your research and speak to other moms on their experience. Even if your birth experience ends up becoming more medically complex than you would wish, these techniques are all valuable in preparing you mentally and physically.
