Pregnancy and childbirth can be thrilling experiences, yet full of uncertainty. That is why childbirth classes provide an invaluable way to learn about and prepare for labor and delivery.
These classes generally cover topics related to pain management strategies, comfort measures during gestation and hospital procedures for vaginal or cesarean birth. Some also include advice for baby care and breastfeeding tips.
Childbirth Education Classes
Maternity care classes provide parents-to-be with tools and techniques for dealing with labor and delivery as they prepare to give birth, including how labor works and managing pain during labor and delivery. Topics covered may include what to expect during gestation, pain management techniques and understanding how the body responds to vaginal or cesarean birthing processes.
There are various kinds of childbirth classes to choose from; selecting one should depend on your personal preferences and the kind of delivery plan you envision for yourself. A Bradley Method class might be suitable if you intend to go without medication during labor; similarly, Prepared Childbirth Live Webinar offers more comprehensive coverage of birth physiology, comfort techniques (with practice); medical interventions including pain medications; the role of support people; as well as at-home postpartum care services.
Most childbirth classes can be found both online and in-person and charge a registration fee that covers both expectant mothers and support persons attending classes. Many insurance plans and Flexible Spending Accounts reimburse this expense. Other prenatal classes cover topics like breastfeeding, newborn care and infant CPR which can be useful to expectant parents who have questions or want more information on certain aspects of parenting. Some even feature community elements where pregnant women can meet each other to stay connected after they give birth.
Newborn Care Classes
Newborn care classes provide you and your partner with the knowledge they need to care for your newborn when he or she arrives, including how to feed, bathe and diaper them; when to contact their physician; as well as tips for soothing fussy babies.
Even if you have previously given birth, newborn care and childbirth education classes are invaluable, particularly if it has been some time since your last delivery. Classes such as this one can provide invaluable information such as whether breastfeeding works for you, what to expect with cesarean delivery and how best to prepare older siblings for a new sibling’s arrival.
Childbirth classes typically take place at hospitals, women’s clinics or private practices. More recently though, virtual options have also become incredibly popular and can be just as informative for expecting parents. One advantage of online classes is being able to watch modules at your own pace while pausing or replaying the content as needed to ensure you understand it fully. In addition, most insurance policies and flexible spending accounts reimburse part of their class fees as reimbursement.
Postpartum Classes
Postpartum preparation classes should not be overlooked when planning to have a baby. Attending these sessions ensures you know what to expect after giving birth, when many questions will likely arise about breastfeeding, bathing and changing your baby, newborn testing and other concerns that might arise after giving birth.
Babies don’t come with instructions, so it is helpful to learn as much as you can about their care before they arrive. Topics to cover include normal newborn characteristics and behaviors; how to bathe, swaddle and diaper your newborn; feeding options including breastfeeding and bottle feeding; concerns over newborn safety and illness as well as when to contact a pediatrician.
Pregnancy can be an emotionally taxing time, and research shows that prenatal classes can provide relief. Participants in the Family Foundations class series reported lower stress, depression and anxiety levels as well as greater satisfaction with their childbirth experience compared with those who didn’t attend these sessions.
Discover natural methods of pain management during labor with this hands-on class held over a weekend. Perfect for first-time parents as well as experienced ones looking to refresh themselves on natural birthing techniques, an anesthesiology fellow will discuss medications such as epidurals, nitrous oxide and other forms of pain relief; there will also be a tour of Mount Auburn Hospital Maternity Center included!
Online Classes
Prior to giving birth, you will likely enroll in a prenatal class. These courses provide crucial preparation tips such as infant bathing and breastfeeding advice as well as useful breathing techniques used during labor.
Traditional prenatal classes take place between months 6 and 7 of your gestation at a hospital, birth center or women’s health group; however, due to COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, many of these groups now offer online options as an additional solution. These classes provide convenient alternatives for expectant parents who cannot attend in-person sessions or prefer conducting their prenatal education from home.
Online childbirth classes provide expectant mothers and their partners with all of the tools needed for an unmedicated labor and birth experience. Topics covered by online childbirth courses range from understanding pain during labor, differentiating between true and false labor signs, when to go to hospital and common medical interventions like inductions and epidurals – among many more!
This three-hour online prenatal class is another popular online prenatal option, providing expectant parents with guidance in their breastfeeding journey. This comprehensive class covers how breasts work as well as tips to increase milk production and overcome common challenges associated with breastfeeding.