No matter if this is your first pregnancy or not, pregnancy care classes provide invaluable preparation for childbirth and beyond. Classes cover an array of topics.
CenteringPregnancy offers a unique series of prenatal visits that combine private individual check-ins with group learning and activities for improved health outcomes for pregnant women and their unborn babies. Studies demonstrate this approach helps pregnant women have better pregnancies with improved birth outcomes for themselves and their unborn infants.
Preparing for Childbirth
Preparing yourself for your baby’s birth should be top of mind, and one effective way to do that is through childbirth classes. A class will help you understand labor processes as you cope with them more comfortably. A childbirth class also allows you to develop your birth plan which will inform both yourself and your doctor on what matters to you during the delivery process.
When selecting a childbirth class, take into account your instructor’s philosophy on birthing and how their views match up with yours. Furthermore, ensure the class focuses on natural and healthy childbirth experiences as a priority. Inquire as to group size – many moms-to-be find that five or six couples works better for them as this gives instructors more time to answer any queries that arise and fosters camaraderie among participants.
Another consideration should be the length and scope of a class, including topics like newborn care and breastfeeding. Some hospitals and classes offer these as separate courses while others incorporate them into childbirth preparation courses. Ask how much time will be devoted to these topics as well as whether additional classes would help you to learn more.
Postpartum Care
After giving birth, women will require additional medical care; this is known as postpartum care. Postpartum care encompasses checkups and treatments for any health problems as well as advice regarding future pregnancies as well as emotional support and information on newborn care.
Postpartum care is essential in order to prevent serious health problems after giving birth, such as repeated pregnancies or complications during the first birth. Women who get ample rest and consume healthy foods during this period are less likely to become pregnant again or experience complications, and regular check-ins with a gynecologist or midwife is crucial if they had chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes prior to gestation.
Many of the postpartum discomforts women experience are completely normal; however, certain symptoms could be warning signs or symptoms of an underlying medical issue that needs treating, such as low iron levels, bleeding, or infection. Consulting a provider sooner and more regularly could prevent potential issues.
Our Motherly Postpartum Wellness Class helps new moms navigate the joyous, exhausting, awkward and confusing fourth trimester by teaching tips, skills and knowledge for healing from labor (whether vaginal or cesarean) and caring for a newborn. The nine-lesson program covers mental and physical recovery from labor as well as self-nurturing strategies provided by Certified Nurse-Midwife Diana Spalding.
Infant Care
Newborn infant care encompasses feeding, bathing, diapering and swaddling as well as providing an environment conducive to development and safety for newborns.
A newborn should sleep safely in a space free of pillows, blankets and stuffed animals such as pillows and blankets; on a firm mattress in either their crib or bassinet. Crying is part of a newborn’s communication system and may indicate hunger, tiredness, need for burping/changing or feeling lonely/overstimulated; infant classes will provide advice on how to soothe and comfort crying babies.
Infant classes provide parents and infants alike with an education on normal newborn appearance, feeding patterns, sleeping habits and umbilical cord, newborn reflexes and car seat safety issues. Furthermore, this class will also cover sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) guidelines.
Banner’s sibling classes help prepare young children for their new sibling by helping them understand what babies look like and behave like, what to expect during mom’s hospital stay, and how they can interact with him or her at home.
Antenatal Classes
Prenatal care classes provide invaluable assistance for women and their birth support people as they prepare for labor, birth and early parenting. Antenatal classes cover every detail related to pain relief options available during gestation as well as what you should expect after giving birth. Midwives usually lead these sessions; group sessions, individual appointments or interactive DVDs may be offered depending on availability.
Some maternity hospitals offer free childbirth classes; for more information speak to your midwife or GP. They’re also offered through community centers and private organizations that specialize in childbirth education, while specialist nutritionists, health practitioners or yoga practitioners run specific antenatal classes.
In their discussion, the committee acknowledged the limited evidence and low attendance at classes; yet they stressed the importance for all pregnant women with complex social considerations as covered by NICE to have access to antenatal classes as quickly as possible.
Some women enjoy meeting other parents-to-be whose babies are due around the same time, as it allows them to meet other expectant parents who can provide support and encouragement during childbirth and after. Classes like this also give new mothers an opportunity to compare experiences; you might learn new care options for afterbirth!