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Enrolling in childbirth classes for new parents

By Rachel Lacourciere, edHelperBaby

  Enrolling in childbirth classes for new parents
           Deciding to enroll in a childbirth class can give both the new mother and her partner insight into what lies ahead at the end of pregnancy.  At times it may be easier to focus on the preparation that goes into expecting a newborn than it is to actually imagine what it will be like the day the mother gives birth.  These classes can help fill in the missing pieces and link the entire process together for expectant parents.

 		   

  Possible class offerings to consider
           Different organizations will provide various birth-related class offerings.  However, you may want to research if any of the following classes are offered in your area:
  • Classes that prepare you for childbirth - These classes usually cover "survival" techniques you can use during labor, ways your partner can support and calm you during labor, and procedures and tools used by doctors during deliveries, as well as a review of pain relief options currently being offered at your local hospital(s).
  • Refresher or review childbirth classes - These classes usually cover similar content to childbirth preparation classes but often do so in a condensed manner.  They are designed for parents who have older children and have gone through the child birthing process previously.
  • Daddy preparation classes - These classes focus on the roles the father will play in the remainder of the pregnancy, during labor, and once the baby has arrived.  Topics may include infant care, properly installing a car seat, detecting and dealing with "baby blues," and how to care for the mother as well.
  • Teen parent preparation classes - These classes usually cover similar content to childbirth preparation classes but do so from the perspective of a teen parent.  They are usually designed for teen parents as well as their own parents to attend and often follow a more question and answer driven format.
  • Big brother or sister classes - These classes are designed for older siblings and provide them with an opportunity to understand the important role they will be playing in the care of their new sibling.  Be certain to check if there is an age requirement for this class.
  • Breastfeeding classes - These classes usually cover information about how to breastfeed, work a standard breast pump, and pump at work as well as advantages of choosing to breastfeed.
  • Infant CPR classes - These classes focus on how to properly administer CPR to an infant who is choking, is not breathing, or has something lodged in his throat.

 		   

  Things to consider beforehand
           Most importantly, you first want to locate hospitals, birthing centers, or other local organizations that offer birthing related classes.  Find out which classes they offer as well as the description of each and when they are offered.  Often, classes will be offered in a weekly series, across a couple weekend mornings or as a full one-day workshop.  Also, ask about pricing and if discounts are available for signing up for multiple classes.  You may want to find out about class size, deadlines for signing up, and how far in advance classes tend to reach their size limit.  You possibly will want to look into enrolling for classes early in your pregnancy as in certain locations classes can fill up quickly.

 		   

  My own experience
           My husband and I decided to take two child-birthing classes when I was pregnant with our first child.  The classes were offered by our local hospital, and we had the convenience of being able to sign up online.  The first class we took was a two-hour session on breastfeeding.  Since neither I nor my husband had taken part in breastfeeding before, we both went together.  While it may sound awkward to have my husband attend the class with me, it proved to be very beneficial.  Once I was in the hospital and actually attempting breastfeeding for the first time, I was impressed with how much my husband remembered from the class and more importantly the things he remembered that I did not recall at all.       

       We also took a regular birthing class together that was held over two Saturday mornings.  This, ironically enough, we thought would have been the more beneficial of the two classes we took.  However, as it turned out in my particular situation, I never actually went into active labor and ended up having a c-section.  Much of what we experienced was not covered in our class, but, nonetheless,  having taken a class at least gave us perspective as to what might transpire.  And, of course, the sections on diapering and swaddling our new baby were invaluable to my husband who had never done either before in his life!

 		   

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