Prenatal Classes can make a huge difference to your preparation for the birth and early days of parenting. In addition to helping you understand what to expect, they can also provide a sense of community and connection to other parents.
Studies indicate that women who attend childbirth classes have less fear and higher satisfaction with their labor and birth experience.
Childbirth is one of the most life changing events a woman can experience. Although the resulting experiences are often unpredictable, many women find that knowing what options they have, how their bodies work during labor, and how to control pain, reduces anxiety and fear. A basic childbirth class is a 12-week course that starts in your second trimester and teaches breathing and relaxation techniques to help with labor. It also covers medical interventions, infant care, and other aspects of pregnancy. Studies have shown that women who attend childbirth classes have lower rates of medical intervention, let their labor progress naturally and in upright positions, use less medication and fewer routine interventions, keep their babies with them and are ultimately less likely to have cesarean sections.
A birthing class that focuses on natural and unmedicated labor is called the Bradley Method. It is a 12-week course that begins in your second trimester and teaches a specific approach to labor, including the philosophy behind it. This approach can be very helpful for those who believe there is no such thing as too much preparation. It is a good fit for couples who are planning a drug-free delivery.
Some pregnancy classes may also offer a baby basics class that includes newborn characteristics and daily care, what to expect during hospital stays, when to call your pediatrician and tips on soothing fussy babies. This is a great option for moms and dads-to-be as well as grandparents.
A father’s role in birth is very important. A fathers class helps the partner prepare to support their pregnant wife during labor, during and after hospitalization and during postpartum recovery. It also includes breastfeeding, infant care and baby safety along with bonding and positive discipline.
Breastfeeding Class
Breastfeeding classes teach mothers about breastfeeding and how it works. They help mothers understand how breastfeeding provides the best nutrition for babies, as well as how to care for their nipples and other breastfeeding-related issues such as discomfort, nipple pain or lack of milk production. They also help mothers prepare for breastfeeding so they will be more confident once they start feeding their newborns.
Breastfeeding is a huge part of parenthood, and many moms worry about how to feed their infants once they are born. While breastfeeding is a natural and healthy process for both the mother and baby, it does not come naturally to all women. Some women also have concerns about breastfeeding in public, which can be a challenge because of the stares and comments that some people may make. A breastfeeding class will help reassure women that breastfeeding is a normal and natural activity, and it is important for their newborn’s health.
Some breastfeeding classes focus on teaching new moms how to position their infants for maximum comfort, and they also provide information about how to recognize signs of nipple pain and milk production. They can also teach a mother how to pump and store extra breast milk, so she will be able to continue breastfeeding even after her body returns to normal.
Several studies have shown that breastfeeding education programs are effective in improving breastfeeding rates, including among women with low prior breastfeeding experiences. These interventions usually involve face-to-face interactions and combine education with support. They are generally long-term and intensive, spanning the prenatal and postpartum period. The Breastfeeding Support Program (BSP) is a breastfeeding promotion intervention that uses the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). TPB argues that the combination of a person’s attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control determines their intention to display a behaviour.
Postpartum Class
A postpartum class teaches you how to care for your newborn. It can include information about breastfeeding and baby basics like dressing, diapering and safe sleep practices. It can also teach you how to soothe a crying baby and troubleshoot common infant issues. Some classes are offered over several nights, and some insurance companies cover the cost of these classes.
These classes are also good for mothers who had C-sections. Exercise during the recovery process helps to strengthen the pelvic floor and ease incontinence. Women who participate in these classes report feeling more confident about breastfeeding and caring for their babies, despite having undergone a surgical delivery.
In addition to providing knowledge and confidence, prenatal classes help create a sense of community. The friendships made in these classes can last long after the classes end, and the network of support created is invaluable during the early days of parenting.
Some prenatal classes are designed to be taken with a partner, while others are intended for just the mother. Some of these prenatal classes, such as childbirth education classes, focus on the preparation for a vaginal birth and may be recommended by your healthcare provider.
Other classes, such as a birthing from within pregnancy class or hypnobirthing, are more emotional in nature and allow you to explore your fears and desires regarding labor and childbirth. These types of classes often involve journaling or other exercises to help you clarify your feelings. Many of these classes are offered through the hospital, clinic or birthing center you plan on delivering at. Some are offered by private organizations or through the Internet. Some moms also find it beneficial to take a prenatal class that covers breathing and other pain management techniques.
Baby Basics Class
Whether you’re a first-time expectant or are expanding your family, there is so much to learn about caring for infants. The Baby Basics Class is designed to give you the confidence you need in the early weeks of your baby’s life. Topics include feeding, sleeping, crying and bathing. You will also have the opportunity to practice infant safety and infant CPR techniques on mannequins.
This 2.5-hour class helps prepare you and your support partner for the challenges and rewards of breastfeeding. A lactation consultant will provide information about how babies feed, how to care for your newborn and when to seek help if needed. This class is only offered in person.
The Dads-to-Be class is a fun, interactive session for fathers-to-be and their partners to talk about the joys of fatherhood, how to be involved in pregnancy, labor and birth basics as well as preparing for the postpartum hospital stay. It covers tips for breastfeeding, decoding baby’s body language, understanding cries and sleep patterns. It also talks about what to expect from your new relationship, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and paternal postpartum depression.
Prenatal yoga is a relaxing, gentle exercise that can help you and your baby feel comfortable. It provides an outlet for stress, allows you to bond with your baby in utero and is beneficial in promoting physical fitness. It is recommended that you attend this class at least two times during your pregnancy, preferably closer to your due date.
Infant CPR Class
An infant CPR class is a must for anyone who cares for babies, including new parents. While it’s always hoped that no one will need to use these life-saving skills, being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency situation.
Performing infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can help revive an infant who is unresponsive or not breathing, in cases of choking or cardiac arrest. The CPR steps restore the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain and vital organs, giving the child a much better chance of survival.
The first step is to check for responsiveness, which can be done by flicking the bottom of the foot or tapping on the shoulder to see if there’s a response. The next step is to look for a pulse, which can be found by locating the brachial artery inside the arm. You can feel for a pulse by gently pressing down with two fingers for about 10 seconds. Lastly, you should listen for breathing, which can be heard as regular chest rise and fall or air movement against the cheek.
Once you have determined that an infant is not breathing, it’s time to perform CPR. Begin by placing the child on a firm surface and ensuring that their head is tilted back slightly with the chin lifted. Then, deliver 30 compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 BPM and two rescue breaths by covering their mouth and nose with yours. Repeat this cycle until the child begins to breathe or EMS arrives.
It’s important to be familiar with the specific steps that are involved in infant CPR as well as general first aid procedures, such as checking for a pulse, assessing breathing and consciousness, and calling 911. Being familiar with the steps can alleviate fears in an emergency situation, as well as provide the confidence needed to take action swiftly and effectively.
