The Ultimate Guide to Childbirth Classes

Childbirth classes are available to expectant mothers and partners throughout the country. Childbirth classes are in place to prepare both partners for the upcoming birth of their baby. There are a variety of different classes to choose from. You can call your local hospital or ask your obstetrician/midwife for information on available classes in your area. Women often wonder if they need classes to prepare themselves. Although books and other literature is a good start, the childbirth classes do tend to prepare you better for the impending delivery of your child. Not all childbirth classes are the same, but they all should offer you the opportunity to learn alot about what to expect and how to work with your body during labor. Some childbirth classes will show videos of actual births. Other classes will cover nutritional information, exercise information, relaxation techniques, breastfeeding instruction and newborn care information.

Lamaze is named after a French doctor, named Fernand Lamaze. Lamaze classes are the most popular among childbirth classes and can be taken privately or in a group setting. Breathing exercises are stressed for each stage of labor. The Lamaze instructor will teach relaxation techniques and the use of taking your mind off of the pain and focusing on something else, such as a poster or your labor coach's face. Supposedly with this method, the pain of childbirth is minimal because you are so focused on breathing. Lamaze teaches slow breathing during the first stage of labor, rapid breathing during the second stage and panting during the third stage of labor-when the baby's head is crowning. Most Lamaze classes are twelve hours long and you are asked to bring a pillow. The instructor will also touch base on the different types of anesthesia available for women, if you find you need it.