Childbirth Preparation Classes: What you Need to Know

One thing that all pregnant women should seriously consider is taking a Childbirth Class. Many hospitals offer these classes to any pregnant woman in the area who wishes to attend even if she isn't planning to deliver at that specific hospital. Other childbirth courses (such as the Bradley method or Hynobirthing) are taught at other locations, a woman and her labor partner can find these locations by asking their OB/GYN or by doing a local search. In the classes a woman and her labor partner (her spouse, partner, friend or relative) can expect to learn everything they need to know about the laboring process as well as ask any questions that they may have. The expectant couple may also make friends, as they will be able to share experiences and stories with the other couples attending the class. These courses also allow the father-to-be to take a more active role in the pregnancy, as he will be taught how to help his spouse or partner in the most effective ways.

Types of Childbirth Classes:

1. Lamaze or Hospital-Based Classes: Lamaze is the traditional childbirth preparation class and is offered at nearly any hospital. Women and their labor partners are taught basic breathing and relaxation techniques to use during labor as well as many positions that could help with easing pain or make the labor move along more quickly. These courses also cover the basic anatomy of a pregnant woman, the different stages of labor, how a woman can tell if she's in labor and when to go to the hospital as well as medication or other pain relief options. These courses are generally cheaper than private or specialized birthing courses but are just as informational for its students. It is best for a woman to schedule these classes in her seventh month of pregnancy; they are usually once a week for four weeks with each class lasting two hours.