Here are six reasons why
you should make the effort to join these classes:
• Childbirth classes can help reduce your anxiety
about giving birth by giving you an idea of what to
expect - whether you end up having a vaginal or C-section
delivery
• They educate you about various birthing options
• They give you the opportunity to make friends
with other expectant couples
• They can help you master breathing, relaxation
and coping techniques designed to reduce labor pain
as you perceive it.
• They give your partner the chance to play
an active role in your pregnancy
• They give you an opportunity to raise your
queries about pregnancy, labor, childbirth, breastfeeding
and life after baby as well as drawing your attention
to issues such as the pros and cons of episiotomy,
circumcision etc.
What topics should
childbirth classes cover?
Make sure the classes you sign up for covers as many
of the following topics as possible:
• The physiology of pregnancy (how your body
changes and why, and how you can cope with some of
the common discomforts of pregnancy
• The basic elements of prenatal care (your
doctors role in caring for you and your baby as well
as the tests technology during pregnancy and labor)
• The psychological and emotional experience
of giving birth
• What is involved in delivering vaginally and
through a C-section
• Relaxation and or breathing techniques
• Laboring positions that can reduce pain or
help your labor to progress
• The role of pain relief during labor
• Tips on getting breastfeeding off to a good
start
• Advice on caring for your newborn
• Advice on choosing a pediatrician
• The lowdown on what postpartum period is really
like
• Breastfeeding techniques
• Films and videos on actual vaginal and C-section
births so that you are better prepared on what is
to come
• The chance to tour the hospital or birth center
at which you will be delivering
• The opportunity to ask questions or express
concerns you may have
Childbirth classes should provide as much information
and as little propaganda as possible. The bottom-line
to a woman in labor are the vitals such as an understanding
of relaxation techniques, the support of a caring
partner and an overall feeling of confidence in her
ability to give birth.
