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Antenatal Classes

Expectant parents sometimes wonder why they should bother going to childbirth classes when there are so many books, websites and videos out there. Despite the wealth of great materials available, face-to-face experiences are still very worthwhile.

WHY GO?

Childbirth classes are designed to help you to understand the processes of labour and birth. If you understand what is happening and have coping strategies, you'll feel more in control. Classes also help to prepare you for the postnatal period and introduce you to the intricacies of caring for a newborn.

If you are giving birth in a particular hospital, make sure you and your partner attend their classes. These will help you to become familiar with the hospital and the staff there.

Childbirth education classes should be fun. They should involve doing and trying, rather than static sessions of being 'talked at'. You will typically explore coping strategies, and techniques such as massage and relaxation, as well as finding out about the physical processes of labour (such as how you know labour has begun, the different stages, etc.). You will also find out about pain relief options so you can make an informed choice. Meeting other parents-to-be, and giving and receiving peer support, is also invaluable.

WHICH CLASS IS FOR US?

Apart from hospital-based classes, there are many other excellent options. When choosing a class, think about how the philosophies of the class you are considering reflect your own outlook on life. Read about the classes and visit the websites provided. Talk to parents who have attended the classes before you make your choice. Give the course a chance before you decide it is not for you - but do not be afraid to change courses if you are unhappy.

CLASSES

International Childbirth Educators Association (www.icea.org)

The emphasis here is not so much on a particular 'system' of managing childbirth; rather, the ICEA classes encourage women and their partners to learn about labour so they can make informed choices.

National Childbirth Trust (NCT) (www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com)

NCT classes are held in small groups, and usually include learning relaxation skills and practising different positions for labour, as well as information on pain relief, interventions and Caesarean birth. There is also emphasis on postnatal issues and newborn care.

Active Birth (www.activebirthcentre.com)

The emphasis here is on women following their instincts and having an active rather than recumbent birth. Complementary therapies are also discussed. Classes are based on using yoga to strengthen your body and gain confidence in preparing for labour.

Lamaze (www.lamaze-childbirth.com)

Lamaze classes encourage pain management through relaxation, imagery and breathing exercises. There is an emphasis on your role as an informed patient, including information about pain medication to enable you to make the best choices.

Birthing from Within (www.birthingfromwithin.com)

Birthing from Within classes offer practical information and a variety of self-discovery techniques such as birth art exercises. Creative learning exercises are designed to build your confidence and engage you in discovery of your own intuitive wisdom. This emphasis on 'intuitive' birthing does not mean that pain relief is frowned upon; medication is viewed as a reasonable option for long and difficult labours.

Birth Works (www.birthworks.com)

Birth Works classes recognize that there is no 'right' way to give birth. The classes are intended to give parents-to-be confidence in their ability to give birth safely, with an emphasis on birth companions learning about ways they can make labour more comfortable.

HypnoBirthing (www.hypnobirthing.com)

This is a 'natural' childbirthing technique that uses relaxation, breathing patterns and self-hypnosis. Students learn the principles of self-hypnosis to reduce fear and pain during childbirth.


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