This class will explore Pregnancy Classes — why you should take them and what you will take away that will make you better prepared to handle the delivery of your baby!
I remember the first time (as a nurse — this is back in 2001) I had someone come in rip-roaring labor. Her cervix was complete, and she was feeling pushy. But, I had this set group of things I needed to do (note: new nurse Hilary — still training). I needed an IV I needed specific things bedside.
When my trainer pulled my aside and said, “Hilary, she will STILL deliver without an IV — get the things we NEED” (basically, a doctor, a clamp and a scissor).
Yes, your baby will still come out if you don’t have a prenatal class.
It totally will.
70% come out the vagina, and 30% come out through a C-section.
Frankly, it really is just that easy (if you’re wondering if labor is near — don’t forget my when will I go into labor quiz).
It’s that part before they come out — and then the after.
THAT is why you need a prenatal class (my friend Katie also shares why you should take pregnancy classes).
The hospital is like another planet. We use weird words, we have pokey things and we sometimes don’t care if you want something or not we will turn you with your bum in the air to get your baby happier.
Now, who on earth would be happier with your bum in the air? Your baby, that’s who.
Of course, in the moment that leaves you wondering what’s wrong and if everything will be OK. Sometimes we just have time to instruct you on what to do, and not so much time to tell you why we’re doing it and how everything’s going.
Pregnancy Classes
Here are 6 reasons you need pregnancy classes (also known as prenatal class, childbirth class, hospital classes or birth classes):
It will remind you that this baby is coming.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that there is a human growing inside your body. Instead of you just think maybe you’re getting fat and you’ll just be that way forever. But, indeed that baby will come out and you’ll be taking care of it for a long, long, LONG time. You might want to get prepared.
You’ll be less nervous
If you know that the insane routine that is Labor and Delivery, is — in fact — normal, it will ease your mind about how things are going and that everything is fine.
Oxygen, turning, things going in body holes (that are normally exit only) are totally normal. And I will take you through ALL of that!
Your partner will begin to be on the game
It’s REALLY easy for them to pretend you’re just getting fat. They don’t feel all the movements. I feel sorry for partners. So helpless a lot of the time, and often VERY clueless. That stops with a great prenatal class!
You’ll know your options
Sometimes your doctor will act too busy to really give you your options (or, he’ll just tell you what you’re going to do). Prenatal class can be a time to find out your options in a safe and open environment before you’re in the heat of the moment!
Time to ask questions!
Prenatal checkups are crazy, busy times that always left my mind a flurry of activity. I never got to the questions I had and even if I did they often only got half-way answered. In prenatal class you get a chance to ask questions and learn.
It’s not JUST about the birth
A lot of prenatal classes gloss over the aftermath of delivery. A quality instructor will go into how some women feel and the changes that happen in your body once you go home. It can help you a LOT to know what you do to help when you get home. You’ll get a LOT of benefit from that part!
There are many places to find a great prenatal class. Places you can look:
- Your local hospital
- Ask your provider — he/she might know of a good one
- The internet!
After teaching pregnancy classes for the hospital I work for, I decided that I’d like to move it from the classroom, to cyberspace. My Online Childbirth Classes were born:
After being a nurse for 15 years I know that babies come without an IV — but also that informed parents enjoy their births SO much more than those who come in with no idea of what to expect.
And I’m grateful I can provide that — no matter where you live!
Within my classes you’ll get all the perks of an in-person class, including the ability to ask me questions! Let’s do this, together!
Grab a totally free packing list right here, and check out all my other delivery preparation posts below that:
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olga @ baby product reviews says
it’s true.
For most pregnant women, even if you already have a child, the labor and birth process can be both overwhelming and joyful. Many women and their partners choose to attend childbirth classes to gather information and lessen their anxiety.