Like painting the nursery or stocking up on disposable diapers, attending childbirth classes is often part of a couple's preparation for a baby's arrival. Although such classes differ in their focus and philosophy, they typically provide education about labor, delivery, and postpartum issues along with non-medication methods of managing the pain of childbirth, such as relaxation, breathing, and imaging (natural childbirth).
Most expectant parents begin birthing classes when the mother is about seven months pregnant. Other classes begin early in pregnancy and focus on all the changes through pregnancy. Unless you know the type of class you want to take, you may want to spend some time checking out the options in your community and discuss the different options with your doctor.
The most common methods in the U.S. are the Lamaze technique and Bradley method. Following are the basics on these and other techniques offered in childbirth classes.
First-time mothers-to-be often have lots of questions
and even some worries: How will I know I'm in labor? Will it hurt? How do I care
for a newborn? Classes to prepare you for childbirth and parenting are a great
way to lessen anxiety
and build confidence. In some cities, classes might be offered in different
languages.
Birthing Classes
Birthing classes often are offered through local
hospitals and birthing centers. Some classes follow a specific method, such as
Lamaze or the Bradley method. Others review labor techniques from a variety of methods. You might want
to read about the different methods beforehand to see if one appeals more to you
than others. That way, you will know what to sign up for if more than one type
of birthing class if offered. Try to sign up for a class several months before
your due date. Classes sometimes fill up quickly. Also, make sure the instructor
is qualified.
Most women attend the class with the person who will provide support during
labor, such as a spouse, sister, or good friend. This person is sometimes called
the labor coach. During class, the instructor will go over the
signs of labor
and review the stages of labor. She will talk about positioning for labor and
birth, and ways to control pain. She also will give you strategies to work
through labor pains and to help you stay relaxed and in control. You will
practice many of these strategies in class, so you are ready when the big day
arrives. Many classes also provide a tour of the birthing facility.
Parenting Classes
Many first-time parents have never cared for a newborn. Hospitals, community
education centers, and places of worship sometimes offer baby care classes.
These classes cover the basics, such as diapering, feeding, and bathing your
newborn. You also will learn these basic skills in the hospital before you are
discharged.
In some communities parenting classes are available. Children don't come with
how-to manuals. So some parents appreciate learning about the different stages
of child development, as well as practical skills for dealing with common
issues, such as discipline or parent-child power struggles. Counselors and
social workers often teach this type of class. If you are interested in
parenting programs, ask your child's doctor for help finding a class in your
area.
Did you know? Some hospitals and birthing centers offer sibling
classes for soon-to-be brothers and sisters. These classes often help small
children get ready for a new baby using fun games and activities.
SOURCE:
The National Women's Health Center: Pregnancy: Birthing and Parenting Classes
There are many symptoms involved in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. The first early pregnancy symptom is typically a missed period, but others include breast swelling and tenderness, nausea and sometimes vomiting, fatigue and bloating. Second trimester symptoms include backache, weight gain, itching, and possible stretch marks. Third trimester symptoms are additional weight gain, heartburn, hemorrhoids, swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face, breast tenderness, and trouble sleeping. Read more to learn about recommended procedures and tests for each stage of a healthy pregnancy.
Pregnancy planning is important to help prevent exposure of the mother and fetus to potentially harmful medications and substances during the early days, and throughout the pregnancy. Nutritional planning, prevention of birth defects, conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease need careful monitoring. Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and pregnancy induced hypertension are conditions that may arise during pregnancy. Immunizations, inherited disorders, exercise, air travel, intercourse, and birth control are important factors to consider when planning a pregnancy.
Good parenting helps foster empathy, honesty, self-reliance, self-control, kindness, cooperation, and cheerfulness, says Steinberg, a distinguished professor of psychology at Temple University in Philadelphia. It also promotes intellectual curiosity, motivation, and desire to achieve. It helps protect children from developing anxiety, depression, eating disorders, antisocial behavior, and alcohol and drug abuse.
Pregnancy can bring challenges like weight gain, stretch marks, varicose veins, heartburn, constipation, hemorrhoids, problems sleeping, and wondering if it is safe to have sex while pregnant. Learn how to manage and move through these challenges during pregnancy.
Women experience and tolerate pain differently. For some pregnant women, focused breathing is all they need to get through labor and childbirth; but for others, numbing of the pain is desired.
There are a number of different medications a woman can take during labor and childbirth. It is important for you to learn what pain relief options are available. Please discuss the options with your health care provider well before your "birth day" so that when you are in labor you understand the choices.
Welcoming baby into the world requires more than making sure he or she is healthy in your tummy. At some point, your little love will make his or her way out of your belly and you need to be prepared. This list should help you get all you need to take care of your baby during the early months. As your baby gets older, you will find other items that will make your life easier.
The first question most women have is, Am I pregnant? The question that usually follows is, What's labor and delivery like? This information will help answer the most common questions about labor, especially if this is your first pregnancy.
Signs of Labor
Some women experience very distinct signs of labor, while others do not. No one knows what causes labor to start or when it will start, but several hormonal and physical changes may indicate the beginning of labor.
Lightening
Passing of the mucus plug
Contractions
Water breaking
Effacement and dilation of the cervix
Lightening During Labor
The process of your baby settling or lowering into your pelvis just before labor is called lightening. Lightening can occur a few weeks or a few hours before labor. Because the uterus rests on the bladder more after lighten...
Pregnancy RSS
Healthy Living Tips
