Labor and Birth: Choosing a Prenatal Class

Attending a labor and birth class will help you and your partner prepare for labor and birth so that you can have the best experience possible. Most birth classes consist of a combination of direct instruction, exercises, and videos. There are many different kinds of classes and the class you choose will probably depend on the kind of birth experience you want to have. For example, if you would like to have a natural birth, you will want to find a class that includes instruction on how to cope with contractions without an epidural. Another benefit of taking a Labor and Birth class is that it is a great place to make friends. Labor and Birth classes are offered by hospitals, birth centers, and by private instructors. No matter which kind of class you take, they should all offer instruction in the following areas:

Progression of Labor

From the first contractions through the birth of your baby, your instructor should detail the stages of labor and what to expect from each one. She should also talk about ways to stimulate contractions in the event that labor slows down. In addition, your instructor should make sure that you know at what stage you should go to the hospital or birth center.

Possible Interventions and Complications

Even if you are planning a natural birth, things may not go as planned. It is important for you to know about different interventions before you go into labor. This will not only help you to make wise choices, but also help you to feel calmer during your labor and birth. Possible interventions include:

• Rupturing the membrane
• Pitocin
• Internal fetal monitoring
• Medicine for pain
• Epidural
• Episiotomy
• Vacuum extraction
• Cesarean Section

Strategies for Coping with Pain

These may include breathing in specific ways, concentrating on an image, massage, hypnosis, movement, position change, and using the tub. Even if you are planning to have an epidural, you will most likely have to weather some contractions before you are far enough along for the doctor to administer it.

How your Partner Can Help

Your partner is an important part of your labor and birth team. Of course he is there for moral support, but there are many other things he can do to help. Your instructor can help your partner to learn what kinds of things would be most helpful – and what would not!

Breastfeeding and Newborn Care

Your instructor should discuss the importance of breastfeeding and give some instruction about how to get started. She should also tell you what types of tests, immunizations, and other care your baby will receive while in the hospital.

No matter what kind of class you choose, make sure that your instructor is knowledgeable and certified and that she creates a warm and welcoming environment. Don’t be shy, if you have questions, ask them. Most likely, other people in the class are wondering the same thing and will be glad that you asked.

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