Seventh Month or Week 26-30 of Pregnancy – Childbirth Classes and Methods
Child Birth Methods:
They are called prepared childbirth classes, and the seminars are held in birthing centers or hospitals. They use lectures, audiovisuals and floor exercises in a classroom like setting. Prepared childbirth classes focus on one or more birth philosophies and prepare you for labor and delivery. The duration of the classes vary from a day, to weekend seminar for several months.
- Commiseration: Here you will interact with other pregnant couples and share joys and miseries of each other and show sympathy.
- Reality: Through lecture and actual video footage you will get to know what really happens in labor and delivery.
- Guided Tour: If your classes are held at birthing center or hospitals, then you are taken around the place and given basic instructions on when and where to show up when labor hits and given a detailed account of the facilities available.
- Teamwork: Your partner or additional support will learn more about their role in the process. They may even give you homework that includes trials of techniques at home.
- After-birth instruction: Many classes offer valuable information on baby care and breast feeding techniques. They may hand you a doll for practice session.
- Seasoned support: Usually a fully trained childbirth educator will conduct the classes.
- Paperwork: Carry a bag with you for every session because you maybe provided with a lot of brochures, forms, leaflets, photocopies and pamphlets.
But the most important part of the class for the first time moms-to-be, to which they pay maximum attention, is on ways to manage labor and delivery discomforts. Besides anesthesia and pain medication methods, childbirth educators may even talk about childbirth philosophies to teach coping methods.
Some of the most well known childbirth methods are -
Lamaze Method:
Lamaze or psycho prophylaxis is one of the most well-known childbirth methods. It is based on the principle of instinct and inner wisdom, which guides women through their birth process. Classes are conducted by certified Lamaze instructors and are attended by a lot of people.
Lamaze class is usually associated with heavy, hyperventilated breathing. Rhythmic breathing exercises are stressed in each stage of labor. Birth positions, pain management, relaxation techniques and helpful laboring are also covered in the class. You are also taught the benefits of hot and cold compress, water therapy and massage. To diminish your discomfort you are taught to focus on a picture or an object.
Bradley Method:
This method supports fathers helping their partners through birth process. Bradley classes teach couples how to breathe deeply and relax. But it emphasizes on knowing all the birth options before hand; proper nutrition during pregnancy and considers father as a coach. They also stress upon natural childbirth which uses medication for pain as a last option and not at the onset.
Hypnobirthing:
Hynobirthing education believes that a woman’s fear and anxieties magnify the labor pains. Hypnobirthing emphasizes on relaxation techniques that includes slow abdominal breathing. It teaches you how to focus on the feelings and signals that your body sends during labor.
LeBoyer Method:
This method attempts to minimize and soften the unpleasant experience – of the changes from the warm, dark womb to the big bright world. It emphasizes on dimly lit delivery room, calm voices, soothing room temperature and a warm bath for the new baby.
Note: If your previous delivery was through Caesarean section and you want to try delivering vaginally this time, then you can join VBAC (Vaginal Birth after Caesarean) class.
The Right Teacher and the Right Class:
If you are totally confused about the perfect class, then call your birthing center or hospital and ask about upcoming classes and printed schedules. Many of your questions will be answered through this. Once you get a brief idea of what is offered you can call up to ask about training methods, class capacity, curriculum, instructor credentials and training costs involved. You can ask for references of couples who have already undergone the course. If you feel that curriculum offered at these classes isn’t what you are looking for, then you may opt for private tuitions.
Touring the Hospital/ Birthing Center:
If the child birth class sponsors a tour around the birthing center or hospital then you should attend it. Getting to know things before the big day saves your frustration and valuable time. You will know where and who to approach in case of emergency, the possible shortcuts, validated parking, elevators and others facilities that are available. Your disappointment and anxiety will also reduce considerably if you know what to expect of the labor and birthing rooms. Labor rooms are not like all you see in the movies and fantasize. It can be quite disappointing.
Classes for Siblings:
- For parents who are into their second pregnancy or more, sibling classes are a boon. These sibling classes are divided into groups on the basis of age. This helps in conveying information in an appropriate manner. These classes teach the emotional side of having a new family member. They include topics like what the kids are feeling about the developments, how things are changing at home and how the family will adjust after the baby is born.
- Plenty of practical information is provided in the classes – baby handling guidelines and tour of mom’s accommodations. For young kids a doll is usually given to practice baby care. Do not panic if your child is not able to cope up or finding it difficult to the idea of a new baby in the house. A sibling class will get him more involved and consequently make him accept the family’s growth. But refer to a few people or if possible spend few minutes in the class personally to know what is in store for your child.
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