It’s time to start thinking about childbirth education classes! While you may think that you can glean all your information about the birthing process from reading a book or internet posts, there really is no substitute for birthing classes. If you don’t have time to attend a birth class in person, certified childbirth educator Becky Rasmussen has put together a full birth class that you can do at home.

A birth class is a place to practice the method of child birth that you plan to use during your labor. It is a place to meet other people in your general area that will be giving birth at the same general time as you will be. It is a place to ask all those questions that have been haunting your dreams. It is place for you and your spouse to become connected and plugged in to the process and road ahead of you. Even if you know a lot of about the technical process of birth, you may learn that one tidbit of information that will become valuable knowledge on D-Day. And companionship with other moms in the same place in life as you can be huge comforting, and actually become the foundation for lasting friendships.

When picking a birthing class you will need to decide if you want just a general overview of labor and delivery or if you will want to learn

a very specific technique to use during the process. Most classes will include some sort of breathing exercises as well as relaxation techniques that both you and your birth coach will need to learn to help along the labor. You will need these techniques for both a natural and an assisted delivery as they may come in handy either way.

The classes will also go over the fundamentals and logistics of labor and delivery, giving you an idea of what to expect in the hospital. You will also probably get information on feeding methods – bottle or breastfeeding. Also you will get some information on the resources available in your community such a lactation groups/consultants, mommy and me classes, play groups and financial assistance programs.
You can usually find a listing of available classes at your OB/GYN’s office, your birthing center, or your hospital. Many are free, covered by insurance or low cost. If you live in a smaller town where classes are limited or unavailable, there are also DVDs available to provide the important information.

Word of the Week

Bradley Method – noun – a method that prepares a mother for natural childbirth by providing education and exercises and nutrition and techniques of breathing and relaxation (with the assistance of the father) (www.dictionary.com)

Buying guide

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