Classes To Take While Pregnant

Essential Classes To Take While Pregnant

As you get closer to your due date, it is very likely that you will start feeling nervous and overwhelmed.

Are you wondering how you will handle childbirth and being a new parent?

Have you prepared enough for these experiences?

Well, preparing yourself for this new journey is such an easy task, and all you have to do is take suitable classes while pregnant. Today many parents wish they had taken classes as first-time parents to help them understand childbirth and newborns better. Therefore, many recommend classes such as childbirth classes, breastfeeding classes, and infant classes to help any new parent get through birthing and the newborn stage. 

Childbirth Classes

If there is one class a parent-to-be should be taking, then childbirth classes is it!

Often, first time parents have no idea what to expect when it comes to childbirth, and some enter the labor ward completely unprepared. Imagine if you had the proper preparation for delivery. Wouldn’t that make you feel more confident and less afraid as your due date approaches?

Childbirth classes usually address the fundamentals of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. However, should you wish to have a natural unmedicated birth, Lamaze, Bradley Method, and Hypnobirthing are some of the birthing classes you may be interested in attending.

What To Expect At Birthing Classes

Birthing classes have a lot to offer both first-time parents and those who are already parents. It is the perfect space to address any fears or questions you may have. These classes also allow you to connect with other parents in the same position. Here’s what most childbirth classes will cover:

• The typical signs of labor and when to go to the hospital
• Techniques for calming yourself which include how to breathe, relax, and divert your attention
• Labor positions that can accelerate labor, ease discomfort, and help your baby align with your pelvis
• Options for pain relief, along with information on when to ask for them
• How to develop your own birthing plan and what a parent can include in their plan
• The various stages of labor and delivery
• Medical interventions such as induction and C-section are also discussed so that parents are aware should these come up during birthing
• Postpartum care

Do I Need Childbirth Classes?

Educating yourself on labor and delivery is the best thing you can do for your pregnancy. You may do research online or read a few books and think this is enough, but it actually isn’t. Excellent birthing classes equip you with the skills you need to succeed in any labor situation.

If you are unprepared, the many unknowns surrounding labor and delivery may eventually cause you some distress. When you take a birthing class, you learn about what your choices are should your labor not go as planned. Without this knowledge, you may feel that you’re left at the mercy of whatever your medical team may suggest.

Breastfeeding Classes

Yes, parents have been breastfeeding for centuries without any classes! But imagine, had they had the opportunity to be taught the correct methods, how much more empowered they would feel. Unfortunately, breastfeeding doesn’t come naturally to every parent and child, so sometimes, a little help may be needed.

There are many factors involved in breastfeeding a baby. Achieving an ideal latch or position takes patience and practice. The specifics, difficulties, and methods taught in lactation classes can help you feel more confident as you embark on your nursing journey.

What Will I Learn At Breastfeeding Classes?

When you take lactation classes, here’s what you should expect to learn:

• Methods to help your baby latch correctly
• Different breastfeeding positions
• How to ensure you have a continuous milk supply
• What you should do if you have a low milk supply
• Problems you may encounter during breastfeeding
• Proper pumping techniques

Will I Benefit From Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding classes are essential for first-time parents who want to significantly increase their chances of a successful breastfeeding journey. Unfortunately, due to the lack of breastfeeding education, many first-time parents don’t reach their lactation goals.

Breastfeeding is a period of adjustment for both parents and infants. For the majority of parents, the first few months are particularly difficult, especially without enough knowledge. With lactation classes, parents are able to identify common mistakes and are equipped to handle them.

Infant Care Classes

The first two classes listed may seem like the only classes a new parent would need, but that’s not true. What if you’re a first-time parent with no experienced person around to guide you through the first few days with a newborn? Caring for an infant can be challenging and overwhelming if you are unprepared for what may happen.

Things You Will Learn At Newborn Care Classes:

Newborn care classes are all about learning the ins and outs of a newborn and making sure you’re equipped for those first few days. Ensuring you know the basics of what your newborn needs will make the whole transition phase a lot easier. This is what most infant care classes teach parents:

• How to bath a newborn
• The swaddling techniques
• Dressing your baby appropriately for different types of weather
• Correct ways to hold a newborn
• Diaper changing

How Will This Class Benefit My Infant And Me?

One thing you will learn very quickly is that newborns cry a lot. So, figuring out what’s wrong and comforting your baby can be pretty stressful. Newborn classes help instill confidence in new parents to deal with these situations. Just knowing what is normal can help ease the anxiety you may feel.

Bottom Line

Getting ready for labor and bringing your infant home can be extremely thrilling, stressful, and overwhelming for first-time parents. The primary source of anxiety and stress for first-time parents is uncertainty. But that doesn’t need to be the case! Taking the classes you need will empower you to be able to handle all these important moments, and feel confident in your natural abilities as a parent.