Investing in Childbirth and Childcare Classes

There are plenty of pregnancy-related shows on television, but these versions of labor and delivery are edited for time and content – the reality of childbirth does not quite mirror the small screen's portrayals. The Internet is packed with information (often inaccurate) about birth and infant care, and bookstores are overrun with books of the same.

While it could be argued that between all of these sources you could get a passable education about childbirth and childcare, absorbing information on your own and having a qualified professional explain things to you are very different.

A childbirth class is not just for couples who are planning to have an unmedicated birth – in fact, it's quite the opposite. You'll learn about medicated and unmedicated births, the options available to you during labor and delivery, and what situations could lead to a c-section. "Knowing what to expect will decrease your anxiety and fears about your own choices in labor," says Kay Sigrist, RN, childbirth educator, and managing member of the in-home nursing care company Beginning with Baby in Finksburg. 

If you live in Montgomery County, chances are you're delivering at Montgomery General Hospital in Olney or Shady Grove Adventist Hospital in Rockville. Both hospitals offer classes to expectant parents on childbirth, childcare, and breastfeeding, and you can also check with your obstetrician for their recommendations. "Childbirth classes can give you up-to-date and accurate information about birth and the newest recommendations on baby care," says Sigrist. Relying on maternal instinct and the help of family and friends alone to get you through those first several weeks with your infant can work, but having solid knowledge of how to handle specific situations that arise with your little one will give you the confidence you want to have as a new parent.

"Topics commonly covered in childbirth classes include how to plan for your own labor and birth experience. You'll learn the signs of labor, pain intervention, and what to expect postpartum," explains Sigrist. "Many classes include ways women can find comfort during pregnancy and labor through breathing patterns, position changes, relaxation techniques, and massage." 

Arming yourself with as much knowledge as possible before you head to the hospital can, in some cases, reduce anxiety which can lead to easier labor. After all, when you're in the throes of labor pain, that is not the ideal time to be struggling to figure out the best kind of relief and comfort measures for yourself.

Information is empowering and it de-mystifies new and potentially frightening experiences. If investing in a childbirth and childcare class is at the bottom of your list, consider bumping that up few notches to take control of your labor and delivery and arm yourself and your partner with knowledge and peace of mind.