Childbirth Education - What and Why

About 6 years back when I took these classes for my first pregnancy it was mostly some stretching and breathing exercises and some information about what happens during labor. However today it is very different and very valuable because it is more on

• Knowing the natural changes happening in the body and how to cope with the challenges that come different stages of pregnancy
• what to expect during labor and how the labor support person can be of tremendous support & motivation to the mother-to be
• Knowing the different positions that can be adopted during labor
• Knowledge of diferent pain relief methods and the pros and cons of each and how to make decisions
• Different kinds of medical interventions, why they may be needed and what to do when faced with those
• Communicating with the heath care provider and hospital staff
• Breastfeeding - Learning the right way to breast feed and knowing what to expect during the intial few weeks
• Postpartum care - Baby and mother
• Relationship between the couple and the need for constant support for the mother and also time spent together

Equiped with the above information a couple and more importantly the woman will be empowered and thereby have confidence and be in control of the situations that she would face. This will pave way for her birth experience ,whether normal or surgical, to be a positive and fulfilling experience that she will remember forever.