Is it necessary to take pre pregnancy classes?

Pre natal classes or attendance at childbirth classes is not something that’s mandatory in today’s world with the rapid advent of technology. However, it cannot be denied that the benefits of pre-natal classes are aplenty both for pregnant mothers as well as their partners. These classes are available at some hospitals and clinics, but you can always seek the help of private educators in case your hospital does not provide these services. These private educators are specialists dealing with different types of birth preparations like
Lamaze, Bradley etc.

There are many parents who choose not to opt for a Lamaze class or any other childbirth class even after being convinced of its importance. This is simply because they believe in any or all of the 6 myths that revolve around these classes.

Myth No. 1: There’s not enough time
Pre natal classes require a time commitment from parents. But precisely how much time is needed varies. Most certified childbirth educators insist on a 12-hour course so that all the concerned areas are covered. However, some courses are up to 24 hours long. But consider this- even the lengthiest possible pre natal class is just one day of your life. Also, these 12 hours or 24 hours of the course are normally spread out over a period of 6 to 12 weeks or sometimes
packed into one weekend. Besides, if you or your partner has a schedule that’s oddly inconvenient, there are many childbirth educators who take private classes. But it is best that pre natal classes should be phased out for a longer period of time for better retention. Today, we also have the option to take these childbirth classes online. So, for those who think that there’s not enough time
for these classes, practice time management.

Myth 2: The hospital will tell you whatever you need to know
That’s what you think and then end up being disappointed as the nurses who are attending to you during your delivery are so busy with many patients at hand. They barely have time to address your queries. Before you know it, you are in labor and have missed out on using comforting techniques.

Myth 3: You Dont Need a Class If You Want an Epidural
The third common myth is that pre natal classes are not required if you are planning to have an epidural during labor. However, there are many useful things to learn even if this is the case, such as:

 How to tell when labor has started.
 What the process of getting an epidural entails.
 How to cope with contractions prior to the epidural.
 Postpartum comfort measures.
 Breastfeeding, baby care, and more.

Besides, it is also nice and comforting to interact with other couples who are going through the same emotions and experiences as you are. The classes are a mix of various couples including those that want medication in labor, those that want to avoid medication and those that are still undecided about it.

Myth 4: Your Teacher Will Have an Agenda
The childbirth educators in pre natal classes show you how to get information and process it in a certain manner, enabling you to take the right decisions. There is no compulsion to make any decision and your teacher doesn’t have an agenda to influence your final decision. Keep in mind that the earnings of the educator are not dependent on what type of birth you choose to have.

Myth 5: You Cant Afford the Classes
Another common myth is that these classes are expensive and cannot be afforded. Agreed, pre natal classes do cost money but they are just like the services of all the others who help you when you decide to have a baby. In fact, many childbirth educators have payment plans and you can also talk to your insurance company to figure out if you have coverage for childbirth classes. There are some free or low-cost classes but they fail to meet the standards set by the proper classes. Do some basic research about the childbirth educator’s certification background and current status in terms of
availability, how many couples will be in the class (fewer than 10 is the desired goal as too many is a crowd), the duration of the class, and if the childbirth educator is employed by a hospital or practitioner’s office.

Myth 6: Your Partner Will Hate It
It’s a fact that many parents, especially fathers are sometimes hesitant or reluctant to attend a pre natal class. But a good childbirth educator is trained to meet this eventuality, and part of their KRA is to make partners feel more engaged during sessions. So, if you are in good hands, and really care about your wife and baby, certain sacrifices have to be made.

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Q &A
You ask and we answer!

When should I take my prenatal classes?
Harpreet Kaur, Toronto.
The bottom line is, any time before you go into labor is a good time to take a childbirth education class, but enrolling around month 6 or 7 of your pregnancy is when most experts recommend. Keep in mind that the sooner you register, the more flexibility you'll have in terms of class dates and times.

What classes should you take before having a baby?
Manisha Shrivastava, Bhillai.
Prenatal classes, also called childbirth or labor preparation classes, are strongly recommended by ob-gyns, labor and delivery nurses, doulas and midwives for pregnant, first-time parents to help them prepare for what's to come.

What do they teach you in prenatal classes?
Swapna Tripre, Navi Mumbai.
Prenatal classes, also called birth and parenting classes, help you and your partner to get ready for labour, birth, breastfeeding and caring for a newborn baby, the different stages of labour, different birthing positions, relaxation and breathing skills to use during labour.