| Childbirth Education Classes |
 |
Good quality pre-natal classes can help you feel well equipped with practical skills for use during labour, pregnancy
and the post-partum period. Most parents would expect to attend some kind of educational sessions, and a variety of
programs may be available. Look for a program that involves you both, and which also welcomes your extra support people.
Shopping around is also recommended, as some programs may be more suitable for your needs than others.
Points to look for in a pre-natal class program:
At what point in the pregnancy are they scheduled? Early pregnancy sessions give you a chance to get vital
information on birth place and care givers when you are making the initial decisions. Parenting classes in the middle
of the pregnancy will address issues that are important at that time, such as making lifestyle changes and getting
ready for the baby. Sessions on birth are best left till the end of the pregnancy so that the information and
practical skills are fresh in your mind for the big event. There are many variations on these formats!
How large are the class groups? In many areas, preparation for parenthood programs are popular, resulting in
large group sizes. Smaller, more intimate groups of 6 - 8 couples are more effective in meeting your needs, and can
offer a more individual approach.
Who leads the program - a single educator or a team? A single educator for the whole series is usually better
from an educational viewpoint and also offers continuity. A team, however, may enable you to meet various people whom
you may wish to consult later, such as the Maternal Child Health Nurse, or the local representative of community
breastfeeding support groups (e.g La Leche League, Australian Breastfeeding Association).
What is covered by the program? Ask about the topics included and the philosophy - are you encouraged to
develop your own approach to birth and to rely on your own skills and resources, or are you being encouraged to accept
what the hospital is prepared to offer?
Are other resources available if you need them, such as a lending library, background research information,
phone numbers of useful support agencies and an after hours number for the educator if you have a question?
Your childbirth educator will be better able to help if you let her know your concerns. As a resource person, she will
know where to get any extra information or assistance you might need. Many have additional qualifications, such as being a
midwife, and ideally should have completed special training in education.
To find the pre-natal programs in your area, you can ask your caregiver or at the hospital. Independent, community
based educators may be listed in the telephone book, or through other community services, such as women's health services
or Family Planning Clinics. In some communities, organisations dedicated to childbirth education and related services have
been set up, often on a voluntary "parent-to-parent" basis. They provide easy access to the network of parents in your
area, and contact numbers for them can usually be found in the telephone book.
|
