Many expectant women and their partners take part in childbirth classes while they are awaiting the birth of their babies. These days, there is an increasing trend toward opting for natural childbirth, and birthing classes are reflecting that.
What can you expect from natural childbirth classes? Here’s a hint as to what you can expect – and how to get the most out of these classes:
The Focus is on What Your Body Can Do
When you take a typical childbirth class, you will spend a lot of time learning about your birthing options and how to cope with pain and other side effects of the birthing process. The same can be said of natural childbirth classes, but there is much more focus on the amazing capability of the mother’s body and how to make the most of the natural birth experience, rather than just how to survive the day!
It’s Not Just First-Time Parents
In many childbirth classes, the focus is on what to expect and how to prepare for your first-time giving birth. Once a mother has been there and done that once before, she typically does not need to attend birthing classes on her second or subsequent pregnancies.
That’s not the case with natural childbirth classes. Since this is a technique that not all women choose with their first pregnancy, many second-time moms attend these courses alongside their first-time parent peers.
You’ll Learn More Than You Might Think!
You may think that there’s nothing a childbirth course instructor can teach you that your friends and family who have experienced labor could not. While your loved ones are likely a rich source of anecdotal information, so are the doulas and other licensed experts who provide these classes. They also have the benefit of having professional training in the field of childbirth – both natural and medically assisted – so they have the knowledge and experience to provide you with all the information you need to prepare for your body’s biggest day ever!