Birthing Classes - How to Choose the Right One for You?

Are you expecting a baby? Then you've probably heard of ' childbirth classes ' or classes for expectant mothers. Some people think that these are not that important and are not necessary. Others say that they are a must-attend. So what exactly do these classes do? Will they really help you during your pregnancy and childbirth? Today we'll talk about all that.

Are these classes really important for everyone?

Simply put, the answer is "yes!". Experts say that attending a class like this is worth it. There are several reasons for that.

Think about it, we feel scared when we are about to do something we don't know, right? Childbirth is the same. If you don't know exactly what it is, the pain and changes that occur at that time can cause a lot of fear and anxiety. One of the main goals of these classes is to educate you about the process of childbirth. That is, they teach you everything about what happens to your body, how pain occurs, how to manage it, and in what situations you may need medical advice.

As knowledge increases, fear decreases. As fear decreases, your ability to tolerate pain increases. You also become aware of the options available to reduce pain and what to do if something goes wrong.

How do you choose a class that suits you?

Okay, now you're probably wondering, "How do I find a good class?" The most important thing to understand is that "one size doesn't fit all." These classes come in different time frames, different syllabi, and different methodologies.

The best place to start is with your obstetrician or midwife . They can recommend good places for you. You can also ask your friends and family.

Before choosing a class, do some research to see if what they teach and their philosophy align with your own. It's especially important to find out what their stance is on the use of painkillers and medical interventions.

But with all of this, there's one important thing you need to remember: "Our primary goal should be to deliver a healthy baby, not to have the greatest experience of our lives." Although childbirth may feel like an eternity at the time, it's just one day in a long journey with your baby.

What are the popular methods? Let's see.

There are various childbirth education methods that are popular around the world. Let's take a look at a few of them.

Lamaze Method

This is the most famous and widely used method in the world.

• Breathing exercises : This mainly teaches how to breathe properly with the pain, without tightening your body when it comes.
• Other methods for relief: In addition to breathing, distraction techniques, massage techniques, and easy positions for childbirth are also taught.
• Partner's role: Your husband or partner (labor coach) will be taught how to support you throughout this process.
• Painkillers : The Lamas Method does not view the use of painkillers as a "sin." Instead, you are informed about all your options (including painkillers). It is especially important to note that you should not feel like a failure just because you cannot bear the pain and ask for painkillers .

Bradley Method

In this method, the active participation of the baby's father, that is, your partner, is highly encouraged.

• "Couple's Event": The philosophy of the Bradley Method is that "just as expecting a baby is a two-way street, so is raising a baby." Therefore, the husband is fully aware of what is happening and is trained to support you.
• Progressive Relaxation : This is something that is important throughout life. This method helps to calm the mind and relax the body when you are stressed.
• Natural childbirth: This method encourages you to try to give birth naturally, avoiding painkillers and caesarean sections as much as possible. However, if your doctor says, "You want to have a baby naturally, but you can't because of some problem," it is important to follow that advice .

HypnoBirthing and other methods

There are other methods besides this.

• HypnoBirthing: This uses self-hypnosis and deep relaxation techniques to encourage the mother to give birth calmly and without fear.
• Pregnancy Yoga: This helps to prepare the body for childbirth through yoga exercises designed especially for pregnant mothers.

Who are the experts who can help?

In addition to these classes, there are two types of specialists you can enlist to assist you during your labor.

Doula

A doula is a person who does not have medical training but who provides emotional and physical support before, during, and after childbirth. This means comforting you, providing you with information about what you need, and giving you strength. A doula is usually used when a partner is not available or when it is difficult for a partner to fulfill that role.

Midwife

A midwife is a completely different person from a doula, who has medical training and a license .

• They can give birth to children.
• They can ask for an epidural for pain, give you some painkillers, and if necessary, perform an episiotomy (a small cut between the vagina and anus).
• They always seek the assistance of an obstetrician for help in case of an emergency.

The most important thing is not how many people are with you. What matters is that the team supporting you understands your needs and is flexible in supporting you.

Pregnancy classes, Childbirth, Birthing Classes, Pregnancy, Lamaze Method, Bradley Method, Midwife, Doula, Pregnancy care, Preparing for childbirth