The Number 1 Way to Prepare for Labor and Birth
Pssst….we have a secret and we want to share it with you! You may have questions about how to best prepare yourself for labor and birth. While there are certainly books to read, podcasts to listen to, stretches to do, etc…we are going to tell you the top way to prepare for birth. Ready? Here it is:
TAKE A GOOD CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASS!
Yep, that’s the number 1 way to prepare for labor and birth. After all, you don’t know what you don’t know. Your body will be going through a tremendous amount of physical and emotional changes throughout labor. Birth can be beautiful but it can also be A LOT. Not knowing what to expect during labor and birth can lead to fear and anxiety. Those two things are infamous for causing a labor to stall and nobody wants that.
A good childbirth class can not only teach you what to expect during labor, but it can also teach your partner what to expect. Furthermore, your partner can also learn the best ways to support you throughout the labor process. They can learn several comfort measures as well learn some labor positions that can help you feel better as well as faciliate the physiological process of labor. They can also learn ways to be your best advocate and be your voice when you are having trouble finding yours.
Your childbirth educator should cover the following questions:
What is a contraction? How do I time them?
What do I do if my water breaks?
When should we go to the hospital?
What are my options for pain relief?
How long will I be in the hospital?
Doulas of Raleigh has several great childbirth educators and they would love to teach you everything they know about labor and birth. Our classes will teach you common terms about labor and birth, teach you the stages of labor and birth and what to expect at each stage, many comfort measures options as well as common pain medication options available at local hospitals, give you a chance to learn and practice several positions for labor and birth, what to expect the first hour immediately following the birth of your baby, as well as answer all of your questions.
At Doulas of Raleigh, we understand that you have a busy schedule and need flexible scheduling options. Every month, there are options for evening group classs and weekend group classes. Taking a group class not only gives you a chance to hear questions from other folks that you may not have thought of, but it also gives you a chance to make connections with other parents who are due around the same time as you. If group classes aren’t your thing, we still have you covered. Our childbirth educators can offer a privae childbirth education class in the comfort of your own home tailored to your specific needs.
Invest in your labor and birth experience by learning all you can about what to expect and learn about all of your options. Reach out to us today to get registered for one of our childbirth classes.