Why a Childbirth Class Is Worth Your Time

They were well-prepared

In childbirth class, Barry and Lindsay Dobil learned how to introduce their dog, Bailey, to the arrival of new babies (Morgan, age 2, and Will, 3 months). The class also made Lindsay feel better prepared for her Cesarean section.

“I’m too busy.” “I’ll read a book.” “I learned everything when I had my first baby.” “My sister told me all about it.”

If you’ve used excuses like these for not signing up for that childbirth class, it’s time for a reality check. “Childbirth classes have changed since the days when women brought a partner and a pillow to learn breathing techniques for labor,” says Michele Brown, R.N., certified childbirth educator at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “We teach parents what to anticipate throughout pregnancy and afterward.” Here’s why a class is definitely worth your time:

You’ll learn things you didn’t know you needed to learn. First-time parents Christina and Jim Henninger of Macungie (pictured on the contents page) weren’t aware of each other’s fears until they attended a childbirth class. Christina was anxious about exactly where she’d be giving birth, and Jim about how life would change with a baby. Their worries soon vanished. “During class we toured the hospital to see where we would deliver, and couples who had other children shared their experiences,” Christina says.

You’ll learn the latest from childbirth experts. Even if you’ve been pregnant before, childbirth classes are a good refresher. The content covers everything from pregnancy exercises to postpartum depression, updated car seat guidelines and how to make the most of the baby’s doctor appointments.

You’ll get answers to your specific concerns. Lindsay and Barry Dobil of Orefield worried about how their Labrador would respond to a new baby. Their instructor gave them tips on introducing the dog to the baby. “The advice was great,” Lindsay says. “We loved the class, and learned so much more that was valuable to us during both our pregnancies.”

You’ll be prepared for all scenarios. Lindsay had an emergency Cesarean section with her 2-year-old daughter, Morgan. “Because the class taught us what to expect in this situation, I knew there would be many people in the room taking care of me,” she says. “I knew not to panic, and that everything would be fine.”

You’ll get an instant support group. “Class members have the opportunity to talk openly about their concerns with people going through similar experiences,” Brown says. Long-term friendships often result. That’s what happened to Christina Henninger through Monday Morning Moms, a support group for breastfeeding mothers.

He got a chance to empathize

As a paramedic, Larry Loose once delivered a baby, but childbirth class (and an “empathy belly”) helped him experience what his partner, Genevieve Loose (right), felt like before the birth of their first child, Jasmine Irie. The Pennsburg couple is shown with childbirth educator Michele Brown, R.N.

You can choose a class schedule that fits your life. Options include a series, weekends and one-day intensives. (Register early for the best choices.) “Most parents attend classes toward the end of their second trimester,” Brown says, “but it can be any time during your pregnancy.”

Insurance may cover it. Some plans do.

You might even deepen your relationship. Childbirth classes actively involve both Mom and Dad in the process.

Convinced? Sign up for that class right now!

Want to Know More about childbirth and other classes, such as Monday Morning Moms? Call 610-402-CARE or visit www.lvh.org/healthyyou.

Want to Know More about childbirth and other classes, such as Monday Morning Moms? Call 610-402-CARE.

Published from Healthy You Magazine May-June 2007

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