Antenatal Classes

Hi Tazz-O

I'm probably not very objective as I teach antenatal classes. But I teach a very specific kind of class which is totally different from the kind you would find at hospital. I believe that birth is one of the biggest most significant days of your (the mother) life and the only chance your baby has at an entrance into this world. For most mothers, the birth of their baby is as big an event as your wedding day. How much time did you spend in planning your wedding day? That's how much time you should be spending on your birth preparation!!

The antenatal classes I present is called HypnoBirthing and it prepares you for a natural birth. You learn to bond with your baby pre-natally, you learn how to relax completely (which will help you sleep better during pregnancy!!), you learn how to breathe correctly during labour and birth and how to relax and work with your body. These combined techniques result in a shorter more positive labour and birth. You should be much more comfortable than without the techniques, some moms even report a pain free labour and birth although that is not our main focus.

We help you overcome any fears you might have surrounding your pregnancy, labour and birth and by doing so you can go into labour without fear or anxiety.

We also cover things like perrinial massage, eating habits and good posture during pregnancy and prepare you for what you will face in hospital / birth centre. You should be more informed after taking the course and prepared for any event that might happen during your labour and birth. You should be able to make informed decisions concerning your labour and birth allowing you to keep a sense of control over the event that can so easily speed out of control.

We do cover babies and breastfeeding and things like baby calming, helping you to manage better with a newborn baby.

So my very biased opinion, is that you shouldn't go without antenatal classes!

From my personal point of view, I didn't take any antenatal classes with my first baby. The labour and birth wasn't my best moment. I felt totally out of control, like the hospital just took over and took charge of me, my body and my baby. It wasn't the most desirable birth I can think of. Before the second baby, I did a HypnoBirthing course, and it was amazing!!! No pain during the whole labour, in control and really loving every moment. As close to the perfect birth as I could have gotten in a hospital environment.

So for me, personally, it was worth every minute and every penny!

Hi,

I would like to know from moms which have attended an antenatal class. I am 28 weeks pregnant and get most of my information through reading, family and my Dr.

I would like to know if antenatal classes assisted first time moms in preparing for birth and postnatal care. I have a list of the topics that they will cover in the antenatal classes offered by my hospital but most topics covered are in the reading material I have?

What did the moms find helpful about attaneding an antenatal class or do you think it is not necessary for first time moms?