8 Lessons You'll Learn in Your Maternity Classes
All of the experiences that a woman lives through during her pregnancy can cause multiple insecurities. Anxiety and stress skyrocket when you don’t know what you’ll be facing during this stage. That’s why maternity classes are a good option to help resolve any concerns and questions you may have, and to feel better prepared overall.
In maternity classes, you’ll learn about the possible symptoms of pregnancy, the care you need and how to face certain situations. Both father and mother should be involved in these types of activities for labor to be much more successful.
If this is your first pregnancy, we recommend consulting with your health service provider about the courses that are available to you.
“A pregnant woman, in addition to the changes experienced in her own body, feels fear in relation to childbirth, the care of her newborn and self-care during pregnancy and the puerperium. This fear can be reduced by means of adequate preparation in which the pregnant woman, her partner and her family are involved”
–Secretary of Health of Bogotá–
What will you learn in your maternity classes?
1. The nature of the labor and birth
In maternity classes, you’ll learn important aspects of labor and what happens after birth. They’ll teach you how to identify the signs that characterize the moments leading up to childbirth so that you’re well prepared when they arise.
You’ll also learn what happens to the baby when it makes its way inside your body.
2. The channeling of fears
By meeting other women who are experiencing the same situation as you, you can talk about your fears with greater security. These lessons should teach you that there are many myths and misconceptions that shouldn’t concern you.
You’ll be less distressed if you’re well informed about the experience you’re about to go through.
3. Pain management
In maternity classes, you’ll be given a detailed description of what type of pain you’ll feel during childbirth. They should also explain options available to alleviate the pain, as well as the consequences of taking them for you and your baby. Among the available pain relief options, you’ll find epidural blocks, analgesics, and narcotics.
4. The role of a companion during childbirth
It’s recommended that your partner also attend these classes so that they also receive the relevant instructions. If someone is going to accompany you during the process, they need to know how to effectively support you. A person who understands what’s happening will act with more assertiveness.
5. Possible complications
One of the objectives of maternity classes is to inform you about the most common complications. They’ll also instruct you about the medical interventions that counteract these difficulties.
6. The place where you’ll give birth
In many maternity training courses, they take you to the hospital facilities. This will help you see that you’re going to receive your baby in a safe place that has all the necessary equipment.
7. Caring for the baby
Part of the curriculum of some of these classes includes general aspects of newborn care. They’ll often tell you things like what to ask the pediatrician or how you have to perform the breastfeeding process.
8. How your body functions
One of the most important lessons you can learn in these classes is how your body functions. The instructor will explain the changes your body experiences during these months and how to face them.
In addition, they’ll talk about the healthy lifestyle you need to have from the moment of conception.
What should your maternity course include?
- Fetal development.
- Warning signs of pregnancy.
- What you need in your home to receive the baby.
- How to prepare for the arrival of the baby.
- Signs of labor.
- When to go to the hospital.
- What sensations you’ll have during childbirth.
- Breathing techniques and pain relief.
- How to deal with a complicated labor.
- Cesarean section and natural delivery.
- Basic childcare.
Now that you know what to expect from your classes, you can decide whether or not you want to take them. The more information you have about pregnancy and childbirth, the fewer fears you’ll have. Choose the best program for you and involve your family in the process.