Antenatal Classes

There are many advantages to attending, for both medical and social reasons, and these are listed in the questions and answers below.

Who runs the classes? The classes are usually run by midwives and health visitors and are usually free. There are also independent organisations, such as the National Childbirth Trust, that offer courses. The teachers are trained to teach all aspects of pregnancy and labour and many will have had a child themselves but they will not necessarily be trained midwives. Many will also be trained breastfeeding counsellors, or will be able to put you in touch with the right person to offer support if you are planning to breastfeed your baby.

Why bother with childbirth preparation classes?Pregnancy classes can be extremely useful because they provide a relaxed informal setting in which to learn about childbirth with other parents-to-be.

If you are prepared for your delivery you will be less apprehensive and less tense when you go into labour and this extra confidence can help enormously in pain reduction and a positive experience of childbirth. As stated above, the sessions will also deal with breastfeeding and this preparation will considerably enhance your prospects of success at breastfeeding your baby.

Learning the right breathing techniques for labour makes a huge difference in your ability to cope with painful contractions and the delivery itself.

I live far away from towns and cities...there are no antenatal classes near me! If you live too far away to attend classes, don't despair! You can prepare for your birth by distance learning as well. You will still want to find a birthing partner and have them join you as you go through the course, but all this can be done in the comfort of your own home. This option will almost certainly become more and more popular as we all try to cut down on travel costs too. Can my partner come along too?

Learning the proper methods of relaxation and breathing is not just good preparation for the big day, it also gives you 'time off' for yourself. Most people, women and their partners, emerge from the classes feeling de-stressed and calm!

In between your classes it's a great idea to keep on practising your relaxation techniques - and this in turn is a brilliant excuse to go and get some quiet time for yourself. Enjoy it while you can, for once your baby is born you'll find life very busy indeed.

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