Would you buy a car without first reading up about it? Would you buy that car without test-driving it?
While we can’t compare a baby to a car (!), the preparation, especially for a first-time mom is much the same. Getting ready to welcome your first child is a monumental milestone in any parent’s life.
The thing with parenting is that it’s very much a learn-on-the-job experience but you can definitely prepare well enough beforehand. In addition to getting advice from friends and family who’ve been there, done that, changed the nappy, prenatal classes can be a haven for the first-time mom.
A prenatal class is for any soon-to-be parent and it’s usually recommended to start eight to 10 weeks before your baby is due.
The fundamentals that are taught in most classes will include information, tips and advice around:
During classes, your teachers, who would be trained midwives, instructors or pregnancy nurses, will take you and your partner through all the major birth and delivery milestones. You and the other parents are encouraged to ask as many questions as necessary to get all the information you need.
The first couple of classes usually entail getting to know each other and learning a bit about your pregnancy so far. As the classes go on, you will learn about the above-mentioned topics, but also get to share your expectations, myths or perceptions of labour and delivery.
If you’re undecided between a C-section or natural delivery, the teacher will walk you through all the options, explain the pros and cons of each and give you the candid facts on each. Your instructor may show you videos of various deliveries so you can get a realistic idea of the experience.
Remember, the teacher is there to prepare you for labour and birth as best as she can – not to necessarily sugarcoat the information. So, be ready to hear some possibly gory details!
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, and usage of any medication.