How much do parents need to know before labor and giving birth?
Before my first birth I attended the hospital childbirth class and separate breastfeeding class. My husband Jeff came for the one-day childbirth class with me. It was an in-person walk through of the basics of birth and what the typical birth experience looks like for women in that hospital. Basically it was the “What to Expect” book in a 6 hour talk. We did have a coping techniques time where we got down on the floor and Jeff was shown counterpressure, I was shown how to deep breathe and relax. And we were given a printout of active labor positions. All in all, it was a pretty decent class. Between that and the actual “What to Expect” book (plus one on the science of pregnancy and birth from the clinic) I wasn’t completely clueless.
Right now because of hospital visitor restrictions and COVID policies, neither of our local hospitals are able to offer that style of in-person class. Many doulas and childbirth educators all over the world have stepped up and created online virtual and recorded classes for people. Virtual classes are a valid option, but I believe there’s value in meeting other local parents and learning together. That connection that you make, being able to share thoughts, worries, experiences. And maybe you’ll walk away with new parent friends who you can watch your babies grow together with.
Another benefit is learning from someone who has experience at the place you’ll be birthing. I’m not hired by the hospital, so I am impartial. I am here for YOU. As I doula for clients, I pay attention to the little (and big) things and can give tips that are customized to each local hospital. For example, freebie tip here: at Aspirus Keweenaw right now they don’t have a coffee maker available on the OB floor. (Covid, thank you.) The nurses are great about getting coffee for you from the cafeteria, but bringing yourself a thermos isn’t a bad idea if you’re a big coffee drinker. (Ha. That tip is probably more for the birth support who’ll be up giving you counter-pressure at 3:00am. But you get the idea.)
Learning about labor and birth can help reduce the fear that often surrounds it. If you’re like many, your understanding of it before getting pregnant came from hearing the birth stories of friends and family. And if you’re like me, that meant lots of stories that included trauma and fear. I only knew a handful of women who had positive birth stories they’d share. And for dad, it’s likely he has even less knowledge on labor and birth. The fear is real for them, too. Fear of the unknown. Now, I’ve met a few guys who were willing to dig into books and learn on their own, but the majority are happy to sit down with someone like me for an afternoon/evening and soak in as much info as they can this way!
For me, learning the different coping techniques, reasons for interventions, and the ways I could set myself up for better experiences are some of the ways I learned not to fear birth. And that’s my biggest goal when I work with families- helping to rid the fear. And I believe education is a huge factor in that.
So if you’re interested in joining a group class, I’ll be hosting them quarterly and would love to have you join! Head over to https://www.keweenawdoula.com/childbirth-education to see when the next one is!