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What to expect from a good antenatal class

Antenatal classes or childbirth classes help prepare parents for birth. First-time moms are often frightened about labour and childbirth because of unknown factors and probably a lot of scary advice.

Through teaching exercise and breathing skills, the classes will help to demystify the birth process and prepare the mom-to-be for each step.

Don't be afraid to ask questions in the class and use all the information provided to help you face your birth experience calmly.

Is there a difference between these classes?

Classes can be offered at the hospital which the couple have chosen for delivery, and these are usually at no cost, but there are also private classes run by midwives and aqua natal classes. Speak to your gynaecologist if you aren't sure about classes, and make sure that you book early.

Most classes today also include additional information that help with before, during and after delivery of your baby. It's recommended that you look for certain characteristics when choosing your antenatal class:
• They aim to provide accurate and reliable information about pregnancy, birth and the experiences a woman will undergo, empowering the woman to make informed choices.
• They include information on good eating habits, successful infant feeding, smooth post-partum adjustment and family planning.
• They allow an opportunity to review the mechanisms of labour and birth in adequate detail and to explain medical and obstetrical terminology.
• They impart skills for coping with the stress of labour and comfort positions.
• They will cover stress management and a variety of relaxation techniques using specific breathing patterns to serve as a distraction for pain reduction.
• They teach labour support skills to the partners of pregnant women.

Most antenatal classes involve the use of group sessions to establish a community of experience and all of the above are done with the aim of enhancing a woman’s sense of confidence as she approaches childbirth.
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