Should I Bother with Antenatal Classes?
I of course am shouting ‘YES!’ to this question, and I’ll end this blog with my ‘why’.
I get that sometimes it’s not always that straightforward – for example you may not have classes in your area, or you may work evenings and weekends, when they are offered.
If you can attend classes but are ‘umming’ and ‘ahhing’ about them, then here are some factors to consider:
- Would you like to meet other local parents-to-be and build up a familiar, friendly network or do you already have plenty of friends close by who have already had babies/are expecting too?
- Do you already have a good support network, like family nearby who can help out?
- How prepared and ‘clued up’ do you feel about all things birth and baby?
- Do you & your partner already feel well versed in what helps and hinders labour, and what you may be able to do about this?
- Do like to consider your options in advance and does it make you feel more relaxed to have an understanding of ‘stuff’ or does all of this not bother you?
If you feel that you are OK with all the above perhaps you could instead join a good pregnancy yoga class so you get some all important time each week to focus on you and your baby, and practise breathing and relaxation techniques.
Plus you may be interested in local breastfeeding drop in cafes you can attend now, and after your baby is born.
…And if you’re local to S E London and looking to make friends and read blogs/links on labour, birth & parenting join all or any of these Facebook groups –
Crystal Palace – Bumps & Beyond
Expectant Parents Only – South London & Surrounding
If you are interested in attending a course here are some course options you may like to consider:
- NCT
- NHS
- Hypnobirthing
Some people attend all of the above and others just one, or mix and match*
If you are not able to, or don’t want to attend a course, then read as much as you can as knowledge is power and if you don’t know your options you don’t have any!
Birth is unpredictable. Attending an antenatal course can never fully prepare you for the immense, all encompassing power of birth. Nothing can really prepare you for afterwards, when your tiny newborn is home and how emotional and up and down it all is. I remember it all so well!
What attending a course will do is give you a chance to think about what you might like for your birth and to talk through and become aware of what your options are – and these are just that, options. Nothing is set in stone. You can always change your mind about anything, and the choice is always yours to make.
As you already know, there is no right or wrong way to give birth. Understanding and knowing techniques that will keep you calm and clear headed are what make for a positive birth, and are what make you able to ‘go with the flow’ more easily.
We spend hours preparing for holidays and if married, a wedding (read more here). Give you and your baby as much time as you can manage to, and go into labour feeling as fully prepared as you possibly can.
Get prepared!
*If you are keen to learn all about hypnobirthing but are unable to do a longer course, we offer a short 4 hour ‘add on’ course which complements NHS/NCT or works well if it is your second (or more) pregnancy.
Stuck on attending a course? This is precisely why I wrote my book ‘I’m Expecting a Baby: Your guide to the process, facts & options for pregnancy & childbirth’ which is available on Amazon here. It is meant for those who don’t attend an antenatal course, but who would like information on all things they may need to consider in labour and birth.
It also acts as a great recap for those who have attended a course as it’s hard to retain everything that gets discussed, and having all the information in one place is useful!
“This is such a useful book, just like having a mini antenatal class in your bag. It covers everything you might need to know in your journey to parenthood… This book will benefit any expectant parent and will be a useful guide to refer to at every stage… Perhaps the NHS would like to give one to every pregnant woman! Brilliant!” – Tina Perridge RM & Co-founder of Neighbourhood Midwives.
All the very best whatever you decide!
For a relaxed, ‘non selling’ chat about how hypnobirthing can help you call, text or email Jackie – jackie@baby-bumps.net / 07790 207363