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Antenatal Classes
Many women feel the urge to get themselves prepared for the birth of their baby. Attending antenatal classes is one of the best possible ways to do this. They give you opportunity to think about the pending birth of your baby. Generally, classes provide information about aspects of pregnancy, labour, delivery and the postnatal period in particular what options are available to you locally. They will also cover basic physiology of labour, normal and abnormal delivery, as well as teaching you some physical skills useful for labour i.e. breathing techniques, positions for labour and relaxation. This will differ slightly depending on where you choose to go for your antenatal classes.
Classes vary in approach, quality and precise objectives; therefore you may decide to attend more than one set e.g. NHS classes and private classes.
Some classes are for mothers only and some may be for couples so you may need some thought on what you want to gain from your classes. It is not uncommon for men to feel reluctant about attending classes, viewing them as potentially embarrassing, or maybe making them feel squeamish. If this is the case it is a good idea to contact the midwife or teacher and discuss what is included in her classes to help calm any fears.
It is best to attend classes during the third trimester of pregnancy so the skills and information that you have learnt are still fresh in your mind. Course times and duration will differ with courses some are daytime courses whilst other are in the evenings (giving opportunity for fathers who want to attend without having to have time off of work.) Some may be at weekends or a combination of evenings and weekends. It is certainly worth thinking about early in your pregnancy as some classes are popular and you may need to book early to avoid missing out!
Hospital Classes
These classes are available to women who intend to have their baby in hospital. They are generally for mothers only with one or two sessions to include fathers. Most last for six to eight weeks covering a range of topics. Some hospitals offer information evenings on specific topics including water birth and breastfeeding. These classes are run by midwives and should give you an idea of hospital procedures and what to expect. The main drawback is that the class size can be big making it difficult to ask questions it is also more difficult to get to know other people due to the formality and size of the class.
Hospital classes are free.
Clinic Classes
These classes are run by your community midwife and health visitor at your GP surgery or community health centre. They are very similar to hospital class’s generally smaller groups than the hospital, which enables opportunity for you to get to know other women in your locality. It also enables you to meet your health visitor who will be looking after you once your baby is born.
These classes are also free.
National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and Private Antenatal Classes
Although these types of classes cover similar topics in preparing parents’ for parenthood, the approach of these classes is rather different. The emphasis is learning from informal discussion based classes consisting of couples in small groups. These courses are generally six to eight weeks long usually in the evenings and some are held at weekends, it really depends on the teacher!
Classes of this kind are often held in the teachers own home, creating a relaxed, informal atmosphere. The information provided is detailed on all issues surrounding labour, birth and the postnatal period, helping you make informed choices for when the time comes. Due to the small intimate group, couples are able to forge friendships and go on to meet for years afterwards!
Speaking from personal experience lots of couples in the groups that I have taught have become wonderful friends offering one another invaluable support in the early days of parenthood. Some have even gone on holiday together!
NCT antenatal teachers are all mothers themselves and hold a qualification in Antenatal Education.
Whilst private antenatal teachers are either Midwives or qualified antenatal teachers that hold a qualification. FEDANT is a regulatory body for antenatal teachers; their website has a list of registered, qualified teachers within your area.
These types of classes are popular and therefore it is advisable to register interest early on in your pregnancy to avoid disappointment.
The cost of these classes differ but are around £100 per couple.
Article kindly provided by Tammy Breuer Antenatal Teacher
Birth Matters
Link to more information on Birth Matters
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