Posts Tagged ‘prenatal education’

Article By: Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt

When choosing which prenatal classes to take, the various options can be overwhelming.  Here are a few questions to help you focus on what classes will fit your specific needs.

Is this your first child?  Most classes are geared towards first-time parents.  Many people don’t realize there are classes for second, third, etc. time parents who just need a refresher on the basics of birth and newborns.

Where (& how) are you planning to give birth?  If you are planning a home birth, a hospital-oriented prenatal class is probably not for you!  Likewise, if you are planning a Cesarean, you may want to find a class that does not spend the bulk of its time on natural birth options.  If you are planning a medication-free birth (at home or in the hospital) you will want to research available classes in your area that focus on pain management.  These can include hypnosis, massage techniques, breathing techniques, yoga, as well as prenatal classes using the Bradley method or Lamaze.  The internet is a great resource to read about various options and to make an informed decision.

If this is not your first birthing experience, what would you change about your previous experience(s)?  Many parents look back on their first birthing experience and think about what would have worked better for them.  Most of the time this involves choices regarding pain management.  If you received an epidural and were dissatisfied with the experience you may want to consider classes in natural pain management such as the ones mentioned above.  

What information are you hoping to obtain from classes?  Are you looking for information to get you through labour and delivery only; or do you want information about newborn care?  Be sure to ask the organizer of the course for a list of topics covered.

Do you have a special need or circumstance?  Are you having multiples?  Do you have gestational diabetes or other health concerns?  Are you over the age of 35?  There are many classes specifically designed for different high-risk pregnancies.

Are you looking for a quick class with little time commitment; or are you looking to develop friendships with your fellow classmates?  Accelerated programs are often available for parents who are close to their due dates or have time constraints.  If you have time though, you may want to choose a class that covers the material slowly over the course of many weeks.  These classes often arrange a reunion after the babies are born.

Do you want to take a class as a couple or individually?  Traditionally, prenatal classes are geared towards couples.  Now we are seeing mom-based and dad-based classes.  They generally act as support groups where topics are discussed which may not be approached in co-ed atmospheres.

How many classes can you realistically commit to?  Money and time are generally your deciding factors for what you can or cannot do.  Narrow your needs down.  What must you learn?  What is a want versus a need?  Many parents choose to commit to one generalized prenatal class, such as with a doula or nurse, and one or two specialized classes, such as pain management classes or support groups.

I recommend parents do their research on available classes in their area during their first trimester and sign up for these courses as soon as possible.  They tend to book up fast as many are small classes.  That doesn’t mean you are too late if you are in your second trimester, but you may not get your first choice of times or classes.  Planning ahead, knowing exactly what you want from your classes, and researching all your options will ensure that you feel prepared and informed heading into this incredible time of your life.    ________________________________________________________________________

Nicole Meltzer, RMT, CHt is co-founder of Balanced Body Mind Spirit.  Through her specialization in fertility issues & prenatal care she helps parents conceive and achieve balance while on their journey into parenthood.  Nicole offers pre/postnatal & pediatric Massage Therapy; Hypnotherapy for children, fertility and childbirth; Reflexology; & Reiki.  She teaches a variety of classes including, Hypnosis for Childbirth, Tools for the Birthing Partner, Focused on Fertility, and Infant Massage.  To learn more, visit www.balancedbodymindspirit.com 

Attend a great event for new dads!

Free Prenatal Education Event - Whatʼs A Father To Do?  

Getting Dad Ready For Labour, Birth and the Postpartum Period

Dates:  Thursday February 26, 2009 @ 7:00 p.m. @ Prenatal Plus Pregnancy and Parenting Centre

Join Expectant Couples for the free Educational Event:  

Whatʼs A Father To Do?  Getting Dad Ready for Labour, Birth and Postpartum

This fun and interactive session will address and explore the following topics;

• Coping With Your Partnerʼs Pain
• Pain management techniques to practice together
• Communication during labour, birth and postpartum
• Helpful reminders for fathers and other birth companions
• How you can be an active and supportive dad 
• Taking care of your needs

Though this is a free event, please confirm your attendance indicating location and date to Denise (905) 836-4342 or denisemartin@rogers.com to assure comfortable seating. This free event is brought to you by York Region Doula CARE.

There are a number of great places to take prenatal classes in York Region — from first time parents to classes for single moms or parents of multiples there is a class for you.

Belly and Baby
Address: 29 Prince Patrick Avenue,  Richmond Hill
Phone: (416) 258-9974

Belly and Baby offers 7 week courses for both moms-to-be and new moms in our informal and informative sessions.  You’ll be able to ask questions, learn from our experts and get support from other pregnant women and new moms.  We cover what the hospital courses don’t - from nutrition to the best gear, we give you the inside scoop on all the details nobody remembers to tell you!

Prenatal Plus Pregnancy and Parenting Centre
Address:130 Davis Drive #206, Newmarket
Phone:(905) 830-1709

Prenatal Plus offers several different prenatal programs depending on your situation:  one for first time parents, a refresher programs (for couples having their second child) or a multiples class (for couples having twins or triplets).  They also offer a prenatal yoga class.

Southlake Regional Health Centre
Phone: (905)895-4521 ext.2724

A Baby’s Coming prenatal class provides information on the process of labour and delivery, comfort measures, when things don’t go as planned and immediate care of mom and baby following birth.  Refresher and VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) are also available for repeat patients.

York Central Hospital
Phone: (905) 417-6149

York Central offers several different prenatal programs. For labour and delivery, there are the “Realities in Childbirth” Prenatal classes for couples expecting their first child and a Condensed Labour Workshop (a single class for couples needing a refresher or condensed program).  There is also a Prenatal Breastfeeding Class, an Infant Care Workshop, a Pre/postnatal fitness class and a Sibling Class that offers activities related to becoming a brother or sister.

York Region Public Health
Phone: 1-800-361-5653

There are two different classes available. Prenatal classes for couples –York Region’s prenatal program is an eight week series of 2 hour classes designed for pregnant women and their partners/coaches.  And, the Special Delivery Club which are prenatal classes geared to the unique needs of single woman and teens.

Hospital/Prenatal Tours
The tour is free of charge and is provided to expectant couples.  It is usually a group session that provides information about the hospital and the services provided during labour, delivery and postpartum periods.

Markham Stouffville Hospital
Phone: (905) 472-7374

Southlake Regional Health Centre
Phone: (905)895-4521 ext.2724

York Central Hospital
Phone: (905) 417-6149

Note:  The tour is covered in the class schedule if you take prenatal classes at Southlake or York Central.