Pregnancy classes provide a valuable way of preparing both you and your partner for childbirth. Classes typically cover topics ranging from nutrition and exercise regiments, fetal development and more.
There are various pregnancy classes, both online and in person. While some classes target couples specifically, others cater solely to women.
Birth Basics
Maternity classes usually take place in classroom settings, and may provide information ranging from the physical tools you’ll need for an easy labor to how to assemble a support team. Many mothers also find pregnancy classes helpful as a chance to connect with other pregnant women and share experiences together.
Mama Natural offers an online childbirth class which covers topics like nutrition during gestation and remedies to ease swelling or heartburn, as well as meeting other moms expecting babies around the same time. Additionally, this virtual birth class is great way for first-time parents and features videos, interactive exercises and PDF’s.
Baby Basics class is another wonderful resource for first-time expectant parents. Taught by a Lamaze-certified childbirth educator, this online course delves deeply into all the essentials for an unmedicated birth: stages and emotional signposts of labor; coping skills to manage contractions more effectively; labor shortening positions; etc.
The Single Parent class is an exclusive offering that doesn’t just focus on labor and delivery; rather it emphasizes preparing for pregnancy as well as being a solo parent. Journaling, drawing and other activities will be used to explore your goals regarding childbirth and parenthood – be sure to select one whose philosophy matches up with what you envision for both experiences!
Twins n’ Triplets
If you’re expecting twins or triplets, a special class has been developed just for you. As multiples increase the risk of complications during gestation, knowing what signs to watch out for such as pelvic pressure, low back pain and increased vaginal discharge can be crucial.
Fetal care will also need to be addressed. Babies born before their due date (usually 40 weeks gestation) typically need treatment in a neonatal intensive care unit – 48-88% of twin and 77-82% of triplet births require some form of preterm intervention compared with only 15% for singletons.
As your pregnancy is high-risk, more frequent antenatal appointments and extra ultrasound scans will be necessary to monitor its progress and detect any problems such as growth restriction which may force premature delivery. Your doctor will use these additional appointments as opportunities to screen for potential risks like preterm labor.
At an ideal class, older siblings should also get involved. Here, older brothers and sisters get to practice diapering, holding, swaddling, bathing, taking temperatures, suctioning noses and mouths as well as receiving a special gift just for participating.
Big Brother or Sister
Children often enjoy having older siblings; however, it can also present unique challenges. Discuss your child’s new role and ask them to assist with preparing for baby’s arrival by attending prenatal appointments where they can listen to fetal heartbeat and feel kicks; you could also let them take care of a doll or stuffed animal to practice feeding, diapering and sleeping routines.
If you know of other families with multiples, tell your older child about them and inform him/her of the news about having an older sibling as soon as possible. Perhaps they could even help buy gifts for the new baby?
Being a Big Brother or Sister can be an incredible way to give back and make a significant difference in someone else’s life, but it requires an enormous commitment of your time. Make sure that this program won’t interfere with other important obligations in your life.
This in-person class will teach you everything you need to know to breastfeed your newborn, infant CPR and safe sleep practices for your infant. You’ll cover basic breastfeeding concepts such as how to recognize hunger cues in your infant and the proper latching technique that ensures successful nursing sessions. In addition, tips for successful breastfeeding will be shared including pumping milk into storage containers while simultaneously making nursing sessions comfortable for baby.
Baby Care
New babies don’t come with instructions, so this course provides everything you need to know about newborn care. Topics covered include normal newborn characteristics and daily care; bathing, diapering and swaddling; feeding; recognising illness and when to contact their physician; infant safety procedures as well as what you should expect after leaving hospital with your new bundle of joy.
An expert breastfeeding instructor leads this class, designed to prepare you for the joys of breastfeeding your baby. Learn basic nursing techniques such as latching and positioning; pumping tips; breastfeeding while working; plus more! View class dates and register online today.
Parents of twins or triplets can benefit from attending this three-week program to prepare themselves for both the challenges and rewards associated with raising multiples. You will learn strategies for managing time and energy efficiently and taking care of themselves during this exciting yet sometimes daunting season of life.
Tanner Women’s Care offers pregnancy and newborn classes for moms, dads/partners, siblings and grandparents at our pregnancy and newborn classes for pregnancy or afterbirth. For a complete listing of available classes or to register visit our online calendar or call 520-792-3500; costs depend upon insurance coverage.
