Becoming parents is an overwhelming and unforgettable experience for pregnant couples! It is the best time of their lives to feel happy & excited!!
Prenatal classes provide expecting parents with valuable insight into gestation and delivery, covering topics like labor preparation, understanding the birth process and developing coping techniques.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care includes regular health check-ups to keep both mother and baby in optimal health during gestation, as well as prevent and treat potential problems that might arise such as high blood pressure, diabetes or miscarriage.
At each appointment, your doctor will conduct a physical examination and conduct routine tests. She may ask about your past medical history, your family’s health history and lifestyle choices (for instance smoking or using illicit substances such as cocaine). She’ll also address goals for this pregnancy as well as any concerns you might have.
As part of a normal pregnancy, most women need 13-15 visits with healthcare providers during gestation. Your obstetrician or midwife may wish to see you more frequently as your due date approaches. Your doctor will also discuss the potential hazards of smoking, drinking alcohol or using street drugs while pregnant; the significance of folic acid and multivitamin supplements; as well as effective strategies to prepare for labor and newborn care. Some pregnant women are at greater risk for complications during their pregnancies, such as low-weight birth or fetal malformations, and will require more frequent or intensive prenatal care than is typical. Sometimes specialists will refer these women for additional testing and screening services. It has been linked to improved birth outcomes; however evidence on specific policy levers remains mixed.
Childbirth
Pregnancy can be an exciting time for all expecting mothers, yet as the due date approaches many become anxious and nervous. Childbirth classes provide expectant mothers with valuable tools for laboring through labor pain more comfortably and learning techniques for laboring through delivery as well as managing postpartum discomfort. Classes may also benefit those expecting their second baby – both first-timers as well as people pregnant again!
CenteringPregnancy group visits are becoming an increasingly popular option among health care providers to offer prenatal education efficiently and effectively. While CenteringPregnancy offers similar content as traditional childbirth education classes, its ultimate purpose remains unchanged – improving perinatal outcomes.
This three-week course covers the Lamaze Six Healthy Birth Practices and includes information about birth physiology, what to expect during labor, pain management methods, hospital procedures and newborn care. OHSU Doernbecher offers this class online or in person and requires an admissions fee; however most insurance policies and Flexible Spending Account programs cover its cost.
Postpartum
Transitioning to parenthood requires adjustments from both mother and family alike, often providing great joy while simultaneously being stressful due to issues like lack of sleep, physical discomfort and feelings of anxiety about her role as parent. At this time, women are especially prone to developing psychiatric disorders.
At prenatal care visits, expectant parents can discuss their expectations for labor and delivery with healthcare providers in an informal group setting, led by either a registered nurse or international board-certified lactation consultant. Furthermore, in addition to prenatal education services provided by this registered nurse or international board-certified lactation consultant; she will also offer advice regarding medical procedures as well as information regarding normal processes surrounding labor and delivery.
Preparation for the birth of their baby will be at the forefront of this class; expectant fathers can ask questions about what their role will be as fathers in parenting and feel comfortable and confident when the big day arrives. This father-to-father class aims to build confidence among new fathers as they anticipate what lies ahead on this exciting journey!
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a natural process that provides babies with all of the nutrition they require to grow, thrive and become healthy. Breast milk contains antibodies which protect infants against illness. Breastfeeding also helps newborns adapt to life outside the womb more smoothly while creating bonds between mother and baby that last a lifetime. Breastfeeding has been linked with higher IQ scores as well as reduced risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), asthma, eczema, diabetes obesity etc.
Breastfeeding classes aim to prepare mothers for both the physical and emotional aspects of breastfeeding their infant. Topics covered may include how to correctly latch on, position themselves correctly, establish breastfeeding rhythms and identify infant feeding cues – along with frequency/duration/knowing when baby has had enough milk supply.
Though not as common, best prenatal classes sometimes cover other topics beyond just baby-proofing your home and developing relationship skills such as postpartum recovery. Some programs even include father-inclusive parenting preparation to encourage expectant parents to form strong bonds and play an active role in their child’s development.
