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Jessica Simpson Is Right About Birth but Wrong About Lamaze

March 14, 2012 By Cara Terreri Leave a Comment

A very pregnant Jessica Simpson appeared on Monday night’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. During her interview, Jessica covered the basic details of her pregnancy, including the surprise of Braxton Hicks contractions, and her relationship with dad-to-be. She also answered questions on her preparation for birth. When asked whether she would be attending a Lamaze class, Simpson replied no — that women in Lamaze classes “get so out of breath.”

While Simpson was likely playing up her signature ditsy humor, she touched on a commonly misunderstood element of Lamaze: breathing. Simpson remarked that women need energy to push and that being “breathless” or “seeing stars” would not be helpful. She’s right — hyperventilating and breathing without focus can be counterproductive to labor and pushing. It depletes a woman’s energy and can raise her adrenaline level, causing exhaustion and anxiety.

Today’s Lamaze classes focus on all elements that make up a healthy, safe birth. Breathing is just one the many suggestions offered to provide focus and increase comfort during labor and birth. The following, excerpted from The Official Lamaze Guide: Giving Birth with Confidence by Judith A. Lothian and Charlotte DeVries, provides an overview of breathing during labor and birth:

Conscious Breathing
Conscious breathing (especially slow breathing) reduces heart rate, anxiety, and pain perception. It works in part because when breathing becomes a focus, other sensations (such as labor pain) move to the edge of your awareness.

Conscious breathing is an especially useful labor tool because it not only keeps you and your baby well oxygenated, it’s also easy to learn and use. It’s naturally rhythmic and easy to incorporate into a ritual. And best of all, breathing is the one coping strategy that can’t be taken away from you—even if you’re stuck in bed attached to an electronic fetal monitor and intravenous fluids.

Conscious (or patterned) breathing used to be the hallmark of Lamaze childbirth education. For many women, it’s still an important way to stay relaxed and stay on top of their contractions. It’s true that conscious breathing can help you relax and feel less pain during contractions.  There’s no “right” way to breathe in labor, despite what others may tell you. Slow, deep breathing helps most women manage the pain of contractions. But the right way for you to breathe is whatever feels right to you. Issues like your number of breaths per minute, breathing through your nose or your mouth, or making sounds (like hee-hee) with your breaths are only important if they make a difference for you.

That last part — “….are only important if they make a difference for you” — is so key. Quality birth preparation, like Lamaze classes, should provide you with several tools in your tool box to be able to choose the best one for the job when the time comes. Labor and birth is such an “in the moment” experience  – you simply cannot predict exactly how you will react until you’re there.

It may help you to have a visual focus to accompany your conscious breathing. You can recall an image with your eyes closed, focus on a picture or special object from home, keep your eyes on your partner, or simply stare at a spot on the wall. You may also find that as labor progresses, faster, shallower breathing—like a dog gently panting—feels better. You’ll figure out what works best for you. And what works best will probably change as you move through labor.

Many women “practice” breathing during pregnancy by using conscious breathing when everyday life presents stressful situations, like being caught in traffic, running late for an important meeting, or worrying about any number of things.

Find Your Rhythm
At some point in labor, you’ll “find your rhythm” or “get in a groove,” much like a marathon runner does. You’ll be living in the moment, doing without thinking.  To others you’ll appear to be in another world. Your movements will be rhythmic; you’ll relax between contractions; you’ll respond to contractions in the same way over and over again, perhaps shaking your arms, rolling your head, breathing slowly, chanting, or praying.

You’ll be totally focused, but you won’t necessarily look comfortable. You’ll look like you’re working very, very hard—which you are. When this happens, you’ll know endorphins are working their magic—dulling your pain and helping you ride your contractions intuitively. You’ll be doing exactly what you need to do. You won’t need to be rescued; in fact, the worst thing that could happen to you at this point is to be disturbed or interrupted. A healthy dose of encouragement, support, and respect are all you’ll need from your support team.

Simpson commented to Leno, “it’s all about being calm [in labor]” — and in a sense, she’s right. Being “calm,” in the way that one feels confident in her ability to birth and in the support from those around her, is key to a positive birth experience. Whether a woman finds her calm through breathing, labor support, meditation techniques, back massage, or laboring in water is inconsequential; that she has access to such tools when she needs them is indispensable.

 

Filed Under Birth, Childbirth education, Featured Story, Pregnancy, Support Tagged With comfort measures, Lamaze breathing

Birth Choices: Are You Informed?

January 23, 2012 By Cara Terreri 8 Comments

In a recent Canadian study that was reviewed in The Journal of Perinatal Education, researcher Michael Klein, MD, reports that women are inadequately informed and care providers are not delivering evidence-based information when it comes to birth practices. (1) This dangerous combination makes it hard, if not impossible, for women to make informed decisions. A truly informed decision comes when a person has been given complete and unbiased information on which to base her action.  Among the study’s findings:

The women’s lack of evidence-based knowledge about epidural analgesia included failure to appreciate that it interfered with labor and was associated with an increase in the use of forceps and vacuum. Many were unaware of the benefits and risks of cesarean surgery, including whether it was associated with urinary incontinence or sexual issues. The women’s knowledge was also insufficient about the benefits and risks of episiotomy, the role of doulas in improving outcomes for mother and baby, and the place and mode of birth, including a birth center or home birth.

Further compounding the search for evidence-based information in birth is the diverse and conflicting information that is published in mainstream media. Earlier this month, articles from two different large media outlets questioned the true dangers of epidurals and whether they were overstated. (2,3) The articles provide both anecdotal information about each authors’ birth experiences and point to scientific studies. After presenting and debating the science, author Melinda Wenner Moyer says, “Women shouldn’t cave to pressure from either side. They should make informed decisions based on their goals and priorities.” The problem is — once again — how can a woman develop her goals and priorities if she is not truly informed?

At the end of her piece, Moyer sums it up by saying, “My unnatural childbirth left me with a memory that does not involve intolerable pain, and that’s exactly what I wanted.” It’s great that she achieved the birth she wanted! Unfortunately, however, her description negatively influences other mothers’ perception of birth. My unmedicated (aka, “natural”) third birth was painful, yes, but it was not “intolerable.” When mothers believe that the pain of birth is intolerable (as many moms do in the United States), they are driven to choose an epidural without considering alternatives that can make birth just as enjoyable, not to mention healthy!

So with all the obstacles to becoming truly informed, how do you navigate the jungle of mass-misinformation-overload? Lamaze childbirth educator (and Giving Birth with Confidence contributor) Ami Burns responded aptly on the Lamaze Facebook page, “Yet another reason why comprehensive childbirth education is needed. Moms need the information — even when research may be inconclusive — so they can decide for themselves.” Childbirth education, when chosen wisely, helps women look at all of the options by providing pros and cons, risks and rewards to the many decisions a woman can make during labor and birth. Contrary to what some may believe, a good childbirth class doesn’t deliver the “natural birth or bust!” philosophy. A good childbirth class provides evidence-based information to help women be as prepared as possible to make the best decision for her and her baby.


How did you seek information on birth? What helped in your decision-making process? What hindered it?

 

References:

(1) Klein, Michael C. Many Women and Providers Are Unprepared for an Evidence-Based, Educated Conversation About Birth. The Journal of Perinatal Education, Volume 20, Number 4, 2011 , pp. 185-187(3).

(2) Moyer, Melinda W. The Truth About Epidurals. Slate. January 11, 2012.

(3) Dell’Antonia, KJ. Are the Dangers of Epidurals Overstated? The New York Times. January 23, 2012.

Filed Under Birth, Birth plans, Childbirth education, Featured Story, Pregnancy Tagged With childbirth class, informed choice

Blog Carnival Round-up: How Did Childbirth Classes Help You?

January 9, 2012 By Cara Terreri 2 Comments

Thank you to everyone who submitted posts and responses to our blog carnival on “How Did Your Childbirth Classes Help You?” When I became pregnant with my third child, I was determined that, for the first time in my motherhood career, I would take a childbirth class. I did it as much for my own education as I did for my husband, who, even though he knew more about birth than the average guy, could benefit from an in-depth course. After taking a five week Lamaze childbirth class series, I was blown away. I wanted to go out and tell all expectant couples to take a childbirth class (from a reputable organization, of course). Even though I had read (and read and read) books upon books and articles about birth, there is something about an in-person class that can’t be replicated in a book. And for some partners, the education that comes from a class may be the only instruction they receive before the big day.

Lisa, a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator in Calgary, Canada, writes about her first experience with a childbirth class as “life-changing.” Lisa said:

Childbirth class with Nichola changed me from an educated women to a confident expectant mother. Calm and collected, Nichola guided us through the overwhelming amount of information in a way that made sense. Each individual came to their own, different conclusion based on the same information. I was able to choose my own birth adventure, thanks in part to the knowledge and support of a wonderful childbirth educator.

Lisa’s childbirth class experience extended far beyond her pregnancy, sparking a passion that led to becoming a childbirth educator herself.

For Laura, it wasn’t until her birth experience that she realized the full value of childbirth classes:

They had talked about the cascade of interventions, how one can lead to another. I steered clear of them all. I started to feel scared and panicky. They had talked about transition, that it is normal and means you are close to the end. I remembered and relaxed, continuing my rhythm and ritual. Before I knew it, my body was pushing.

Beyond birth, Laura viewed childbirth classes not just as means to an end, but as a catalyst of change:

Childbirth classes gave me more than just confidence or tools to achieve my ideal birth, they were a rite of passage. They helped me become a mother.

Crystal’s experience with childbirth classes was initially overwhelming:

How would I possibly master everything I had learned so that I could be completely prepared for whatever might come my way during labor? How would my sweet D be able to handle what could potentially be a very long labor without the help of a doula? What if I can’t get this little one lined up properly for birth?

But somewhere along the line, while learning to summon her inner strength in preparation for birth, she discovered what it was that gave her strength — her faith. From that point forward, Crystal felt prepared to handle the information and her upcoming birth:

Our childbirth class did more than just prepare us for birth. It helped prepare us for new life all around us, in whatever form it may show up.

Mariam’s strength in birth came from her practice of techniques learned in childbirth instruction:

…there was no other explanation for the calm end to my birthing time and my [eventual] ability to relax other than the fact that I’d practiced remaining collected and confident in my body’s ability to birth all along.

 

 

Filed Under Birth, Blog Carnival, Childbirth education, Featured Story, Pregnancy

What You Need to Know About Premature Birth

November 16, 2011 By Cara Terreri 5 Comments

Tomorrow, November 17, is World Prematurity Day — an event created as part of the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign to raise awareness of and remember babies who died from premature birth. Worldwide, 13 million babies are born prematurely. Prematurity is the leading cause of death among newborns, and causes complications at birth and lifelong illnesses. In the last 25 years, the prematurity rate in the United States has risen by 36% — one of the highest rates for preterm birth in the world.

Sometimes, in cases of true complications, preterm labor and birth is unavoidable. In many cases, however, preterm birth can be prevented. If you are pregnant, there are things you can do to lower your risk of preterm birth.

Lowering Your Risk of Preterm Birth

Prenatal Care – Seek ongoing prenatal care from a reputable care provider. Whether your preference is for midwife or obstetrician, be sure to research your care provider’s history and practices. Ask about their rate of induction. If they don’t know it or report a rate ranging from 20-30+%, consider finding another care provider.

Induction – Inducing birth or scheduling a cesarean surgery prior to 39 weeks of pregnancy can lead to premature babies. Even if friends and family tell you different, every week counts! Babies undergo vital development up to the very moment of their birth. And, because your due date is just an estimate, it can be off by up to two weeks in either direction. So, a baby that is induced at 38 weeks may only be at 36 weeks gestation. If your care provider is pushing for early induction, ask questions! Learn what counts as true medical indication for early induction or cesarean surgery. If being “so done with being pregnant” is getting to you, hold tight and think of the babies born at 28 weeks, with mommies who would have given anything to make it to 40 weeks.

Education – The Internet is overwhelming. When it comes to making informed decisions in pregnancy and birth, the Internet is a good place to start, but not a good place to stop. Sign up to take a childbirth education class from a childbirth educator certified by a reputable childbirth education organization (there are many, but we really think Lamaze is tops!). Childbirth education provides the foundation for educated, evidence-based decision making for you and your partner throughout pregnancy and birth.

Filed Under Birth, Childbirth education, Choosing a care provider, Featured Story, Induction, Pregnancy, Preterm Birth, Working with a midwife Tagged With Preterm Birth, Preterm Labor

Martyr vs. Marvel: The Debate over Natural Birth

October 3, 2011 By Cara Terreri 7 Comments

Start a public discussion on “natural” birth (vaginal birth without pain medication) and you’ll receive an avalanche of opinions and reactions that generally fall into two camps: “Give me an epidural — I’m no martyr!” or “My natural birth was amazing — I can’t imagine it any other way!”  Don’t believe me? Scan the comment section in this article on Baby Center that discusses one mom’s aversion to natural birth. As emotions heighten and passions inflame, a respectful discussion turns into finger-pointing, mockery, defensiveness and ultimately, a misunderstanding and lack of respect for each others’ point of view.

After two uncomplicated births with an epidural, I longed for a birth without pain medication. For me, the desire for a “natural” birth came from how I felt after my first two births and wanting a different, healthier experience for myself and my baby. Lying on my back, numb from the waist down, pushing to the tune of nurses counting to 10 — I felt like a passive participant in my own birth, like I was racing a marathon from the sidelines. (Note: this is how I felt, not a projection of judgement on women who choose to birth with an epidural.) My choice to go without pain meds for my third birth wasn’t about being a martyr or a “hero” — it was an informed, conscious decision that I felt was best for me and my baby. In fact, prior to the birth, I told few people of my plans simply because it didn’t matter if they knew. And after the birth of my third baby without pain meds, yes, I felt proud and triumphant. But no, there were no badges, no parades, no flag-waving of any kind. I birthed my baby the way I wanted and life continued on.

So why does the controversy persist? Why does one group insist that women who birth “au naturel” are martyrs looking for a merit badge, and why do the others pass judgement on women who say, “Give me the drugs!”

When it all boils down, it’s not about my choice vs. your choice or right vs. wrong; it’s about informed choice. True informed choice goes beyond “My doctor says epidurals are safe.” It also goes beyond “My mom thinks I should birth naturally — that’s how she did it.”  To be truly informed requires looking at and understanding the evidence surrounding choices in childbirth. It means finding a reputable source and a second opinion — your care provider and a quality childbirth education class, for example. Only then can women make the best decisions for themselves and their baby.

How did you make informed choices surrounding your birth? Were you judged for your decisions? 

 

 

Filed Under Birth, Birth stories, Childbirth education, Choosing a care provider, Featured Story, Pregnancy

Five Tips for Choosing a Childbirth Education Class

September 16, 2011 By admin 3 Comments

The following is a press release from Lamaze International dated September 13, 2011.

A recent report from the World Health Organization set off alarm bells for many expectant parents.  The report showed that newborns in 40 countries, including Cuba, South Korea and Poland, have a lower risk of death than newborns in the United States.

For expectant moms, one of the best, and often overlooked, ways of improving the odds of a safe and healthy birth is to take a good childbirth education class.  But how do moms know whether they are choosing a class that will make a difference?

“A good childbirth education class can make the difference between feeling out of control and overwhelmed, and being able to handle the expected and unexpected on the day of your baby’s birth,” said Marilyn Curl, President of Lamaze International.  “A really good class will also help moms-to-be avoid routine interventions like inductions and being confined to bed, which can actually increase the risks around birth.”

Here are some factors mothers-to-be should consider when selecting a childbirth education class:

1. Research the Class Curriculum

Ask to see the content covered in childbirth courses carefully before selecting one.  There are a variety of curriculums, and different approaches may work better for different people.  Some courses do little more than orient women to the procedures of the hospital, regardless of whether those protocols are backed by research findings.

Curl cautions that women should be wary of ‘patient obedience classes.’  “Any class that simply focuses on what women are or are not allowed to do according to the procedures of the institution is not going to equip them properly for labor and birth.” Curl said.

Expectant parents should consider what they want to gain from taking the class and make sure those points are part of the curriculum.  Lamaze classes focus on educating parents about six safe and healthy birth practices that are based on extensive clinical research.  “Women rarely receive all of the best care practices, so it is critical for parents to educate themselves about their options,” Curl said.

Typical topics covered in Lamaze childbirth education classes include:

  • Normal labor, birth and early postpartum
  • Positioning for labor and birth
  • Pain management techniques
  • Labor support
  • Communication skills
  • Comfort measures, including breathing strategies, relaxation and massage techniques
  • Risks and benefits of medical procedures
  • Breastfeeding
  • Healthy lifestyles

If the instructor teaches the class in a hospital setting or in a doctor’s office, parents should ask whether the instructor feels she has the freedom to discuss controversial topics related to childbirth and whether the class will discuss strategies for broaching these subjects with their care providers.  This information can help parents evaluate whether the class will focus on teaching the safest birthing practices, rather than explaining hospital policies.

2. Consider the Instructor’s Training

Check what kind of experience and background the prospective teacher has and ask about the instructor’s certification.  Lamaze offers the only internationally recognized childbirth educator certification program that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).  Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators must pass a rigorous examination to show they meet the highest professional standards and have the necessary knowledge and skills to teach courses.  To find a local Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE), visit www.lamaze.org.

3. Invest Some Time

Between work schedules, family obligations and setting up the nursery, expectant parents may feel pressed for time.  But parents-to-be need to make certain they devote plenty of time and attention to preparing for labor and birth.  A one-day crash course might sound like the quickest way to get up to speed, but parents may not retain as much information from a course taught in this format.  Online forums and TV shows focusing on birth do not offer personalized or in-depth information that’s found in a class.

Lamaze classes typically provide 12 hours of instruction and discussion.  The classes are spread across six weeks to ensure parents have time to absorb the lessons and consider priorities as the big day draws closer.  “It may seem like a big time commitment, but nothing is more important than preparing for a safe and healthy birth and a good start for the baby,” Curl said.

4. Plan Ahead

Classes fill up quickly, so start researching courses early.  Try to sign up for a Lamaze class six to eight weeks ahead of time – around the first week of the second trimester.

5. Check Class Size

For first-time parents, in particular, having personalized attention from the instructor is an important part of a childbirth education class.  Ask about the size of the class.  Ideally, there should be a maximum of 12 couples enrolled to ensure each has a chance to interact with the instructor and ask questions.

Choosing a class with an informative curriculum, a knowledgeable instructor and personalized attention are crucial for ensuring expectant parents have their questions and concerns addressed before the baby’s birth.  More information on childbirth education courses is available at www.lamaze.org.

 

Filed Under All Recent Articles, Childbirth education, Pregnancy Tagged With childbirth class, childbirth educator, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator

Preparing Fathers for Birth

June 6, 2011 By Cara Terreri 1 Comment

This post has also appeared as a guest post on the Mother’s Advocate blog.

When a woman is pregnant, most of the outside world’s attention is on the mother-to-be. On one hand, this makes sense: it is the mother who bears the first-hand, physical experience of pregnancy and birth, and the intrinsic connection to a child who was once part of her body.

But what about the father (partner)? Fathers too, go through an experience during pregnancy and birth. First-time dads in particular must come to terms with a transition in family roles and responsibility, and deal with their own feelings of fear, excitement and anxiety. Yet, when a couple is expecting, all of the fuss and concern centers on mom: “How are you feeling? Are you sleeping well? What’s your birth plan?” Dad is more likely to hear nothing — unless it relates to mom.

Women, listen up: Dads need preparation, understanding and communication during pregnancy too! Women tend to gather and process information about pregnancy through their care providers, other women, books and Internet articles. Men however, don’t always attend prenatal appointments, and are less likely to pour over the literature or spark up a conversation about pregnancy with their peers. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t interested or don’t need support. And here’s the secret: the more prepared and informed dad is, the better equipped he will be to support and encourage you during pregnancy and birth.

The following are simple, but key, steps you can take to involve, support and prepare your partner, helping to improve the experience for both of you.

Attend prenatal appointments together. It may not be practical to see your care provider together every time, but make it a point to attend a handful of appointments as a couple. This allows dad to understand more about your prenatal care, experience exciting things like hearing baby’s heartbeat, and pose his own questions to your care provider.

Make childbirth classes mandatory. Childbirth education classes are designed for moms and dads. For dads who don’t always read up on birth (and for moms who read too much), an in-person, interactive class that teaches the ins and outs of birth, including coping techniques and strategies, is invaluable. Lamaze class educators, for example, are trained to engage with fathers and partners through targeted questions and hands-on practice.

Create your birth plan together. Wouldn’t it be great to have your own personal advocate to make sure labor and birth is as healthy and safe as possible? You can! Creating a birth plan with your significant other ensures that both of you are on the same page during the big day. If dad knows ahead of time that you wish to remain mobile in labor or avoid continuous monitoring, for example, he will be better prepared to support you and speak to your care providers if necessary. For ideas on what to include in your birth plan, check out the Six Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices.

Check in with dad. Keep the lines of communication open! If you don’t have a regular date night, make it a new habit that continues after birth and throughout parenthood. When you make the time to connect with each other, be sure to ask about his thoughts regarding pregnancy and birth in addition to expressing your own. Ask open-ended questions like, “Tell me what you think about our birth plan.” or “How do you feel about our care provider?” or “What worries you the most about birth?”

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The winner of  last Monday’s Undercover Mama nursing tank giveaway is: Danielle Knapp! Congratulations and thanks for visiting Giving Birth with Confidence! Thanks also to everyone who entered the giveaway.

Filed Under All Recent Articles, Birth, Birth plans, Childbirth education, Dads, Pregnancy

My First Lamaze Class – A Recap, Part 1

April 29, 2011 By Cara Terreri 2 Comments

Practicing a squat while my classmates demonstrate a supported standing position.

I’m halfway through my first Lamaze class series — which, as I mentioned in my last post, I’m attending as a third-time around mom — and so far, so great! My instructor, Tracy Cuneo, is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE) and also is who I have hired as my doula. The class is a 5-week series that meets once a week for 2.5 hours at a time (sounds long, but I can assure you that it flies by!).

My overall impression upon leaving class the first night was, “Every pregnant woman AND her partner should attend childbirth classes — I can’t believe more women don’t do this!” The instruction, community, camaraderie and enthusiasm left me feeling reinvigorated about my birth plan and thrilled with the opportunity to appreciate my pregnancy and birth in a whole new way.

In the first night’s class, we were given a handbook, a folder and some handouts. We reviewed the basics of Lamaze (they’re not about “breathing” anymore folks!), the Six Lamaze Healthy Birth Practices, discussion questions for your care provider, prenatal nutrition information (I had no idea how many grams of protein are recommended for pregnant women), and solutions to common pregancy discomforts. We also covered the standard ice-breaker activities to get to know the four other couples in the class (plus a doula-in-training). As much as I can’t stand that sort of thing, it did break the tension — I mean, we are discussing intimate subject matter (hemorrhoids anyone?), so it helps to get to know each other.

The instructor also went around the room to ask why we were attending childbirth class. I was pleased to hear that two of the first-time couples felt that taking a childbirth class would help them achieve a low-intervention (aka “natural”) birth. Another mom was attending classes for the first time with her third pregnancy (I wasn’t alone!) because her first two births were scheduled inductions with an epidural — she had never felt one contraction — and she is planning for a water birth this time around. One of the dads commented that he was the one to pull his wife into class — he was genuinely eager and motivated to learn more about birth. In general, I have been delighted to watch the fathers actively participate and ask questions during class.

The second class focused primarily on the stages of labor as well as different labor and birth positions and comfort measures. In this class, we became active participants as we moved around to different stations to practice techniques. So far, I’m a huge fan of the relaxing on the birth ball.

I look forward to the remaining classes so I can share the rest of my experience with you. Stay tuned for more, including a profile of some of the other class participants.

Do you plan to attend childbirth classes? Why or why not?

Filed Under All Recent Articles, Childbirth education, Dads, Pregnancy Tagged With childbirth class

Why I’m Attending Childbirth Classes in My Third Pregnancy

April 13, 2011 By Cara Terreri 3 Comments

By the time you read this, I will have attended my very first, formal childbirth class. Did I mention that this was my third pregnancy? In my last post, I talked about hiring a doula for the upcoming August birth of our third child. Well, I thought it only fitting that I should put the cart before the horse and attend those childbirth classes that I never got around to doing the first (or second) time. Don’t get me wrong–I had every intention of going and was excited about sitting on the floor, positioning pillows and learning about birth positions. But by the time I got around to registering, I was too late. There was nothing offered in my area in time for my due date. Whoops.

Belly from top down at 22 weeks

And a big “whoops” it was. Although I had read all of the best birth books and knew as much as I thought I could about natural birth, when the big day came, my husband and I beautifully illustrated the expression “like a deer in headlights.” Here, I’ll set the scene. After my water breaking and dilating to 5cm with strong contractions, we were admitted to a labor & delivery room. Nurse sets me up with an IV (with antibiotics because I was Group B Strep positive) and a comfy fetal monitor band and then asks if I’ll be getting an epidural, to which I respond, “I’d like to try and go without.” She sweetly smiles, walks out and says, “Buzz me if you need anything,” before closing the door. And there we were. Left. Completely. Alone. I was scared, in pain and a little panicked. And my husband, though wonderful, did not know how to effectively help me cope. We couldn’t call on the comfort measures we had learned and practiced… because there were none.

Now, don’t get me wrong–I know that attending childbirth education does not guarantee a pain-med free birth (if that’s what you’re looking for), but a good childbirth class provides a solid foundation of knowledge and practiced techniques for labor and birth. For me, and I’m guessing I’m not alone, knowledge equals comfort with the process, with knowing what to expect and with understanding how to cope. And here’s the kicker: childbirth class provides that foundation for both you and your birth partner. Because while you may be reading all of the books, your partner probably isn’t. You would never send a co-pilot out on the job without training, would you? Likewise, good support throughout labor to “co-pilot” your experience is so important.

So here we are, prepping for baby #3 and attending a five-week series Lamaze childbirth class. I imagine that yes, we’ll cover a few things we already know (the baby comes out of where?!), but I also imagine that there will be lots of new, valuable information to glean. Stay tuned…

Filed Under All Recent Articles, Birth, Childbirth education, Dads, Pregnancy Tagged With childbirth class

Five Factors to Consider when Choosing a Childbirth Class

March 2, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

By Allison J. Walsh, IBCLC, LCCE, FACCE

Just as every pregnancy and birth is unique, so too is every childbirth class. While the options available to you may seem overwhelming, it is important to do your homework. A good childbirth class can not only prepare you for labor, it can expand your personal view of birth, lessen your fears and, most importantly, build your confidence in yourself and your body. To find one that works for you, take into account the following five factors.

1. Instructor

The instructor can make or break a class. Before you choose one, call a few and ask questions about their curriculum, philosophy and teaching methods (there should be a variety). You want an instructor who can offer a wide array of coping strategies for labor and can address ways to communicate effectively with your health-care team. It is crucial for your instructor to provide current, well-researched information. Be wary if the chilbirth instructor simply presents hospital rules.

All aspects of a childbirth class should serve to build your trust in your body and baby: It should be taught in a manner that is empowering, respectful and hopefully even fun. A good instructor is an advocate who shares all of the information you need to make truly informed decisions.

There are many organizations that train childbirth educators but Lamaze International offers the only certification program for childbirth educators that is accredited by the NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies).  If your childbirth educator is Lamaze Certified she has demonstrated her knowledge and skills by passing a rigorous international examination that meets the highest standards for assuring professional competence.

2. Location

Classes are held in hospitals, birth centers, health-care providers’ offices, homes or other community locations. In-home classes can be set up for one couple or for groups. Many women simply sign up at the place where they plan to give birth; before you do so, first check that the topics being covered will meet your needs. Again, if you attend hospital-based classes, be careful that they do not simply present the hospital’s rules.

3. Size

You’ll likely get the most out of a small childbirth class: It will be more personalized and will allow for more questions and answers. Private classes are also available for couples with complicated schedules.

4. Duration

It may be tempting to sign up for an intensive day-long or weekend session, but there are many benefits to a course that meets five or six times over the span of a few weeks. At each session, there is time to review content from the prior one; this repetition will help you retain information. In between, you can reflect both personally and with your partner on what was discussed, and if questions arise, you’ll have the opportunity to pose them next time. It’s also helpful to be part of a group of people approaching parenthood at the same time. You might make new friends, and you will surely find others who share your thoughts, concerns and challenges.

5. Content

A childbirth class should cover the following:

  • the normal, natural process of labor and birth, and health-care practices that support it
  • changes during late pregnancy and the stages of labor
  • the important role that pain plays in labor and a wide variety of coping strategies for managing it
  • the importance of labor support
  • movement and positioning during labor and birth
  • medical interventions and their indications, risks and alternatives
  • how to communicate with your health-care provider
  • developing a birth plan
  • breastfeeding and newborn needs
       
Class Participation

Some partners are reluctant to attend a childbirth class because they don’t think it has much to do with them. Let yours know that you need his or her presence in class just as you will need it in labor. Together, make every effort to find a program that works with your schedules and with which you will both be comfortable.

Come to class prepared to focus: Turn off your cell phone and leave the rest of your life behind. Look at posters or visual aids around the room, and do any assigned reading. Ask questions and participate as much as you like, but remember that it’s fine to speak with your childbirth class instructor privately if there’s something you don’t wish to discuss in front of the group. Be open to learning and allow yourself to be amazed by the natural process of birth and the part you are playing.

Filed Under All Recent Articles, Childbirth education, Pregnancy Tagged With childbirth class
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