Antenatal classes
Labour and the birth of your child will be one
of the most physically arduous events of your life and will give
you the greatest prize of all, your baby. Preparing for this event
both mentally and physically will help you through the moments when
you want to pack your bag and go home because you don't feel that
you can do it any more.
By attending the ante-natal classes for exercise, relaxation,
yoga, pilates and childbirth education you will be armed with the
knowledge you will need to get through this phase of your
pregnancy. We also suggest you look at the exercises in
The Pregnancy
Centre website for some great information on how you can
prepare yourself for labour.
Antenatal Classes
Going to antenatal classes helps you prepare for the labour and the
birth, and for being a parent. It's also a great way to meet other
new parents, and to share support and information with them.
Most classes are run over a 6-8 week period and are usually
conducted in the evening to allow both of you plenty of time to get
there after work. If this time does not suit you and your partner
there are some classes that cover all the information in an
intensive format over a weekend.
Topics that are usually covered by these courses include:
- Pregnancy health.
- Advice on eating and staying fit.
- What to expect from the labour and birth.
- The sort of pain relief you might choose.
- Coping with labour and birth.
- Possible problems.
- Caesarean section.
- Information on feeding your baby.
- Looking after your newborn baby.
- Many courses will incorporate a tour of your Hospital or Birth
Centre.
Attending an Antenatal Class provides you with a great opportunity
to ask questions in an informal environment. Don't be shy; most of
your fellow "parents to be" are probably wondering the same things
as you.
