Have you wondered if taking a prenatal class is worth your time?
Or more realistically: Is it worth the effort to drag your significant other to a room full of strangers to watch graphic how-to videos, only to feel awkward asking the questions that really matter to you?
Maybe this isn’t your first pregnancy or baby. Is it still worth it?
Do You Have To Take A Prenatal Class?
The quick answer is, “no”. You don’t have to if you don’t want to.
There is no one standing guard at the labor & delivery entrance checking if you’ve attended ‘x’ number of prenatal education hours before entering the unit. If that were true, most of us would be delivering our babies in the hallway! However, if you’re undecided (especially if this is your first baby), then I’d encourage you to consider your “why”.
What Do You Want To Get Out Of It?
First, think about what you want to learn. This will help you get started to find the right type of class or session to best suit your needs. Everyone approaches birth and postpartum with different experiences, knowledge, and expectations, so a generic prenatal class may not be the best fit.
Secondly, what do you want to take away from this learning beyond the practical facts and skills? What feelings arise when you think about birth, feeding, or postpartum? Are there any specific topics that make you nervous, anxious, or fearful? Did you have a previous experience that may be inspiring you to “do things differently” this time?
Taking time to reflect with yourself and with your significant other or support person is well worth it. This will also help you focus your time and finances on areas where you feel you need the most support or learning.
Prenatal Classes Can Be More Than Just Birthing Prep
Most prenatal classes are birth prep classes. And while this is extremely valuable, this definition
can greatly limit the scope of what a prenatal class can offer. Prenatal classes are technically any class that you attend while pregnant that helps prepare you and build your confidence for pregnancy, delivery, and after your baby is born.
So what can this look like? This can be anything!
It can be practical tools, coping strategies, and ways to advocate for yourself during labor & delivery. And it can also be: preparation for breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pumping, combination feeding, CPR & Choking, how to care for yourself & baby after delivery, pelvic floor strengthening or practical skills for help in the newborn days. The sky's the limit!
Education Is Confidence!
“Having confidence” can sound vague. But we all want to feel capable, able to advocate for our
needs and our child’s needs, and avoid feeling anxious, or unsure when we are taking care of
our new little human. I am not saying taking a prenatal class will give you all the answers, or will make you a perfect mama who can do it all. It’s impossible to know everything and be 100% prepared for everything. However, prenatal education can help you gain confidence in basic skills, recognize red flags
when you may need support or assistance, and know where to find help and support. It can empower you to know your choices, and choose what’s best for you! That is the kind of confidence that can transform your prenatal & postpartum journey! And that is why a prenatal class may be worth considering.
First Steps To Prenatal Learning
If you’re wondering where to begin finding prenatal support or education, I would encourage you
to check out our resource page on The Nurtured Baby website. You can also follow myself (themamacoach.crystal) or The Nurtured Baby (www.instagram.com/thenurturedbaby.gp) on
Instagram and Facebook (plus our amazing community collaborators) for virtual or community
support and learning.
At The Nurtured Baby, we are dedicated to connecting you with local support and resources by
creating a list of health professionals, and family supports.
We want to walk alongside you to help you find genuine connection, reliable information, and
comprehensive support for your beautifully unique pregnancy & postpartum journey!
Written by: Crystal Derksen The Mama Coach
Resources
Nolan, M. L. (2009). Information Giving and Education in Pregnancy: A review of Qualitative studies. the Journal of Perinatal Education, 18(4), 21–30. https://doi.org/10.1624/105812409x474681
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