Benefits of Prenatal Education

The idea of giving birth and bringing your baby home can be exciting yet nerve wracking. You most likely have questions. What are my delivery options? How will I know when I am in labor? Where do I go when I arrive at the hospital? Is there someone to help me with breastfeeding after I leave the hospital? How do I know when my baby needs to see a pediatrician?

All these questions and more are answered in most prenatal education classes. In a Baby Basics class, items like dressing, diapering, calming a crying baby and important safe sleep practices may be discussed and modeled. At Prepared Childbirth classes, topics like the labor process, signs of labor, coping skills and postpartum adjustment can be covered. Breastfeeding classes could address proper latch, how to know if your baby is getting enough milk and what to do if you plan to return to school or work. Classes can be for one night only, while others are offered over a period of weeks. Some insurance plans cover the cost of these classes.

Taking prenatal education classes answers questions and provides a learning environment that empowers mom and coach. Education classes help build confidence and calm fears. Courses can be found through the Labor of Love program, your community and sometimes your provider. You’ll want to sign up for classes several months before your due date. That way, you can take any lingering questions to your doula, doctor or midwife. Education classes offer a time to prepare, learn and ask questions. Women who learn how to breastfeed are more likely to have a successful experience with breastfeeding. Preparation classes can create confidence in the body’s capacity to experience labor. Partners also have an opportunity to learn how to support mom before, during and after labor.

A tour of the hospital is often part of the prenatal education process and is beneficial in enabling you to navigate the hospital and be familiar with your surroundings when you arrive. The Labor of Love tour reviews the perks available to families, education options, as well as provider and breastfeeding resources. Call 505.727.7677 to schedule a free tour and learn about your educational opportunities. 

This blog was written by Catherine Roth, Community Health Education B.S., Certified Community Health Worker, Labor of Love, and Darlene Lundquist, RN, Community Health Worker, Labor of Love.