Choosing the Right Prenatal Classes: A Guide to the Different Types of Prenatal Classes By Julianna Steen
learning the techniques. Many experts suggest taking classes during your second or third trimester. Once you determine which class(es) you want to attend, be sure to check the class schedule and sign up early—the spots fill up quickly! HOW MUCH DO The price of childbirth education classes varies; some places offer them for free, while others charge a small fee. It often depends on the duration and type of class. Some private insurance providers also cover the cost. LAMAZE TECHNIQUE Lamaze courses are popular because they give moms-to-be an overview of their options during labor and delivery, including different ways to position themselves, breathing and relaxation techniques to use when in labor, and pain management. These classes involve 12 hours of instruction (often broken up into a series of classes) walking through what happens after the baby is born, ex- plaining early postpartum care, medical PRENATAL CLASSES COST
procedures, breastfeeding, and how to cultivate a healthy new lifestyle. THE BRADLEY METHOD The Bradley Method is what you might picture when you think of pregnancy scenes in the movies where the hus- band is coaching the wife as she pushes through the pain without medication. (Not the movie scenes where the husband passes out and is no help.) It is a 12-session class that prepares you for unexpected situations like an emer- gency cesarean (C-section) birth. Each class stresses nutrition and exercise as well as how to manage pain. Plus, you get to practice going into labor, allowing your partner to receive guidance on how to coach you when the baby decides it’s time to make an appearance. ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE You can take lessons to practice the Alexander technique whenever you want during your pregnancy, though the more you practice, the more you will learn on how to enhance your balance, freedom of movement, and coordi- nation. The primary benefits include
It seems as if the moment you become pregnant, you are bombarded with 10 million decisions to make, from deciding the name of your baby and whether or not to have a gender reveal party to what brand of diapers to buy. Then, at some point in the midst of the hustle, it suddenly hits you that you don’t know what you are doing. “Isn’t there a ‘mom’ class where they teach you all you need to know?” you may wonder. While childbirth education classes may not teach you all the secrets of being a parent, it’s the perfect place to start. But how to know which prenatal class to choose? Here’s a basic overview of your options: Decide what your priorities are and align them with the class focuses to see which will work best for you and your family! WHEN TO START Each class will vary on its length and frequency of meeting; some will meet one time for a few (or several) hours, and others will stretch out over the course of months. Others, too, will be up to you based on the number of lessons you want in order to practice
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