The resources you need to know about when having a baby
If you’re having a baby, you have questions, and that’s okay—it’s only natural, after all! It may seem overwhelming when you realize that you’re about to be responsible for another life and that you have no idea what you’re doing, but the reality is that no one completely knows what they’re doing, even if they’ve already had children.
Information changes, new products come out, and studies on things you’ve never even heard of begin to become mainstream. So how do you keep up with it all and make sure that you’re as prepared as you can be for the miracle that’s about to join your family? Well, that’s where childbirth education classes and alternate resources come in!
It’s amazing, the amount of ease and information that reputable sources and credible information can provide you with. Here are four of my favorite resources for childbirth and labor education. They have helped me—and I know that they can be an amazing resource for each expectant mother in her own way:
In-person childbirth education courses
Whether you prefer to learn in a group or one-on-one setting, it is extremely helpful to be able to get hands on with childbirth education and to have someone physically walk you through all that there is to learn and expect in order to have a confident, safe, and unique labor and birth experience.
Aside from providing a basic overview of the labor and birthing process, childbirth education courses can offer much more than the basics. For example, my six-session, in-person courses at Moms on Top cover:
- Nutrition and fitness
- Relaxation practices
- Positive communication (with partner, with doctor, etc.)
- And much more!
Although there are a variety of options when it comes to types of childbirth education courses, I very much enjoy the in-person experience because of the hands-on approach, the ability to openly ask questions, and the direct learning. However, every woman is different and has different needs. Therefore, another one of my favorite, most trusted resources for childbirth education is online courses.
Online childbirth education classes
For those that are too busy to attend a class or prefer to learn from the comfort of their own home, online childbirth education classes provide all the information needed for a safe and successful labor and delivery experience. And the best part is, you don’t even need to leave your couch! From live classes to pre-recorded ones, you can find the online class that’s best suited to your needs and learning style.
Your doctor or midwife
Your doctor, midwife, or other childbirth professional are just a few of the people that know your situation, the state of your changing body, and the state of your growing baby better than anyone else (and have likely been through similar situations in the past). If you have a question, don’t be afraid to ask them. They’ll probably have the answer immediately, and if they don’t, they’ll know where to find it.
Doctors and midwives may also offer a great sense of peace of mind when it comes to common worries or myths surrounding pregnancy—especially for first time mothers – but DO NOT just assume that because someone has a medical degree they are dispensing accurate, unbiased information. You must do your due diligence; research, ask questions, read books (about birth – not only pregnancy), take a course with an independent teacher who will provide you with ALL you need, including a comprehensive, holistic education, without hidden agendas.
The internet
Now this one may seem a little leery, and I agree that it is—however, if you have a question that needs immediate attention, I can almost guarantee that someone before you has had it too, and luckily we live in a world where we can access almost any information within minutes. There are TONS of resources online for childbirth and labor education and you can find them just by hitting a few keys on the computer.
Sometimes your friends and family may have the answers you’re looking for, but for when they don’t, someone on the Internet does—just make sure that you take what you read with a grain of salt (not everything on Wed MD is true!). Make sure you’re looking at reputable sources and don’t just listen to one source. Of course, don’t believe everything you read online, but if you’re mindful of false information, you can find wonderful, true information to help you along your journey at a moment’s notice!
Everyone learns differently, so figure out what works best for you when it comes to childbirth and labor education. Knowledge is power when it comes to having a baby, so you’ll want to make sure that you are properly educated. As for how you obtain your information, well that’s up to you, your family, and your personal wants and needs!
If you are looking into taking advantage of in-person, online, or private childbirth education courses, you’ve come to the right place. Feel free to contact me today to discover all that Moms on Top can do for you on your journey to a safe, educated, confident, and unique labor and childbirth.
