Multiple Birth Education Classes
Multiple Birthing Classes Provide Specialized Information to Parents
Sep 28, 2009
More multiple births are occurring today than ever before creating parents who are struggling to meet the intense challenges that characterize pregnancies with multiples. Historically, parenting classes have met these needs; however, parents expecting multiples have specialized needs that traditional classes are not able to address. Childbirth education classes for multiples are specifically designed to focus on the unique needs of parents expecting multiples allowing them to feel more confident and prepared during pregnancy, labor and after the babies are born.
Multiple Babies Equals Multiple Information Needs
Child birth education classes are an important part of the pregnancy process for many expectant parents because they provide essential information about pregnancy expectations, pain management, relaxation techniques and emotional support.
However, as supportive as these birthing classes are they do not always meet the often complicated needs of parents expecting multiples. Stacy Garnett, director of maternal health services states that the parents of multiples “are not prepared for the number of people involved or the special technology and care required during the delivery process.” Monica McNair agrees. She signed up for a childbirth education class where she was the only one expecting twins. In addition, she felt her particular concerns and questions could not be addressed by the instructor causing her to feel isolated and frustrated.
Multiple Birth Education Classes Meet Unique needs
Multiple birth education classes offer a much needed alternative to regular childbirth classes in that they are specifically geared to address the challenging issues and unique needs of parents' expecting multiples.
Pregnancy
According to the March of Dimes, the physical and emotional challenges of a multiple pregnancy can be much more intense than a singleton pregnancy, in addition, multiple pregnancies are considered high risk because the intensified medical issues. Multiple childbirth classes can help to educate parents about these issues that are specific to them.
- More side effects-increased vomiting, nausea, stomach pain and pressure on the lungs and pubic bone.
- More doctors’ visits- Weight gain, lung development and other issues warrant multiple visits to the obstetrician that could include extra tests, medications or other treatment.
- More precautions-Limited work, travel, exercise and other activities that would be considered normal and even encouraged for singleton pregnancies may be discouraged or not even allowed in multiple pregnancies’.
- Bed rest-The majority of multiple moms’ will be prescribed bed rest by their doctors to alleviate any number of ailments including high blood pressure, premature labor and cervical changes.
Special Labor & Delivery
Multiples are usually born somewhat early, however pregnancy complications can result in even earlier premature labor and delivery.
- Complications affecting delivery- Preterm labor is contractions that occur before the 37th week of pregnancy sometimes causing birth to occur prematurely. Therefore, education about the prevention and recognition of the signs of preterm labor is a major focus of multiple childbirth classes.
- Caesarean Section-Although some twins are born via vaginal birth the majority of multiples are born through caesarean section due to the breech position of fetuses, a crowded uterus where the placenta or cord are compressed or other complications. Multiple birth classes address these facts much more directly than general childbirth classes by providing information on pain medication, the cesarean birth procedure itself, as well as its physical effects and recovery process.
After Multiples are Born
After the babies are born multiple moms’ often face additional challenges in caring for their infants if they remain in the hospital and when they finally arrive home.
- NICU-Many multiples will spend some time in the (NICU) Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit. Because of this most multiple childbirth classes are often associated with a hospital that has a (NICU). Most multiple childbirth classes offer their parents a detailed tour of the NICU and a through explanation of the procedures and care that babies receive there which is instrumental in making the parents feel much more comfortable and knowledgeable if their babies are placed there after birth.
- Breast feeding & Pumping-Multiple birth classes provide information on unique topics to multiple moms’ such as simultaneous breastfeeding and how to pump milk for babies to small to breastfeed who receive milk intravenously.
- Help-Home health nurses and care, managing volunteers and other helpers, organizing schedules and managing medical equipment are all issues that are unique to parents with multiples. Multiple birth education classes are essential in helping parents to design a plan that fits their needs.
Twins, Triplets and More are the Future
In the past 20 years the rate of multiple births has risen dramatically due to older women becoming pregnant and the increased usage of fertility drugs. This cultural change calls for the innovative and specialized education that only childbirth classes tailored to parents expecting multiples can provide.
References
March of Dimes Multiples: Twins, Triplets and Beyond 2009 March
Durocher Johnson Heather ChildBirth Classes for Twin Deliveries Pregnancy Today
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