Giving birth is a life-altering experience. Life changes from being a normal couple expecting a baby to becoming parents of a helpless infant. This new person is totally dependent on his parents for food, comfort, love and shelter.
Prenatal Classes can Prepare You for This Journey.
South African midwife and breastfeeding expert, Sophie Reyneke, told Suite 101 that she advises all expecting couples to attend prenatal classes.
"Expecting a baby is a special event. To celebrate this event, you need to be informed and equipped to deal with the challenge that lies ahead. Knowledge gives you confidence and it allows you to enjoy life with you baby. If you know what to expect, you can prepare yourself "
Bond as a Couple in Prenatal Classes
Reyneke said it is important that husbands participate in prenatal classes. Men can be great companions, but they are often too scared or embarrassed to ask questions and they often don’t know what to ask. She said she found that they want to be part of the process. Attending prenatal classes together as a husband and wife is a great way to bond as a couple.
What is Covered in Prenatal Classes?
Prenatal classes all differ. Here is a lay-out of Reyneke's classes:
Introduction of exercises to do before and during labour
Exercises during birth includes breathing, stretching, pelvic floor, Kegel and stomach exercises. The different relaxation exercises are discussed, as well as props that can be used when in labour and giving natural birth.
Partners can be asked to participate in this class by practicing the different pain relief massages that can be used during labour.
When labour starts
How do you know you are in labour? The signs to look out for when going into labour are discussed in great detail. Signs and symptoms that signal active labour will be discussed, as well as when the doctor or hospital should be contacted.
Natural birth and options of pain relief during labour
During this lesson methods of pain relief, including the pros and cons of an epidural, the use of entonox gas and the use of a pethadine injection during natural birth will be discussed. These are all methods of pain relief during labour. The process of labour will be outlined.
Attendees are also informed of when and how an episiotomy is performed and how instruments can be used to ease the baby through the birth canal.
Videos of birth options
This is a very interesting class, because a video of a woman having natural birth and a woman having a caesarean will be shown. Some people may opt not to see the videos. It is, however, very informative and will prepare them for what is to come.
From Honeymoon to Reality
It is important for parents to realise that everything will not be sunshine and roses after the birth of the baby. There will be days when things will be hard. The baby might have colic, struggle with winds, or have a bit of reflux. If informed about these issues, you will be better equipped to deal with these challenges. Remember that life with a newborn is a whole new experience. The baby needs to get to know his parents and vice versa. Being armed with information can make this transition easier for the baby and his parents.
Breastfeeding
This lesson includes everything about breastfeeding. It covers problems with breastfeeding, how to persist with breastfeeding, the advantages of breastfeeding and what to do if you are not able to breastfeed. Read about overcoming Breastfeeding Problems and Diet and Breastfeeding.
General Care of a Newborn
During this class, a couple will demonstrate how they bathe their newborn. This can be a daunting experience for first-time parents and seeing how it is done can give them a confidence boost. Pointers will also be given on the general care of a newborn, including how to clip their nails, how to clean their ears and noses and what to do when they get sick.
Kangaroo Care
Kangaroo care is a technique where the baby is placed skin-to-skin with his mother or father. It is normally practised on preterm and low birth weight babies but has now become popular with all babies. It has been proven that preterm babies pick up weight quicker when placed in a kangaroo care position on their mother's chest than being in an incubator. This position also calms a baby because the baby can hear the mother’s heartbeat.
Prenatal Classes
Find out in the area near you where prenatal classes are offered and book in advance. Most classes are only from 30 weeks and onwards. Equip yourself with the knowledge to care for your new baby. Click here for contact details of Sophie Reyneke and other midwives in South Africa.
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