There are several options available to you if it's too late to register for class or registrations are full, including private classes, online programs and reading.
You are in your second trimester and at your doctor visit, the nurse asks you if you have registered for childbirth classes yet? "No, I still have weeks left," you say.
"Oh you need to register for those when you first find out you are pregnant!" she responds.
Great. You are not just mad at yourself for not knowing this seemingly obvious thing you were "supposed" to be doing, but also that it would have been helpful had your care provider given you a timeline at your first visit.
Now where do you turn? The good news is that even for someone with only a few weeks left to go, you have several options. Here is a list of things you can do if you have missed your chances for classes:
- Check out some good books on birth on this reading list.
- Call your local hospitals for a list of the childbirth educators who may offer private instruction in your home or a mutually convenient location.
- Online classes may help you with the basics of labor, birth and postpartum.
Be aware that some of the television programs that show births do not always depict reality. Drama sells and so what is often aired is the most dramatic and high tech/high risk births, which are not the norm for most births today.
Another way to prepare is to take a look at what coping methods you already use for stress and pain. Do you take deep breaths when you have stomach pain, walk around a bit to see it if goes away, take a drink? You will likely be able to use those same methods for labor.
And remember that your body is already made and programmed to do this by itself. Allow the process to happen and you will do great!
Warmly,
Brenda
