Natural childbirth can be a transformative experience. One of the best ways to get ready for unmedicated birth is to take natural birthing classes. For many of our clients, we realize this may not be your first baby, and perhaps you already attended childbirth courses with a previous pregnancy.
You may be wondering, โShould I take childbirth classes if itโs my second pregnancy?โ The short answer is: Itโs up to you.
Why is childbirth education important for expectant parents, even those who have given birth before? There are several reasons, especially if you are new to unmedicated labor and birth.
Here are five reasons why you should take natural birthing classes for a second, third, or fourth pregnancy.
Itโs your first time birthing outside the hospital.
If your most recent birth took place in a hospital, you may have experienced many of the typical hospital birth protocols, such as continuous fetal monitoring, restricted movement, and lack of food and drink. Perhaps you had an epidural or chose other pain medication during your labor.
When it comes to childbirth education, the information at hospital classes is often presented through the lens of the medical model. That means viewing pregnancy and birth as a condition that needs to be treated, rather than a normal, physiological process.
Itโs your first time planning an unmedicated birth.
In our modern society, plenty of birthing families are unfamiliar with the natural process of birth, including the sensations and stages of labor. Some folks have seen childbirth only in videos or movies โ not in person.
Natural birthing classes fill this gap when knowledge is lacking. Childbirth education will reduce confusion about when labor begins and help you feel more confident because youโll know whether things are normal or abnormal. (And theyโre usually normal!)
In addition, childbirth courses will teach you how to cope with discomfort during labor.
Itโs been a long time since your last birth.
If itโs been several years since your most recent birth โ even an unmedicated one โ you may benefit from natural birthing classes. Taking a course will remind you about basic coping techniques and labor comfort measures. Depending on the type of childbirth class, you may even learn some new strategies and tips for this birth experience.
You previously had a less than optimal birth experience.
No matter where you previously gave birth, you may have memories that seem to be stuck in your mind and still bother you. Your heartโs desire was for a vaginal birth, but you found yourself in the operating room undergoing a C-section. Maybe you planned an unmedicated hospital birth, but you feel you were coerced into an epidural. Perhaps you had the natural birth you wanted, but you are disappointed with how loudly you worked through your contractions.
You want to connect with other expectant parents who have a similar due date.
Whether youโre becoming a new parent or expanding your family with more children, having a community of other families is important. There is nothing like connecting with others who are experiencing the same thing as you at the same time.
When you take natural birthing classes, you will meet and connect with other parents-to-be who are having their baby around the same time as you. After your babies are born, you may want to establish friendships by taking a walk together or meeting for coffee.