Questionmy husband and i were dumb enough to wait until the last minute to sign up for childbirth education classes, and now i'm getting contractions and dilating and my OB says it's unlikely i'll make it to the class we have scheduled (i'm 38 weeks and 5 days, my class is a week from now). is there anything i can read to try to prepare myself for childbirth? this is my first kiddo and i'm pretty nervous, especially since, due to religious beliefs, i'm doing a natural birth -- no epidurals or pain relievers. i've looked online but i can't find anything that i can read in one day -- they're all 5-12 week classes and i just don't have that time!
AnswerHi Rachelle,
As someone who has experienced both things you are asking about - childbirth education and natural birth - I can tell you that what you learn in class is not that superior to what you learn from books. Why? Basically, the instructor goes over all of the material that any woman can read in a standard pregnancy book such as "What To Expect When You're Expecting." The only thing different about a class is that you are usually (but not always) given a chance to practice breathing techniques and other labor coping techniques with an instructor to guide you. But most women find that at some point during labor they "throw out" the classroom techniques and just do what works.
I was taught how to breathe "properly" but then during active labor I found myself breathing in my own way! You find your own way to cope, and your body mostly knows what to do anyway during labor. When you get exhausted, you rest. When you're having back pains, you instinctively want heat or pressure/massage, or a change in position. When contractions start coming harder and faster during transition, you might find yourself dropping to your knees, getting down on all fours and breathing faster and lighter to cope with the increasing pain and intensity. This is not the stuff a book or an instructor can teach you.
In fact, I think the most useful thing for labor is to have a doula or midwife or another experienced mother with you to help you through. They have all sorts of tips and tricks to offer, as well as much-needed sympathy.
In conclusion, I am basically saying don't worry about missing the class. You'll do fine. Millions of women before you have done this! If you have any specific questions about natural childbirth, I'll be happy to offer any advice or experience that might help you, or calm your anxiety.
Regards,
Ann S
P.S. I'm due on March 20th so I'm getting close, too!
