Childbirth Education: Helping You Prepare for Labor and Delivery

You may have already gained lots of information about childbirth from books, magazines, websites, and even family and friends. But one of the best ways to learn about the process of labor is to take childbirth education classes. These are often offered through your hospital or birth facility.

During childbirth education classes, you may learn about:

• The signs of labor
• The birthing process, including what happens to your body
• Breathing and relaxation techniques to use during labor, like the Lamaze method
• Ways to manage pain during labor, such as massage, position changes, or the use of a labor ball

It’s a good idea to choose a labor coach to go with you to the classes. This person will help you through labor. They could be your spouse, partner, good friend, or a family member.

Another way you can get ready is to put together a birth plan. This written plan outlines your preferences for childbirth. It gives you an active role in your care and your baby's care.

In it, you may want to specify things such as:

• What steps you will take to manage pain, including medicines
• If you want to be able to eat, drink, and move around during labor
• Who you want in the labor and delivery room with you
• What care you want for your baby after birth, such as breastfeeding

When making your plan, talk with your loved ones and your healthcare provider. They can help you make the best decisions for your childbirth experience. Keep in mind that childbirth doesn’t always go as planned. So changes may need to be made. But knowing your wishes beforehand can make the process of labor easier for everyone.