Importance & Benefits of Childbirth Education

When women become pregnant, they not only create a new life but also undergo a number of new changes. And if it's their first pregnancy, most women are unaware of these changes and what to do about them. The majority of them have no idea of how to take care of their bodies, what exercises are safe, what the best nutrition is, how to breastfeed the right way, and other things. And it is precisely the point at which childbirth education comes into the picture. It provides you with all the knowledge you require and enables you to have an empowering birthing experience. Let’s look at its importance and benefits in detail.

In this article:

• What does childbirth education consist of?
• What is the importance of childbirth education?
• Benifits of childbirth education
• The Bottomline

What does Childbirth Education Consist of?

Childbirth education includes a variety of aspects, right from the stages of childbirth to the ways of managing the labour pain. In essence, it provides expectant moms with all the information they require to take care of their child and themselves both during and after pregnancy. Here are a few classes that childbirth education typically includes-

Prenatal classes

You can learn about the stages of pregnancy, what to expect during birth, and pain treatment alternatives in any good prenatal or pregnancy class. You may also get to learn prenatal yoga under the guidance of an instructor. In short, prenatal lessons will essentially expose you to the key concepts around pregnancy and how it will influence you.

Childbirth classes

Childbirth or Lamaze classes are where you will learn how to tackle yourself on the day of pregnancy. Through breathing, relaxation, and comfort techniques, you will learn how to handle labour.

New-born care

Caring for and managing a newborn for first-time mothers, or mothers in general is very difficult. First-time mothers usually take the advice of people around them or look for answers on google every time when they find themselves stuck. And this is barely fruitful and it leaves new mothers in a state of confusion and frustration. Childbirth classes and education can help you prevent all of this because you'll also learn how to care for a newborn in these classes. From teaching you about preventive healthcare for newborns to the best ways to keep newborns safe and healthy, everything will be taught to you in these classes.

Breastfeeding Classes

The health, development, and growth of babies are greatly affected by breastfeeding. Hence, it is crucial to feed your baby the right way. And, as most new mothers face some difficulties while breastfeeding, it is better to get enrolled in breastfeeding classes under childbirth education programs. Attending a breastfeeding class can help you understand how breastfeeding functions, how to develop a healthy supply of breastmilk, how to assist the latch, how to determine whether the baby is receiving enough milk, and various breastfeeding positions.

What Is the Importance of Childbirth Education?

As we have mentioned before, first-time mothers, due to the lack of experience, find themselves stuck at times, both during and after pregnancy. Moreover, a lack of proper knowledge also makes new mothers dependent on others for advice and suggestions which is not at all empowering.  All this may lead to anxiety, frustration, and lack of confidence, and sometimes even affects the delivery of the baby. However, women feel more empowered when given childbirth education. It gives women access to up-to-date, and trustworthy information on pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding. And, with access to this knowledge, women will definitely make informed choices and that’s what makes it crucial.

Benefits of Childbirth Education

There are many benefits of childbirth education and classes, and you might have gotten some idea about these benefits so far. However, we have still listed the most important benefits so you can make an informed decision. Have a look-

1.    Understand body changes better

As you are well aware, pregnancy leads to significant physical changes. From your stomach and stretch marks to your skin and hair, pregnancy will change everything for you. However, you can minimize the negative effects of these changes and appropriately regulate your body with the right guidance and information. And childbirth education and classes equip you with exactly this. With childbirth education and classes, you will acquire all the information you need in one place, from professionals who will happily guide you throughout your pregnancy.

2.    Prepare your body for childbirth with prenatal yoga

Nowadays, a growing number of women prefer natural births to C-sections. It is plausible because the former is safer and doesn't cause significant changes in your body. No painful stitches or complications at all.  However, normal delivery is not always suggested by doctors. Usually in cases when either there is a complication or the concerned woman's pelvic bones are unable to make space for the baby. Additionally, a woman typically experiences rather severe pain during childbirth due to the necessary displacement of the pelvic bones. Therefore, regular deliveries necessitate the mother's preparedness as well. And this readiness comes naturally after practising prenatal yoga for the instructor-recommended amount of time. Prenatal yoga consists of several poses like Baddha Konasana, Marjaryasana Bitilasana, Malasana, etc. that increase the muscles' strength, endurance, and flexibility required for childbirth.

3.    Gain confidence

It is believed that the understanding of childbirth among women gives them a considerable deal of assurance and confidence. It has been found that childbirth education boosts pregnant mothers' confidence while reducing their anxiety and worry. Moreover, attending childbirth classes has been demonstrated to lower the incidence of negative delivery outcomes, such as unsuccessful inductions and unplanned C-sections.

4.    Better learn about labour stages

As most new mothers-to-be don't know what to expect once labour starts, they panic a lot. However, you can prepare for childbirth by learning about the phases of labour in a prenatal education course. You should get familiar with the early labour, active labour, birth, and placenta delivery stages of labour.

5.    Decide on your preferred childbirth method

There are several methods of childbirth or delivery and each one has its own benefits and process in place. However, only a few numbers of women are aware of these methods, and among those who are aware, fewer have an idea of what these methods consist of. And, this again prevents them from making an informed decision. Childbirth education and classes will also make you familiar with these methods. Having some knowledge of every possible method will let you choose the methods of your preference.

6.    Prepare for postpartum and newborn care in advance

Some childbirth education classes also include new-born and postpartum care as a part of their curriculum. As a result, new mothers get a head start and are able to prepare well for postpartum and newborn care, even before their baby enters this world.

7.    Cater to your dietary requirements in a better way

The importance of nutrition throughout pregnancy cannot be emphasized enough. Your baby will receive the nutrition that he or she needs to grow if you make healthy meal choices every day. Additionally, it will ensure that both you and your child put on the appropriate amount of weight. However, it takes some skill to create a healthy diet plan that contains all of the necessary foods that meet all of your nutritional needs. And in such a situation, it is essential to consult with a nutritionist. The good news is that sessions on childbirth education will also touch briefly on nutritional needs and foods to avoid while pregnant.

The Bottomline

Childbirth education and classes will help you in becoming a confident mother. Start your motherhood journey with Newmi, we have a wide range of care plans for mothers-to-be, right from diet plans to Lamaze and prenatal yoga classes. Also, check out pregnancy and post-pregnancy plans.