Knowledge is power, right? So why would our labor and delivery experience be any different? Enter childbirth education class!
Even if your sex education class was 25 years ago, or left our birth completely, we’ve got you. Giving birth doesn’t have to be a mystery, and you can absolutely be empowered when you have your baby.
Here are five things you’ll learn from our childbirth education class:
1. There are lots of ways to “measure” what’s happening as you get ready to have a baby.
Dilation (the opening of your cervix) is what most people think of when figuring out how soon the baby is coming.
But did you know that your cervix does a lot more than just open from 0-10 centimeters dilation? And that your baby helps in the process as well?
And more than that, there are other signposts like how strong and frequent your contractions are, and your own instincts and emotions that can help you, your doctor or midwife, and even us as your doulas, know what’s going on.
2. There are many ways to cope with labor.
Many people talk about “natural childbirth” without being specific. We believe that what’s natural is to get a baby out of your body.
That’s usually a challenge (it’s why they call it labor.) But you’ve dealt with challenges before, right? Of course, you have.
And just like everyone manages stress and reaches goals differently, there are different ways to handle birth. You can moan it out, dance with your partner, get an epidural or something else entirely. We make sure that you and your birth partner leave class with lots of tools in your toolbox.
3. Your birthplace matters, but not always in the way you think.
You’ve likely heard a LOT of opinions on a lot of things. Hospital birth, homebirth or birth center. Doctor or midwife. If you’ve been researching during pregnancy (we see you- reading books, listening to podcasts, watching movies)
Your birth environment (the physical space and who’s in it) totally matters.
Here’s the thing though- you can have an amazing birth in any setting. The most important thing about your environment is the way that it works for you.
Attending a childbirth class gives you the opportunity to talk through your options at birthplace.
We know the policies at our local hospitals and birth centers in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, as well as what’s available to you there. Could you have a water birth at Virginia Hospital Center? Are the nurses used to their patients walking the halls at AAMC (and how can you find one that will be into it)?
We can help you navigate this and other questions, and create the sort of environment you want to welcome your baby into.
4. You can absolutely have more power than you think you do.
Knowledge really is power. And if there’s enough time for you to attend a childbirth education class, there’s enough time for you to take charge of your birth.
Our class doesn’t deliver the message that being black, having a high risk pregnancy or of advanced maternal age means you should be afraid of birth. Instead, we want you to assemble your team and know what to expect.
5. You’re not alone in your feelings about childbirth.
Speaking of a team, childbirth education can make you feel like you have people in your corner. Meeting other couples like you, and talking to doulas who’ve “been there and seen that” is so helpful as you’re planning your birth.
No question is strange- I’ve probably heard it before.
DC Metro Maternity’s childbirth education is based on the idea that birth can be a source of strength, and not fear.
Knowing what’s likely to happen with your body and baby, and what you can do about it is one of the ways to tap into that strength.
This time in your life is so special, and we’d love to help you take some of the weight off your shoulders as you prepare to meet your little one.
