Childbirth classes: Preparing for a successful delivery
Lisa Reitz intended to have an epidural for the birth of her second child.
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Lisa Reitz reads to her daughter, sibling class
graduate Hannah, 5, before the arrival of
Hannah’s baby brother, Dylan. The
techniques Lisa Reitz learned in the Basic
Childbirth Class helped prepare her for
Dylan’s unusually fast labor and delivery
on October 27, 2006. |
But when it comes to childbirth, things don’t always go exactly as expected.
“Labor for my daughter Hannah lasted about 11 hours, so I anticipated that my second birth would be faster,” Lisa says. “Still, I never dreamed it would happen quite as fast as it did.”
Lisa went into labor at her Lititz home shortly after 8:00 p.m. Less than an hour later – and 10 minutes after arriving at Lancaster General Women & Babies Hospital – she had given birth to her son Dylan in the triage unit.
“To say it was a frantic drive to Women & Babies would be an understatement,” Lisa recalls. “But my husband and I arrived just in time, and the doctors and nurses jumped right into action to help with my delivery and make sure everything went as smoothly as possible under the circumstances. I’m still amazed at how everything happened that evening.”
Not exactly what she had in mind for her birth experience. Fortunately, she not only had an outstanding medical staff ready to go when she arrived, but she also had Lancaster General’s childbirth education under her belt. That prepared her for the possibility that plans might change.
Education is the key to a more satisfying birthing experience. The more you know before going into the hospital, the more comfortable and confident you’ll be during this life-changing event. Lancaster General’s childbirth classes with certified educators can play an important part in that preparation.
“Even if you’ve made a decision regarding the type of pain management you want, childbirth classes are important to know what to expect during labor and be exposed to the whole spectrum of pain management techniques,” says George Rung, MD, Director of Obstetric Anesthesia at WBH. “If you’ve decided on an epidural, these classes include a video produced by Anesthesia Associates of Lancaster that contains a lot of practical information about epidural analgesia.”
And as Lisa will attest, it’s important to prepare for the unexpected. “There are times when factors such as a rapidly progressing labor prevent a woman from having an epidural,” Dr. Rung says. When that happens, knowledge of alternative pain relief techniques is very helpful.
“Breathing and relaxation techniques give you something to focus on other than the intensity of your contraction,” says Joanna Boyer, RN, Childbirth Education Coordinator.
“The role of the childbirth educator is to be the family’s advocate, informing them about what to expect during their birth experience, from the onset of labor through delivery,” Joanna says. Couples who take childbirth classes arrive at the hospital feeling more prepared, flexible, and less apprehensive.
The five-session Basic Childbirth Class at Lancaster General Women & Babies Hospital provides you and your birthing partner with information on topics such as:
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the growth and development of your baby during pregnancy
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keeping mom healthy
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signs and symptoms – stages and phases of labor
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effective relaxation and breathing techniques
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medical options and practices
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caesarian delivery
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postpartum, and what to expect after your baby is born, and
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a video tour and walk-through of Women & Babies Hospital.
Mothers and fathers or birthing partners are encouraged to enroll following the sixth month of pregnancy to ensure registration. “Dads and coaches should attend the classes, so they know what to expect and learn ways to support the mother-to-be,” Joanna says.
“Our goal is to familiarize couples with all of the many natural as well as medical options available for pain relief, so they can feel confident and empowered to make decisions based on this knowledge,” she adds.
Classes to Meet Your Needs
The Basic Childbirth Class is just one of many valuable programs offered by Women & Babies Hospital to help families prepare for their new arrival.
A 1½ hour Refresher Childbirth Class is offered to couples with children. The class reviews comfort measures, pain control options, breathing/pushing techniques and changes since your last birth.
Expecting twins, triplets or more? A special 2½ hour Birthing Multiples session will help you deal with the specific issues surrounding your special circumstances. It includes a tour of the NICU.
To help young children understand what to expect with the arrival of their new brothers or sisters, Women & Babies Hospital offers a Sibling Class for children ages 2½-8. They can attend this 1½ hour program with their parents. The class includes first-hand look at a newborn.
Baby Care Basics helps new parents prepare for the responsibilities they will face once they bring their newborn home. It includes instruction on bathing, child-proofing the home, choosing a day care provider and more. An adoptive parents class is also offered.
Women & Babies Hospital offers two breastfeeding programs. In Learning to Breastfeed, mothers learn about the benefits of breastfeeding, practical how-to information and the emotional and physical effects of nursing on mother and baby. Breastfeeding & Returning to Work helps parents plan to provide breast milk while at work. Both breastfeeding classes are taught by a certified lactation consultant.
Don’t forget…
Dads and grandparents also have a lot to learn before a new baby’s arrival.
At Fathers Boot Camp, veteran fathers help rookie Dads step up to the challenge of fatherhood. They practice baby care skills, network with other fathers and receive support on topics such as supporting Mom with the new baby.
First-time grandparents and alternate caregivers will learn more about their role in the Grandparenting in the 21st Century class. The class focuses on creating understanding between new parents and grandparents and reviews the latest ideas in obstetrics and child development.
A free Women & Babies Hospital Guided Tour is offered to pregnant couples and their children. Half-hour tours are scheduled twice monthly.
If you’re planning to start a family or if you’re less than four months pregnant, a 2½ hour Preconception/Early Pregnancy Class reviews tips to prepare the body for a healthy pregnancy and other important topics.
For more information related to this topic: