Importance of Lamaze classes

By Brigid Monda

Giving birth can be an overwhelming episode full of anxieties, especially for a first time mother. This is why Lamaze classes are important.

These sessions provide the soon-to-be parents with the knowledge and confidence they need to give birth and make informed decisions.

They lessen your fears and, most importantly, build your confidence in yourself and your body because they cover all kinds of issues surrounding childbirth.

They provide you with a great forum to ask questions and can help you make informed decisions about important issues surrounding your baby’s birth.

The ultimate goal of Lamaze classes is to have a healthy mother and baby. You get advice on good nutrition and exercise during pregnancy and get to know how your baby is developing at each stage.

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You learn about the healthy developments in your pregnancy, warning signs that something is wrong, how to prepare for unexpected complications, how to tell when you are in labour and what to expect during delivery.

You are taught breathing and relaxation techniques as well as pain relief options during labour to make delivery more comfortable. You get to know the role of the labour partner like the baby’s father, what to expect after the baby is born, including breastfeeding, baby care, and dealing with the emotional changes of pregnancy and new parenthood.

They are also a kind of support group because you get support from other expectant couples who are also going through the ups and downs of pregnancy and you get to share your thoughts, concerns and challenges. You make new friends too.

Do not leave out the soon-to-be-father because taking a class together gets him involved in the pregnancy and prepares him on how to be a labour partner if he is going to be present at the birth of the baby. He also benefits from knowing what to expect when the mother goes into labour and how to assist.

Some classes have a few separate classes just for fathers alone where the men can discuss their own concerns about pregnancy and birth.

Some male partners are reluctant because they don’t think pregnancy and labour has nothing much to do with them yet his presence is needed in the class and during labour and delivery just as it was when the baby was conceived.

When you start Lamaze, come to class prepared to focus: Turn off your cell phone and leave the rest of your life behind.

Look at posters or visual aids around the room, and do any assigned reading.

Ask questions and participate as much as you can but you can always talk to your Lamaze instructor privately if there’s something you don’t wish to discuss in front of the group.

Be open to learning and allow yourself to be amazed by the miracle of birth and the part you are playing.