I recommend that every pregnant person take childbirth preparation classes during their pregnancy. This is one of the most important things that you will do to prepare for your birth.

• Determine if you desire a natural birth or if you prefer a medicated birth. Depending on what your answer is, you may want to choose classes that are directed more towards your preferences.
• Reach out to your healthcare provider for resources in your community. If they do not have suggestions then try calling your local pregnancy resource center, midwives or doulas in the community.
• If you are delivering at a hospital or birth center, they may offer classes at the facility. If you are delivering at home, your midwife will likely have suggestions for you.

These classes will help you & your partner:

            Build confidence

            Manage expectations

            Provide reassurance by reducing fear & anxiety

            Have a more positive birth outcome      

These classes will teach you:

• Early signs of labor and how to determine when you are in labor
• Common complaints in labor and how to combat them
• What are contractions and how to time them
• When to call your provider in labor
• Positions for labor
• Massage techniques
• Breathing techniques
• Pushing techniques

*You may want to consider taking a breastfeeding class and a Newborn Care Class.

 MIDWIFE TIP #1: Knowledge is power! Arm yourself with as many tools as you can while you prepare for labor, birth and postpartum. You may use all the tools in your toolbox or you may find that you only use one or two, but the tools will help you get through your labor feeling prepared and empowered.

MIDWIFE TIP #2: Make sure to keep an open mind! Although you have done your research, prepared the best you can, chosen your perfect birth team, etc. Make sure you stay open minded because labor and birth can be unpredictable. Even if your birth ends up looking a little different than what you intended, everything is going to be ok.