Seeking Class

7/27/09

I’m in my 21st week now, which is just past the halfway mark, and I can feel my natural instincts kicking in. I’m starting to think maternally. So much so, I’ve begun looking into all things birthing—techniques, classes, and a birth plan. I never knew there were so many choices out there until I started looking. 

Childbirthing classes run the gamut from a few hours over one or two days, to 12 classes with 36 plus hours of training. The techniques and teachings vary greatly too, although some classes teach a blend of them. The four primary techniques are Lamaze, The Bradley Method,Hypnobirthing, and Birthing From Within. Each has a Web site explaining their methods, but if you want the Cliffs notes version check outamericanpregnancy.org, which has an article that concisely explains each one. 

I think I’m leaning toward the Lamaze style, because it worked for my mom and seems to best fit my personality, but I’m still looking into the other options. One important benefit of any couples class is that it can help the father feel more closely connected to the pregnancy. Also, any teamwork activities create a shared experience, which should deepen the bond between the preggo and the partner. Two reasons enough to go.