First-time mothers can find giving birth both thrilling and frightening. Your birth experience will be different from the rest of your pregnancy. You may be wondering what to expect when you finally meet your baby.
- These are the top questions I get about giving birth the first time.
- Get Ready to Have a Baby
What are the importance of birthing classes?
Prenatal and birthing classes will help you to understand what to expect during labor and delivery. Learn about how to create a birth plan and what happens in hospitals. You will also learn how to manage your pain. Madison Women’s Health refers patients to Unity Point Meriter, for prenatal classes. Prenatal classes can be started at the beginning of your second trimester. These classes should be completed before the 37th week.
Online or in-person prenatal classes are available. To find out what is currently offered, check with your hospital. A birth center tour is usually included in prenatal classes. There are classes available for singletons as well as multiples. These classes are useful in helping to understand the many things that may occur during labor and delivery.
Tip: Prenatal classes can help you to think of questions that you might want to ask your OB at your prenatal checkups. Keep a list! Classes can be a great addition to your prenatal visits of 10-15 minutes.
Who will be there for me when I give birth?
There were no restrictions regarding the number of people you could have with you at the time of the COVID-19 epidemic. Guidelines may be changed during a Public Health Emergency. It is always a good idea check how many people are available to you.
Meriter permitted one support person to accompany you at the time of this article. You can choose to have this person be your partner, a friend or relative. You should choose someone who is supportive and encouraging. Your support person should be the same person during the entire birthing process. This means that your support person can’t be your spouse for just a few hours, then you mother and then your sister.
Tip: A doula can be part of your medical team during a pandemic.
- What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife?
The obstetrical procedures that midwives are trained in are outlined below. They are able to interpret fetal monitoring and make recommendations for labor management. If necessary, they may recommend a C section.
Doulas are trained to support moms during pregnancy, delivery, and beyond. Postpartum and during pregnancy. Although they are not medically trained, their focus and attention on the mother has been proven to improve birth outcomes. Doulas are less likely to use pain medication and have shorter labors.
Tip: While a doula is not qualified to make medical recommendations, or replace your doctor, they can offer additional services and personalized prenatal and labor support.
