As well as preparing you and your partner for the birth, a childbirth preparation course is an excellent opportunity to meet other expectant parents in the area. But with so many childbirth preparation courses, how do you choose the most suitable one for you?
Some childbirth preparation courses cater to single women or certain age groups, while others accept you to come with your relatives; your mother or a friend. Although the birth preparation course offered by public health institutions is generally free of charge, paid private birth preparation course options are also widely available in our country.
Although the content varies, a childbirth preparation course provides information about what happens during labor and birth and options for pain reduction, as well as some of the following topics
- Exercise during pregnancy
- Emotional state
- Birth positions
- Newborn care
- Feeding the baby
- Breastfeeding education
- Baby care
- Your own health after childbirth
Childbirth Preparation Course Offered by Public Health Institutions
Since the childbirth preparation course offered by public health institutions, usually during the day, is open to all, the classes can be quite large and the duration limited. For this reason, some topics may not be covered in as much detail as in a private childbirth preparation course. These courses have traditionally included visits to the delivery room, but many hospitals no longer allow this for safety and health reasons.
Private Childbirth Preparation Course
Private childbirth preparation courses, where classes are smaller and fathers are encouraged to attend, emphasize discussion and making informed choices. These courses are run by qualified teachers and offer specialized courses on a wide range of topics.
Active Childbirth Preparation Course
These courses encourage people to prepare their bodies for birth and emphasize exercise, particularly yoga in prenancy. As the name suggests, an active childbirth preparation course focuses on encouraging the person to play an active role in the birth of their baby.
Hypnotic Childbirth Preparation Course
If you are looking for a natural and drug-free birth experience, you may want to look into hypnotic childbirth. This childbirth preparation course, which teaches self-hypnosis and breathing techniques, is suitable for those planning to give birth either at home, in a hospital or in a birth clinic.