Should You Take a Childbirth Class for an Epidural?

Should You Take a Childbirth Class if You Want an Epidural?

The Old Way

Childbirth classes. They are common for moms that are preparing for a natural labor, but not so much for moms who are going to be opting for the epidural. The reason? Health care professionals previously thought that women who were going to get an epidural didn’t need to take full child birth classes, since they would be getting their pain relief shortly after labor began.  Claim Your 20 Free Pregnancy Tests – Click Here

If childbirth classes were offered for epidural moms, it was a short and sweet version that mainly explained how to ask for pain relief, and that was it! However, doctors, nurses and other medical experts are beginning to think that it might be a good idea for epidural moms to get in on the childbirth class action as well!

The New Way

The education that can be gained from childbirth classes is very valuable, and it goes way beyond who wants pain medicine and who doesn’t. Childbirth classes cover a wide variety of topics, from pregnancy issues, to labor and delivery details, including what to expect in the delivery room, how to push, what happens right after your baby is born, etc..

Post-Partum Preview

Childbirth classes can also give moms to be a look at what happens in the post partum period as well, which is a time frame that many moms are unfamiliar with and perhaps a little nervous about. Plus, although many moms don’t want to think about it, there might be circumstances beyond your control that cause you to not be able to get the epidural, or the epidural might not work. In case that happens, you might as well be educated and know what to expect, right?

What To Look For

You can find childbirth classes in a wide variety of settings, from hospitals to birthing centers, local community centers and moms clubs as well. Look for a childbirth class that offers the most information possible, including alternatives to the epidural.

If you are not sure if a class is going to be right for you, talk with the instructor beforehand to get a feel for what will be taught. Ask about the outcomes of the classes,and if most moms end up going natural, or if they end up with epidurals.

The main thing to remember before choosing a childbirth class is to do your homework and find out for sure what kind of class you are getting yourself into. A childbirth class can be a very educational and reassuring thing, if you choose the right one for you.

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Dr. Christine Lee, MD
Dr. Christine Lee, MD | ConceiveEasy
Dr. Christine Lee earned her Ph.D. in Developmental Biology and Master of Science in Biomolecular Organization. Dr. Lee is Lab Director for ConceiveEasy and is board certified as a High Complexity Laboratory Director (HCLD).

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