Hee-Hee-Whooo? Doing Childbirth Class Differently
It ain't your grandma's Lamaze class.
Hee-Hee-Whooo? Doing Childbirth Class Differently
Casual, fun, intimate, engaging, thought-provoking. Sounds like the ideal blend for one of your last kid-free date nights! What if we told you we're talking about childbirth classes?
“But wait!” you say. “Isn't a childbirth class that thing where you have to set aside weeks of your time to sit in a folding chair, watch scary pre-waxing-era videos, and be too uncomfortable to ask about your leaking boobs in front of eight other women's husbands?”
Well, maybe. But Wichita Doula is doing childbirth classes differently.
Our childbirth classes give you the nitty gritty, must-know information in the comfort and privacy of your own home. You are able to select from a 3-hour crash course, or an 8-hour full curriculum (which can be split into two sessions). On our website, you select your preferred day and time for the class, sign up, and we show up for the appointment with pelvis, placenta, and fetus in tow.
The class comes to you, on YOUR schedule - easy peasy.
YAASSS! I'M LOOKING FOR PAINLESS, NON-BORING, NON TIME-SUCKING CHILDBIRTH CLASSES IN WICHITA!
Why Do I Need to Take a Childbirth Class?
A childbirth class isn't about teaching you how to breathe. In fact, we're pretty sure you've been doing that on your own for quite a while and we don't believe in teaching any crazy breathing patterns that you have to memorize and practice. A childbirth class is important for everyone because it teaches you what to expect during labor and delivery.
You don't have to be planning a certain type of birth. You don't have to go it unmedicated. And you certainly are not obligated to make a bulleted birth plan with detailed demands for care.
Birth can be scary and overwhelming, especially if you've never done it before. But you know what combats fear and puts it in its place? Knowledge.
We're not going to tell you that you have to breathe a certain way, or think a certain way, or have your baby a certain way. But we are going to tell you what it might feel like to go into labor, what it might sound like, what it might smell like, and what you and your partner can do to cope with each stage as you go through them.
You're going to learn about the mechanics of labor and delivery so that when the time comes, you won't be fear-stricken to feel a new sensation: you'll realize it for what it is; your baby is coming soon.
You're going to learn about all kinds of possible tests, procedures, and protocols you may encounter at your chosen place of birth.
You're going to feel more secure and confident in your ability to labor and deliver your baby, empowered with knowledge of the process.
Your spouse or partner will have a good idea of what to expect from seeing you in labor, and feel empowered to know what kinds of things to say and do during to support you through each stage.
I Have a Doula, Is That Good Enough?
If you have a doula should you still take a childbirth class? It's awesome that you have a doula (obviously we highly recommend having one ;) ) but she's not a substitute for a thorough birthing class. She may have 1-2 prenatal meetings with you where she gets to know you and discusses your birth plan, but providing childbirth education doesn't fall under the realm of those 1-2 hour visits. Your doula should be more of a facilitator and reminder of the tools you learned during your childbirth classes.
HERE'S WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO LEARN:
3-hour Crash Course:
- Mechanics of Labor
- The Three Stages of Labor
- Emotional and Physical Changes During Labor
- Coping with Labor – Emotionally and Physically
- Partner Support
- Wichita Birth Protocols
- Creating a Birth Plan
8-hour Full Curriculum:
All of the above, plus:
What to Do When You Go Into Labor
Alleviating Common Pregnancy Complaints
Red Flags: When to Call the OB or Midwife
Packing a Hospital Bag (or preparing for a home delivery)
Massage and Other Labor Support Techniques
Infant Care
Breastfeeding and Pumping
What to Expect from Your New Baby
Postpartum Healing & Recovery
Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
Whether you are planning a hospital birth, home birth, your first baby, your third baby, a VBAC, an epidural, no epidural, a doula, or no doula, your child's birth is important and having an excellent working knowledge of birth – what to expect, and how to deal with it – will help both you and your partner have a more positive experience with easier decision-making.
