Beginnings

Ready or not here I come!

The birth of your first child is a miracle that is unfolding each day as your pregnancy advances. As a family awaits the coming of a baby they search for information from many places. Traditional classes are still an important step for many, but the numbers of people have decreased in recent years. As a childbirth educator I need to search out new ways to teach. I hope this blog will offer some new ways to reach families.

Many people do their own investigating and learning. I always encourage parents to check out:

1. The Lamaze website. You can get a daily pregnancy e newsletter, watch normal births, find out what happens at a Lamaze class and learn about pregnancy and birth from a reputable source.
2. We use this text in class: Prepared Childbirth; The Family Way by Debby Amis/Jeanne Green.
3. Check out this collection of videos and handouts for learning: www.mothersadvocate.org
Both of these sites offer information for expecting familys about preparing for birth.

In the first Class my goal is to: Have fun, introduce teacher and birth information and resources.

Birth is normal. This is the first topic I cover in classes. It's a simple statement but it implies much. What does it mean to you? You will have many thoughts, all are helpful to you. Each woman/family comes to birth with their own life story. It will be important for your new baby that you take time to appreciate all the elements you bring to his/her birth. You will be telling the story of this birth for a lifetime.

To me Normal means: a process that is expected to happen and the body manages without our thinking about it. The process is the same but different for each person. As normal as a sunrise. The miracle happens right in front of us. Relax and appreciate the moment.

A January sunrise

What do I want couples to learn in Lamaze class?

• They already know how to birth. Every woman will find her own coping techniques. You can learn new ways to manage. Each birth teaches a woman more.
  
• Listen to other women. Seek out positive birth stories. These stories can give you confidence and strength.
  
• Pick carefully the people you want to be with you in birth. Take time to find a Dr. you trust and can talk to. Talk to your partner about being your helper during labor. Most husbands will be unsure about what they are expected to do. In our classes we teach labor support. Some companians will be too uncomfortable to help, but are willing to team up wih someone else. Sometimes you can find friends or family members who have helped at births or would be willing to come to classes with you as an extra support person.
  
• Check out a Doula. This is a professional labor support person. A doula can support you during your labor and birth for a fee.
• Find people who give you comfort, confidence and love you.
  
• Make your own environment for birth.

I hope this introduction will give parents to be a start on their exploration on this amazing miracle of birth.