“Birth preparation course” sounds like the most impossible combination of words, doesn’t it?! In other words, how can you prepare for something when you have no idea what to expect? How can you prepare for an event you can’t control, or foresee how it will start and develop? And if it is such a natural process then all you need to do is listen to your body, right?  What else is there to prepare for?

Well, even though you really cannot foresee how and what your birth experience will be like, learning about your options and possibilities is the greatest variable in the mystery of what is to come. Simply stated, knowledge is power.

When you conceive, there is an excitement of anticipation and not much thought is given to the child birth experience that is unavoidably to come. However with time, thoughts, wonders and fears may start to creep in.

If you have already researched your options, you are ahead of the game. Otherwise you may find it helpful to know what types of childbirth methods are available to you today.

No matter what type of birth experience you are planning, you should know the basic facts about other options in case you will be forced to abandon your original plan for medical reasons such as risk to the health of yourself or your baby. Try to stay open minded about the possibility that your birth plan will not be executed as you dreamed. If you remain flexible, the disappointment you may experience could be lessened.

Birth preparation courses usually take place at the hospital where you plan to give birth. In most courses, you will take a tour of the hospital and get familiarized with procedures and facilities available to you.

You will learn about types of childbirth and techniques to help yourself handle labor and the process of childbirth. Most courses should cover: signs of labor, the normal progress of labor and birth, techniques for coping with pain, ways your partner can help you during labor and recognizing when to call your doctor or midwife.

For more information about birth preparation courses, contact your hospital for scheduling.