Pregnancy care classes at UConn Health offer group prenatal education programs designed to create teachable moments, improving perinatal outcomes and creating teachable moments. All patients can join these free of charge.
Pregnancy care classes cover an array of topics, from labor techniques and pain management to infant CPR training. Each class is tailored specifically to meet the needs and preferences of its members. If you are not getting periods and are worried about pregnancy, Know About The 21 Early Signs Of Pregnancy that will help you take action before it’s too late.
Early Pregnancy Classes
Pregnancy classes provide expectant parents with all of the knowledge and information they need for an easy pregnancy experience, from labor preparation and delivery through breastfeeding support and infant care. Classes also help ease anxieties associated with childbirth while increasing confidence levels during the process.
Most antenatal classes begin between 26 and 32 weeks of gestation, so if you want to join one early on it is advisable to contact either your community midwife or GP as early as possible to ensure there’s space available for you in one.
Although many in-person pregnancy classes have been cancelled due to COVID-19, expectant moms still have plenty of options available to them. For instance, LOOM provides an online pregnancy preparation course with weekly guides, expert answers to frequently asked questions, videos of birthing options (medical or natural) as well as videos. Registration covers two people for only $90; one registration covers both. Motherly also provides classes geared toward self-care classes, childbirth preparation classes and transition to parenthood groups for LGBTQIA+ families.
Childbirth Classes
online pregnancy classes (also called labor preparation or childbirth education classes) are highly recommended by women’s health professionals for first-time parents to help them understand what to expect during labor and delivery. These classes cover topics like what can be expected during gestation, how the birth process works and coping strategies to minimize pain during labor and delivery. Many hospitals or women’s health groups or birth centers provide this kind of class.
Some classes provide information about the advantages and disadvantages of various pain-relief options such as epidurals. Furthermore, natural approaches like acupressure massage or aromatherapy may be explored as ways to reduce labor pain.
Many classes also cover the possibility that you may need to have a cesarean section, and provide information on different types available as well as aftercare after such surgery. While classes won’t completely prepare you for birthing itself, they can give a sense of control and reduce anxiety during this process.
Postpartum Classes
Research shows that attending childbirth classes helps both you and your support person prepare for labor and delivery, giving both confidence in natural birthing methods while making more likely use nonpharmacological pain relief options.
The University of Chicago Medicine offers online parenting and childbirth classes for expectant mothers, partners/support people and grandparents. Certified Childbirth Educator Evelyn Turner MSN RNC MNN ICCE IBCLC CPST as well as other University of Chicago Medicine specialists lead these classes.
The Motherly Postpartum Wellness Class was designed to assist new mothers in navigating the joyous, exhausting, awkward and sometimes confusing early weeks with their newborn. The nine-lesson program features expert advice in self-nurturing, nutrition and baby care from psychologist Dr. Claire Nicogossian, dietitian Crystal Kargas and health scientist Kristen Mark. In addition, downloadable workbooks, recipes and wellness meditations are provided throughout registration (which costs $79 online).
Breastfeeding Classes
Breastfeeding may come naturally, but mastery must also be learned. Even the most confident mother will require practice in order to master breastfeeding – and classes provide this valuable learning opportunity.
They provide essential information and support that will ease you through the initial weeks of breastfeeding, including reviewing benefits, teaching techniques for positioning and latching your baby securely, early feeding cues, establishing your milk supply and more. Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning after maternity leave, these classes offer helpful strategies and tools that can lead to success.
In-person breastfeeding classes tend to be held in smaller groups with other expectant mothers and their partners who can answer questions, share experiences and offer encouragement – this may be more suitable for shy or uncomfortable participants in large group settings. Online classes provide more flexibility allowing you to schedule classes when and where it suits you – some classes even qualify for reimbursement by your health savings account or flexible spending account!
Infant Care Classes
Babies don’t come with instructions, so this four-and-a-half hour interactive class provides parents with confidence as they care for a newborn. This hands-on course includes baby bathing, diapering, skin-to-skin bonding and sudden infant death syndrome guidelines.
Babies don’t cry simply to cause us discomfort – they do it for valid reasons! Crying is your baby’s way of communicating that they are hungry, tired, need to be burped, have dirty diapers or are overwhelmed. Our infant care class will teach you to recognize why your baby may be crying and how to calm them.
Live-in classes such as this one provide an ideal solution for anyone wanting to gain some basic labor and delivery techniques from an expert childbirth educator without making the commitment of attending two week classes. Furthermore, grandparents or other caregivers will find these courses invaluable as a refresher course.