Many expectant parents ask me if I can recommend any particular antenatal classes. This poses a bit of a problem, as not all antenatal classes are created equal.
Some of the feedback from my clients is that there is an atmosphere of fear permeating some antenatal classes. It seems like the "educator" deliberately expands the potential danger, pain and trauma of childbirth. What does this achieve aside from instilling an unnecessary fear and negative expectation in the birthing parents?
Childbirth is a natural, normal act that can be achieved without intervention, pain or suffering.
Once a mother understands the birth process and releases any limiting beliefs or fears about it, she can then have a calm and comfortable birth.
Should a parent attend an antenatal class as well as the Hypnobirthing classes? Many of my colleagues would say NO. Classic antenatal classes teach pain and problems. Hypnobirthing teaches empowerment and calm. My opinion is, if you opt for it, to chose your antenatal class VERY carefully. If it presents birth in an overly medical or fearful way, STOP going.
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I've not tried hypnobirthing though I am keen to learn more for my second baby, but I would really agree with your comments here. We did a class through Wgtn Parents Centre and it was just as you describe, all kinds of terrible possible complications and interventions, none of which I had any intention of encountering. Barely a mention on breastfeeding and no real useful information to help through a calm and natural birth. Add to this when ever anything nasty or sad was discussed the teacher's voice would go all high and baby and she would look like she was going to cry. Get a grip! So hard to know which class is going to be useful before you sign up however. We had planned to do Birthworks but they were all full unfortunately.
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