At one of my appointments, my midwife handed me a couple brochures with information on the available local prenatal classes. Being from a small town, the options tend to be a bit limited when compared to a city; however, the two classes* offered ended up surpassing our expectations.

Getting Ready for Baby

The first class we attended was put on by our District Health Unit for free, and was a total of 8-9 hours long divided over a Saturday and Tuesday evening. The first full day class was taught by a Public Health Nurse and focused on labour, what to expect with newborns, the first few days at home, breastfeeding and safety. The class overall gave a decent overview of everything and we both felt like it was worth the day. The evening class on the other hand, was beyond what we each expected. It was mostly taught by our local Early Literacy Specialist. I’ve heard wonderful things about her from a friend that is a teacher, but experiencing her facilitation firsthand was nothing short of amazing. We both left the class feeling empowered and with some excellent resources in hand.

Doula-led Birth Class 

I knew the free class would be basic in terms of what I was hoping to learn about labour and delivery, and I was right about that. Attending the doula-led birth class was well worth the $40 we paid for it. Prior to the class Mr. M expressed his anxiety about birth knowing he was going to be my main support and that watching me in pain would be really difficult for him. Spoiler alert: He feels much differently after the class.

The class was held at our midwife clinic and went through the birthing process in detail, gave an in-depth review of the stages of labour and the most helpful part for us both was the review of different strategies and ways to manage labour at each of the stages.

One of my key take-aways I got from the class included the advice to rest as much as possible during the early stages of labour. She said often women go for long walks and hikes in early labour in hopes to progress things quickly; however, her advice is to relax and rest as much as possible, “Don’t run the marathon before the marathon begins.” This really resonated with me. While I’m sure I’ll be eager to get things going and get that baby out, I do not want to tire myself out early on and lose stamina later in labour.

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The other valuable take-away from the class included the list of strategies to manage contractions – both for yourself, and your birthing partner(s). She listed five types of strategies, and said we all have ones we will favour more than others when the time comes, but thinking ahead about what might be useful to you would be helpful. Below is my list for each of the categories.

Reassurance: This strategy is a helpful way for your partner and practitioners to support you. Being told that you’re doing a great job, that you’re strong or that everything you’re feeling is normal can help you manage any fears and anxieties that arise during labour. For myself I know that reassurance will be very important for me in the following ways:

  • Knowing that Mr. M and my midwives are getting tired may make me feel pressure to speed things along, and I’ll likely feel guilty about that. Being reassured that everything is okay on their end will be important for me
  • Being told what I’m experiencing is normal will help keep anxieties and fear at bay
  • Being encouraged that I’m doing well, that I can do it and reminding me of my goals

Breathe: Finding a rhythm of breath to breathe through contractions is a helpful strategy many women use in labour – whatever works! Some breathing techniques that I think will be helpful for me include:

  • The doula suggested a welcoming breath and good-bye breath for contractions in a rhythm that is helpful for you
  • Mimicked breathing – if my breathing becomes panicked or rapid, I would like Mr. M/my midwives to help model slow and deep breathing to return to a calmer pace
  • Being reminded to keep my jaw open when breathing

Pressure: This one can include massage, counter-pressure and water to help dissipate or refocus contractions. I have a feeling this one will be another big one for me including the following:

  • My choice of hospital (I had the option of 3) was based solely on the tub I have access to, and a private shower in my room. I love being in the water and anticipate using the tub as much as possible
  • I really love lavender wheat eye pillows in yoga classes and purchased my own for labour, as I find they’re really helpful in focusing inward and relaxing
  • I anticipate Mr. M will be giving lots of massages and counter-pressure throughout labour. One of my midwives is also a massage therapist, and told me to take advantage of it. Don’t have to tell me twice!

Movement: Moving through contractions in various ways – whether walking, swaying, squatting, dancing – finding movement that works for you is the key here. For this one I don’t really know what kind of movement will be helpful, but I would like to listen to my body, and be reminded to switch up my movement if something isn’t working.

Vocalize: Vocalizing your way through labour is another way many women work their way through contractions. While I don’t like to imagine myself moaning, screaming or being exceptionally primal, I’m sure it’s bound to happen. I’d like to be reminded that low inward noises make more progress than screeching tense sounds (in one of our classes they told us to screech and then make low sounds, and your body completely tenses up when you scream).

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The classes ended up being super beneficial for us, and we both feel much more prepared and ready to navigate our way through labour whenever the time comes!

What sort of techniques and strategies were helpful for you during labour? Did you take any birthing classes?

*I later signed up for a third breastfeeding class offered by the same doula that taught the birthing class.