Why Prenatal Classes Matter

(Unsplash.com/Alicia Petresc)

Prenatal classes prepare you physically, psychologically, and emotionally for the arrival of your baby and can make a huge difference! Information is power and having access to a breadth of information will inform and empower you. Dads, you need to be informed too so that you know how to best support your significant other in making the right decisions for your family.

Prenatal classes help you understand what is normal and not normal during pregnancy, educate you about nutrition, proper physical activity, physical and emotional changes, breastfeeding and early infant care. It also strengthens the couple's bond and prepares them to welcome the new member of the family.  It is recommended to take prenatal classes in the last trimester of pregnancy, but you can definitely take the classes earlier if you feel you need more time to increase your confidence and knowledge.

With a prenatal course you will learn things you never knew about childbirth and postpartum. You will have the opportunity to address your fears, connect with your partner/support person, practice methods and comfort techniques for coping with contractions, and get the information you need to know about medical interventions and possible complications. Prenatal classes provide you with a smart start to parenthood.