September 12, 2022 | by: Cara Terreri
Wondering if the childbirth class you're looking at taking is going to be inclusive, welcoming, and friendly to you or you and your partner? LGBTQIA+ folx often have heightened feelings and experiences of exclusion during pregnancy -- a time that continues to be framed primarily within the heteronormative experience. One of the ways to counteract these experiences is to work with care providers and support persons who actively include and welcome LGBTQIA+ people.
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December 15, 2021 | by: Cara Terreri
Congratulations -- you've successfully completed a childbirth class! Good for you. Hopefully you're feeling more confident and prepared for the labor and birth experience. Even if you do nothing else between the end of your class and the beginning of labor (no more articles, books, or practicing relaxation methods), you'll still be better informed and feel more ready for birth. But if you want to make the most out of what you've learned and help ensure you can recall information when you need it, try some of these proven post-childbirth class knowledge retention tactics.
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December 10, 2021 | by: Cara Terreri
We talk frequently around here about "quality" childbirth classes, but what does that even mean? How can you know if the childbirth class you want to sign up for is of good quality and will give you what you need for confident childbirth preparation?
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June 04, 2021 | by: Cara Terreri, LCCE, CD(DONA)
Thinking about taking a childbirth class, but aren't sure when you should do it? Lots of parents-to-be ask the same thing. The most basic answer, when it comes to taking a general childbirth class, is to take it closer to your due month so the information is fresh, but not too close in case your baby comes early. If you're taking a more specific childbirth class, the ideal timing may be different.
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April 12, 2021 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, CD/BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE
Many pregnant people, including those taking childbirth classes, don't want to think about the possibility of having a cesarean, planned or unplanned. “I didn’t even read that section of the book, because I didn’t want to think about that,” is a common statement that I often hear from students. The likelihood that a person will give birth by cesarean is real. If you are pregnant, it's important to take steps to reduce your chances of birthing by cesarean. A quality childbirth class that covers informed choice, identifying an evidence-based provider, and in-depth information on interventions can help.
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