Having a baby is an incredibly rewarding experience, but pregnancy is also a time that comes with plenty of changes. To help manage the changes to your body, health and lifestyle, many new parents turn to antenatal classes.
Antenatal classes are dedicated to expecting parents. Led by doctors, nurses, midwives or other healthcare professionals, antenatal classes help you navigate the pregnancy experience. Many parents choose to attend antenatal classes at their local hospital or clinic. Alternatively, some options are available online so you can review the material whenever you like. The content of each course varies slightly, but most instructors will cover a range of common topics. In this article we will discuss what is taught in antenatal classes to give you an idea of what you can look forward to.
Antenatal classes are dedicated to expecting parents. Led by doctors, nurses, midwives or other healthcare professionals, antenatal classes help you navigate the pregnancy experience. Many parents choose to attend antenatal classes at their local hospital or clinic. Alternatively, some options are available online so you can review the material whenever you like. The content of each course varies slightly, but most instructors will cover a range of common topics. In this article we will discuss what is taught in antenatal classes to give you an idea of what you can look forward to.
1. Pregnancy Health, Fitness and Changes to your Body
Finding accurate, up to date information on pregnancy can be challenging, so this is the first topic covered in antenatal classes. To make sure your pregnancy experience is a positive one, your instructor will focus on facts and prepare you for what happens at each stage of the journey. They’ll provide the information you need to make informed decisions and take care of yourself and your developing baby. You can expect an antenatal class to cover a range of topics:
- The stages of pregnancy
- How your body will change
- Dietary and nutrition requirements
- Potential pregnancy complications
- Exercises you can do during pregnancy
Antenatal classes are open to pregnant mothers and their partners. Partners are encouraged to take part so that they’re prepared for everything that lies ahead. Most antenatal classes include topics just for partners, so encouraging them to get involved is a great idea.
2. Options for Labour and Birth
Antenatal classes cover the labour and childbirth process in depth. The information provided is intended to help you plan for what comes next. Antenatal classes dive into all the details, so you’ll have time to think through your options. Labour comes with several major decisions about childbirth methods, pain management and your newborn’s care. Antenatal classes will prepare you for what’s ahead and help you decide how you’d like to manage your own experience. Classes cover a range of labour and delivery topics, such as:
- How to prepare for labour
- The signs of labour
- When to contact your hospital
- The stages of labour
- Birthing positions
- Pain management options
- Information about caesarean births
3. Newborn Care, Breastfeeding and Sleep
Parenthood begins as soon as your baby is in your arms. That might sound daunting, but antenatal classes cover everything you need to know about looking after your newborn. Feeding is a major part of caring for your baby, so it’s also a central topic for antenatal classes. Beyond that, your instructor will provide information about:
- How to care for your newborn
- Breastfeeding guides
- Formula feeding options
- Mixed feeding
- Partner’s guide to feeding
- Introducing your baby to solid foods
- Safe sleep and settling
- Understanding your baby’s cries
4. Postpartum Recovery and Emotional Health
Antenatal classes cover the pregnancy, labour and birth experience as a whole. While much of the content is focused on caring for your baby, the final component includes postpartum support on caring for your baby, the final component includes postpartum support for mothers. Recovering from pregnancy isn’t always straightforward, and it’s important to look after your mind and body as you adjust to your new lifestyle. The postpartum material covered by antenatal classes includes information about:
- The recovery process and what to expect
- Pelvic floor recovery exercises
- Postpartum exercises
- Adjusting to parenthood
- Monitoring your emotional health and needs
Support Your Journey with Online Antenatal Classes by Nourish Baby!
Pregnancy and parenthood is an incredible, exciting journey, but it often comes with a thousand questions. Antenatal classes are designed to equip you with the information and resources you need to make your experience a positive one. If you have questions about your pregnancy then Nourish Baby has answers! We’re the only accredited provider of online antenatal classes in Australia. Our catalogue includes courses that provide support from pregnancy to labour, birth, early childhood and beyond.