While no two birth experiences are the same, having an idea of what to expect in the hospital and during and after birth can be helpful. It can also lead to healthier outcomes for parents and their little bundle of joy.
"Knowledge is power," said Brooke Fesperman, childbirth educator at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center. "The whole idea is the more you know, the better prepared you are to face what happens -- be it childbirth or something else in life."
Recent studies, and thousands of years of history, have shown that a women's birth experience stays with her for the rest of her life. It's important that the experience is as positive as it can be.
"We know that if a woman has continuous, hands-on care during this critical point in her life, and if she feels supported and cared for, then the need for future medical interventions decreases," said Fesperman. "We work closely with the clinic team, all of the women's care providers, our neonatal nurse practitioners and lactation consultants to provide a well-rounded team to support expectant mothers and families."
Childbirth education at YVMC is either a one- or two-day course consisting of a total of six hours. Classes are offered monthly and have capacity for about 8-10 couples each session. Whereas specific questions about an individual's health and circumstances are best answered by their care team, childbirth education provides a broader knowledge base of what might occur.
Along with education and awareness, participants have the opportunity to meet other couples experiencing a similar pivotal moment in their lives.
"You could be meeting your child's first playmates," said Fesperman, "and for many, it's their first interaction with a new parent community, which is really great."
The most important topic Fesperman tackles is talking about the number one concern most new moms have: All the unknowns pertaining to labor and delivery.
"There is so much fear about not knowing what to expect, and we want to help couples build their tool kit of knowledge," she said.
Fesperman's goal is to instill confidence in soon-to-be parents by talking about everything from basic anatomy to what is a true contraction to when to head to the hospital. Along with signs and stages of actual labor, as well as the emotional stages of labor that both parents might experience, other topics include:
The highlight for many childbirth education class participants is a tour of the birth center at YVMC.
"Being in the environment before baby comes can make the actual day less stressful because you have already seen where you will likely give birth," said Fesperman. "Parents will see the halls and the rooms and all the little things - even the fridge where they can get snacks - and it does make a difference and is very helpful. It seems to provide a sense of calm."
The class also covers some basics of postpartum care, or what to expect with a newborn after parents get home, such as:
An online slide show and a take-home book contain more in-depth answers on newborn topics, and couples have the option of taking an additional class on breast feeding.
"If you're nervous or anxious, childbirth education will provide more confidence before baby arrives," she said. "There's a lot of decisions that come with having a newborn. Consider this to be one of your first big parenting choices to set you up for success."
Fesperman encourages couples to enroll during the last trimester, or after about 28 weeks, but don't wait too long.
"We had one couple who took the class on Friday and went into labor Saturday," she said.