Recently, a friend asked me whether I thought it was worth her and her husband signing up for prenatal classes. They had spent lots of time with their baby nieces and nephews, as well as children of close friends. She had heard lots of birth stories so felt aware of the numerous avenues that labour and birth could take. We had been friends since before I studied to be a midwife- she was fascinated by my job and always wanted to hear my midwifery stories and experiences. In addition, my friend didn’t actually feel the need for more friends; in her own words, ‘I already have so many friends, I don’t need anymore’. This left her pondering, would attending prenatal classes really be worth it?
All of her points were of course valid. Accessing prenatal education does take time and money. However, as I explained to my friend (and what I would always emphasise to anyone else considering the same), is that this decision is so much more nuanced than that. So in answer to her question (and to put it bluntly), YES, choosing to engage in prenatal education IS one of the best things you can do.
Feeling prepared
Firstly, attending prenatal classes enables expectant parents to feel more prepared and good quality evidenced based classes will do this in a number of ways. The most obvious being that participants’ knowledge surrounding labour, birth, feeding and caring for your new baby is exponentially increased. As midwives, we know that knowledge is power; many women leave our classes looking forward to their labour (yes that is possible), trust their bodies more and have more realistic expectations about what the transition to parenthood might actually look like.
As for the dads, prenatal education is important in offering practical skills such as changing nappies, burping, amongst others. It isn’t abnormal for many men to not have even held a newborn until they have had their own baby. Classes enable expectant parents to practice these skills in a fun, informal way with the help of an expert midwife. We see confidence sky rocket, and the sessions also highlight that your peers probably don’t have any experience with babies either, which is hugely reassuring!
Prenatal education is also a crucial step in emotionally preparing for parenthood, both as individuals but also as a couple. Attending classes together is shown to enhance relationships by increased trust in each other as birth partners and as new parents, encourages partner involvement and considers roles and responsibilities before the baby is born.
Feeling empowered
In addition to feeling more prepared, good prenatal education should also leave you feeling empowered. As midwives at Beloved Bumps, we focus on teaching expectant parents the importance of asking questions when recommendations and interventions are advised. This is not because we want you to go into your birth being distrustful of your caregivers, but because our role as midwives is to equip and empower you to ask questions and make decisions which are right for you and your baby.
Navigating the system and the importance of midwives
Good quality prenatal education should also help you to navigate the healthcare system where you plan to give birth. This is particularly useful in countries like Singapore where there are both public and private hospitals and where the model of care is predominantly obstetric led. This can result in variance in choice available, for example, you want a water birth but not every obstetrician may be able to support you with this. This discrepancy can understandably leave you feeling confused. During prenatal education, midwives will teach you more about the system and will empower you to make choices which are the best for you and your baby.
As midwives, meeting you at your prenatal classes means we are on the journey with you- this is a massive privilege for us and the best part of our job! We promote continuity of care wherever possible, meaning you will see the same midwife for your classes, home visits with your baby, lactation support and the months beyond. This is hugely reassuring when you don’t have to keep explaining yourself to a new face and you feel like you have a real relationship with your midwife. At Beloved Bumps, our midwives always offer reassurance, time and a safe space to ask questions (as well as a hot cup of tea and a listening ear).
Finding your tribe
And how about the ready made group of friends who are ready to welcome you in? Attending prenatal classes with other expectant parents whose babies are due around the same time is fun, encouraging and reassuring particularly in those early days! Having a close group of friends who are going through the same life event is also comforting when living in an expat community and family are likely far from home. As a midwife who teaches prenatal education, I find immense joy in seeing a group of strangers become close friends, ones who lean on each other when things are hard and whose friendships span the test of time.
So to answer my friend when my friend asked if she should bother attending prenatal classes, my answer was very much a yes. When you look back on your birth and know you made the right evidenced based choices for you and your baby, when the familiar face of your midwife comes through your front door, and when you are out with your new mum friends walking with your babies- you will thank your past self for making that choice.
