Lamaze class 101: Childbirth Preparation

I always had it set in my mind that I would take a Lamaze class during my pregnancy. It wasnt until my third trimester i got lazy and started to think, why do i really need to take a class....its common sense right? Women have that "motherly instinct" and should already know what to expect. WRONG! It is clear to see when your walking the maternity hallway those who have taken classes and those who havent. Those who havent, find themselves having a more difficult time, you hear them and its just a hot mess. I learned so much valuable information in my childbirth preparation class and trust me, you really dont know EVERYTHING, extra knowledge doesnt hurt. The class was definitely worth the two-days [4 hours each day] and $80. I strongly suggest new mothers take this class, and if you cant afford it make sure you sign up with the "healthy baby" program and through your insurance you can get all your lamaze classes for free. Here are some things I learned in class, maybe they might be useful for you.

There are 3 stages of labor

1. First stage:

• early labor- During this time you are happy to be in labor. Your contractions are only 30 seconds and 20 minutes apart and you are dilated 0-3 cm. In between contractions, mom is able to do normal activity and converse with others. See its not so bad ;] Relax and take it easy, no need to go to the hospital.
• active labor- During this time you are serious about contractions. They are now 60 seconds long and 4 minutes apart. You could be dilated anywhere between 3-7 cm. Mom is having a hard time vocalizing and is in intense pain. During this time its best to head to the hospital
• transition- During this time contractions are lasting about 90 seconds and only two minutes apart. You dilate from 8-10 cm. You can only start pushing during 10 cm dilation. If your less than that and feel the urge to push start your "candle blowing" technique [grab a focal point and start blowing like your blowing out a candle] this helps best!

2. Second stage: delivering your baby-PUSH! Remember, at 10 cm dilation you can start pushing.
3. Third stage: delivering the placenta. Your not done yet...pushing out the placenta isnt as hard as pushing out a baby, its quite quick and to the point.

Pain medication during labor:

1. Epidural- you need to be dilated at LEAST 4 cm to be able to receive this injection in your spine that numbs you from the waist down. There are positive and negative side effects for an epidural, remember DO NOT come to a conclusion right away about wanting one. Wait until you are actually going through labor to make your final decision because you never know, your delivery could be a more pleasant experience than you thought. There are negative side effects for receiving an epidural, please educate yourself about them.
2. Narcotics- Usually given in an IV form [demerol, nubain, morphine] and helps take the "edge off". For some people, this is all they need for relaxation.

True labor v. False labor

1. False labor- during the last two months of your pregnancy it is common to experience false labor. Contractions are irregular and go away when you move around. The intensity remains the same because there is no pattern and the middle of your belly where your belly button is feels soft like your nose and the surrounding feels hard
2. True labor- Your contraction take on a pattern [get stronger, last longer, closer together]. Time them in order to tell. Moving around does not make them go away. The middle where your belly button is feels hard like your forehead.
....you can also experience Braxton-Hicks contractions throughout your pregnancy. This is where you feel sporadic uterine contractions that fool you into thinking your in labor. It is very common and unless your 37 weeks into your pregnancy nothing to worry about. Consult your doctor anyways just in case.....


That was just a quick overview of childbirth. Remember, when your water breaks head to the hospital RIGHT AWAY. This means you need to deliver your baby at least 24 hours from then and they need to clean you up to avoid infection. If your water does not break and you start feeling contractions first [which is most common] you dont need to head to the hospital until you are in the active stage of labor. Call your doctor, they will let you know when its best to head in. Once you do go, they will break your water. There are breathing techniques, relaxation methods and tools [birth ball, chairs, pillows, heat socks, etc], C-section 411, postpartum info, and recovery info all given in the class which is extremely useful to know. Please take a lamaze class, you know what they say "failing to prepare is preparing to fail". Make your childbirth experience a happy one ;]