What do you need it for?
The birth preparation course is in no way compulsory. It serves merely as an aid and offer for expectant mothers (and fathers) who would like to obtain information and useful tips and tricks for the upcoming birth and parenthood. Especially couples who do not have children yet are often inexperienced and wish for professional support.
Parents who already have children and are experienced in dealing with them often forego a birth preparation course. Nevertheless, some of these couples also have the desire to refresh their knowledge. There are special refresher courses for these couples in which the most relevant aspects are reminded to the participants. The birth preparation course thus serves primarily to give expectant mothers and fathers some confidence in dealing with birth and the newborn child.The following articles may also be of interest to you: Pelvic floor training pregnancy, physiotherapy during pregnancy, exercises coccyx pain
Course schedule
Birth preparation courses usually cover a period of 14 hours, often divided into seven appointments of two hours each. Other course arrangements with fewer but longer weekend appointments are possible. The course is individually designed by the head midwife.
Each appointment has a general theme. In general, all the important information about birth and the newborn child is given to the expectant parents in the birth preparation course. This includes information about the birth and the birth process itself, the handling of contractions, possibilities of pain relief in hospital or in the birth center, as well as the course of a natural birth or a caesarean section. (see also: Acupuncture and Birth Preparation and Homeopathy at Birth)The pregnant women are explained various birth positions which are taken during a natural birth and which can facilitate the birth. The midwife also explains to the pregnant women what they have to pay attention to in the puerperium and when handling the newborn.
Duration
Most antenatal classes are spread over a period of six to seven weeks. Most of the courses are 14 hours long and are divided into seven double lessons. Thus the course takes place weekly. However, there are also alternative courses for expectant mothers and fathers with less time, either explicitly in the evening hours or as a crash course at the weekend. The duration of the birth preparation course is therefore variable and can be chosen by the pregnant woman according to her needs and daily planning.
