Health Tip: Taking a Birthing Class

(HealthDay News) — Taking a birthing class can offer expectant parents peace of mind and help them prepare for the birth of their baby.

The womenshealth.gov website offers these suggestions for parents-to-be:

  • Check out a local hospital or birthing center to see if they offer birthing classes.
  • Sign up for a birthing class several months before your due date, as they tend to fill up quickly.
  • Make sure the instructors are qualified.
  • Consider bringing to the class the support person who will be with you during labor, whether it’s your partner, sibling or friend.
  • In class, you will learn about strategies to help you during labor, early signs of labor and how to control pain.