When Should I Take a Childbirth Class?
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Kaely Harrod 0:01
Hello welcome back to Kaely Daily. Today's question is when should I take a childbirth education class? This is Kaely Daily, the bi weekly podcast about all things doula Tips and Tits where we answer one question about pregnancy, labor or postpartum or lactation, in order to have your journey in this parenting world be just a little bit more informed and filled with consent. Welcome back. I'm Kaely Harrod, the host of Kaely Daily, and childbirth educator, doula mom, wife, sister, friend, all of the things. And today we are diving into a "When" question. So I get these frequently. And I will say there's, of course not a perfect answer. Right. So this is my recommendation on when you should take a childbirth class.
Kaely Harrod 1:01
Now, it depends a little bit on how long that childbirth class is. So this is not the episode that I'm going to answer the what kinds of childbirth classes are there a question, but that is coming. In a near future episode, I can't speak today. And so look for that. But today's episode is specifically going into when and so childbirth classes vary in length, some are series that are like three to six weeks, right? Some are a weekend, some are even one day. Others are online self paced. So like my own class, for instance, this the class that sponsors this awesome podcast, the birth prep blueprint that is self paced, meaning that when you start it, you go at your own pace, and you finish it, when you feel like it right. Now, my recommendation is to go like one module at a time and kind of take your time, if you get overwhelmed, pause it, come back, you can certainly finish it in a weekend. But I think if you start it and have a couple of weeks to take it, that's an easier way to really digest the information. So in general, my recommendation is to take a childbirth class in your second trimester. Now there are a few reasons for this one is typically the second trimester is the best, in lots of ways for lots of people. Usually, physically, it's the easiest trimester for many people. Oftentimes, emotionally, hormonally, it's easier, maybe you have stopped having some nausea. I know that is not true for everyone, which sucks. But many people feel great in their second trimester, you're also not probably not very high, highly likely to give birth during your second trimester. So that's a very small percentage of people who can have a baby that early. So that's a good time to do it. The reason I think second trimester is better than third trimester is that you have time to adjust things in your plan if you want, right. So my assumption would be that if you haven't given birth before, and you haven't taken a childbirth class, you don't actually know all that much about it, probably. And so you're taking a class to learn things that you don't already know. So what you may find is that you like, maybe want to give birth in a different place. Or maybe you want to change providers, or maybe you want to prepare in a different kind of way for a different kind of pain management technique. And if that's the case, having some time to do that research is really, really important. So that's another reason.
Kaely Harrod 3:43
The other thing is that I think being able to check off some things that need to happen before labor is a good idea. And childbirth education is one that you can do that with. Now, things like CPR and things like that you can take any time. But I think classes that you want to have finished before the baby comes for sure should happen in that like second trimester, maybe the early part of the third trimester. But I kind of feel like that's pushing it, especially if you're going to a class in person. Because of that class is canceled. Maybe your due date is like really soon and you can't reschedule right. So second trimester is firmly my recommendation. I will get into types of classes, length of classes, how to choose what kind of class in a future episode. If you have not already subscribed to this lovely podcast, I would love for you to do that. I would also really love for you to leave a review. I have been getting some amazing feedback from you all about how helpful this podcast is. And that is fantastic and it makes my heart happy. And also it would be really, really helpful for other listeners to hear that feedback
Kaely Harrod 4:54
by leaving a review for the podcast so I would be eternally grateful if you did that. Hey, I would also really love to hear your questions. I feel like I kind of have endless questions to answer, but also I prioritize ones that are sent to me via DMS on Instagram or emailed to me. And so if you send me a question that way, I will get to it sooner rather than later. All right, I'll see you on the next episode. These episodes are edited and produced by Kaely. Her rod as I'm sure you can probably tell, and our amazing music is credited in the show notes as well. So we look forward to seeing you on the next episode, and in the meantime, have a wonderful and consent filled birth
Transcribed by https://otter.ai
Choosing the right time to take a Childbirth Class can be a stressful thing! But that’s not necessary. Choose the kind of class you’d like to take and then from there factor in having it completed by the first part of your 3rd trimester. Listen to hear more information about timing!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Second Trimester is a great time to take a Childbirth Class
It depends a bit on what type of class you plan to take (so stay tuned for an episode about that!)
You want time to adjust your birth plan based on what you learn if you learn something new!
RESOURCES
FREE OXYTOCIN GUIDE:
6 Ways to Increase Oxytocin for Labor Progression
https://www.harroddoulaservices.com/free-guide-6-oxytocin-tips
CONNECT with Kaely on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/Harroddoula/
This podcast is hosted by the Birth Prep Blueprint - comprehensive Childbirth Education for expectant parents to feel calm, prepared and confident about labor and birth. Podcast listeners (that’s YOU!) get 10% off! Use the link below to get that great deal!
https://thebirthprepblueprint.com/offers/884d5a56-9089-4482-a944-6bb7c26c9b04
If you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @harroddoula
Kaely Daily is produced by Kaely Harrod of Harrod Doula Services
It is sponsored by The Birth Prep Blueprint Childbirth Class
Music by Madirfan: Hidden Place on Pixabay
