Many couples find that prenatal classes foster good discussions about parenting.

Prenatal Classes

One good way to prepare for childbirth is to attend prenatal classes. These classes will help you learn more about what you are experiencing and help you prepare for the experiences to come. Many pregnant women and their partners choose to take prenatal classes because the classes:

• explain what happens to your body and emotions during pregnancy and birth, and afterwards

• allow you to meet with other expectant parents

• expose you to a wide range of views about birth and parenting

• help you think about your personal needs and goals

• foster discussion between you and your partner about parenting

• may help you feel less anxious

• teach you how to cope with labour and parenting

• can help you feel more positive about the birth and parenting

• help you identify community resources

Your care provider may offer you a list of prenatal classes. If not, you can phone your local public health department or your hospital and ask for information about prenatal education. You can also ask your friends or look in the Yellow Pages under prenatal classes.

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