ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, SportsA male perspective on childbirth education classes

By Howard Seidman, Contributing Writer, myOptumHealth

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Not long ago men were banned from watching the birth of their children in hospitals. Men were seen mainly as "the drivers" responsible for getting their wives to the hospital. It was thought that their presence during labor might actually have a negative effect.

Today, there is growing recognition of the critical role fathers play in their child's development. But many fathers are still fearful of the delivery room. Some worry they might freeze, faint or feel sick if they watch the birth. A good way to prepare for labor and delivery is to go with your partner to childbirth education classes.

What you'll learn

Taking childbirth education classes with your partner is often a good bonding experience and helps you stay more involved in:

• The pregnancy
• The health of your baby-to-be
• What your partner is going through

The more you learn about pregnancy and birth, the more in control you'll feel and the less you'll have to fear. You'll learn about what can happen during labor and how to assist. Plus, you should pick up tips on:

• When to go to the hospital
• How to deal with contractions
• Pain and pain relief options
• What happens to a woman's body before, during and after the baby is born

Birth plans

Some childbirth education classes will discuss birth plans and how to create one. The birth plan is a written document that expresses preferences about labor and delivery. As a father-to-be, you're in a great position to help your wife or partner develop a plan. You would then give it to the medical staff who will be involved in the birth. The plan can detail:

• Where you and your partner want to deliver
• What support people you want in the delivery room
• Preferences for pain medications

Tapping on experience

Childbirth classes often focus on the physical aspects of women in labor. But you may also be able to have your questions and fears addressed with the help of the instructor and by tapping on the experience of other couples in class. The class will provide a chance to:

• Listen to other parents' stories
• Discuss what's most important during the childbirth
• Learn what situations may come up during labor and how to address them
• Gain knowledge that can help you care for your infant in the first weeks
• Talk to other men who recently became fathers

Men only

Some fathers-to-be seek out "men only" classes, which are found in some areas. These classes are tailored to men who want special help in preparing for childbirth and fatherhood. These types of classes may help you:

• Explore your feelings
• Feel more involved and secure
• Support other fathers-to-be
• Reflect on your own father
• Learn how your role is not that of a "secondary" parent

Whatever type of class you choose, taking a course may be the easiest way to learn about pregnancy and birth. Even if you feel like your role in a childbirth class is secondary to your partner's, these sessions can help strengthen your family commitment.

View the original A male perspective on childbirth education classes article on myOptumHealth.com 

SOURCES:

• The Hospital for Sick Children. The expecting father: how to help in childbirth. Accessed: 10/08/2009

• Premberg A, Lundgren I. Fathers' experiences of childbirth education. Journal of Perinatal Education. 2006;15(2):21-28. Accessed: 10/08/2009

• March of Dimes. Childbirth education classes. Accessed: 10/22/2009

• Friedewald M, Fletcher R, Fairbairn H. All-male discussion forums for expectant fathers: Evaluation of a model. Journal of Perinatal Education. 2005;14(2):8-18. Accessed: 10/08/2009