Pregnancy and parenting classes: learn to look after yourself and your baby
Pregnancy, birth and the post-partum period are momentous times with a lasting impact on one's life. Mothers undergo greater physical and emotional changes during these events than at any other stage in their lives, which brings with it various challenges.
Elena Reusser is a midwife at the Geburtshaus Winterthur birth centre, which offers birth preparation, post-natal and baby massage classes. In this interview, she explains what makes these courses so valuable for prospective parents.
Elena Reusser, what does a good ante-natal course cover?
A good ante-natal course shows parents how they can best prepare themselves and their baby for the birth. In our classes they learn how to care for themselves and for their new arrival. We discuss what birth means and talk about hormones, emotions, the stages of labour and the mechanisms involved. We also consider the role of the labouring woman and of the birth companion.
It is essential that an ante-natal course also covers the post-birth period. Many couples only think as far as the birth itself. It is important that parents-to-be understand how life can be turned upside down when their baby arrives. We talk about what a day with a baby might look like and how couples can make time for each other.
What questions crop up repeatedly?
One of the most common questions is at what point to head to the delivery unit. That is understandable, given the uncertainty about when and how labour will begin. When we answer these questions, we also look at what will help get labour off to a calm, stress-free start.
Birth partners often ask what they can do to provide support during labour. We show them that being physically and emotionally present and a source of resilience and encouragement has a very supportive effect – and don't actually involve "doing" much as such.
Families wanting to use our birth centre often ask us about what happens when things don't quite go to plan and a hospital transfer or medical intervention is needed.
We also see that interest in preparing oneself mentally and physically for the birth is generally very high – a development that we warmly welcome. The key to a positive birth experience lies in combining both of these aspects.
Is it possible to prepare well for giving birth without attending classes?
Does pregnancy yoga make good preparation for giving birth?
Yoga can be a fantastic complement to the kinds of preparation we talked about earlier. During their yoga classes, expectant women consciously take time out for themselves and their babies. Pregnancy yoga is specially designed to help the baby find the ideal position for birth, through the use of selected poses. The practice also helps alleviate complaints associated with pregnancy. On top of that, the relaxation and breathing techniques learned can be applied during labour. In short, yes, pregnancy yoga works brilliantly alongside your birth preparations.
Why are post-natal exercise classes so important?
Pregnancy, labour and the post-partum period place a tremendous strain on body and mind. Your pelvic floor and core muscles in particular have a lot to contend with. These exercise classes help to bring awareness of your body and to strengthen your deep muscles. Our participants acquire knowledge that will serve them throughout life and gain lasting strength.
You also run courses for babies. What are the benefits for parents of learning baby massage?
Baby massage is a wonderful way for parents and babies to relax and get used to each other. It also supports your baby in their development. A baby massage course also offers an ideal opportunity to meet and connect with other parents.
SWICA provides support in relation to pregnancy and birth
SWICA contributes to many activities linked to pregnancy and birth and supports customers with generous contributions towards the following classes:
- Ante-natal classes
- Pregnancy exercise or yoga
- Post-natal exercise
- Baby massage
- Baby swimming
- And more
You can find more information at www.swica.ch/maternity
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