Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to help you prepare for childbirth.

Prenatal Classes

The goal of prenatal or childbirth classes is to help expectant parents learn about and prepare for labour, delivery and early parenthood. There are many different prenatal classes; advice and coping strategies may differ but most are based in part on the Lamaze Method or Bradley Method and are geared towards women who are interested in a natural delivery.

Most public health units and many local organizations provide prenatal classes. These classes are not mandatory of course, but they are a good way to meet other women and couples who are due around the same time as you. While prenatal classes can offer some helpful breathing and relaxation techniques to use during labour, some classes teach things that are outdated when it comes to medical care. If it sounds weird, it probably is, talk to your health care provider if you are confused by any of the information you may receive in a prenatal class.