Did you know that childbirth and parenting education before delivery can improve outcomes?
Studies show that comprehensive education before birth actually results in:
1. Reduced anxiety about labor and delivery and the transition to parenthood.
2. Greater overall satisfaction with the birth experience .
3. Higher rates of vaginal births (leading to shorter hospital stays, lower infection rates, and quicker recovery).
4. A smoother transition to life with a newborn .
This is why our comprehensive curriculum of webinars is such a vital component of how EmmaWell supports happy and healthy pregnancies. Our webinars are informative, entertaining, and taught by seasoned medical professionals such as OB providers, Lactation Consultants, Pediatric Nurses, Physical Therapists, and Sleep Experts. And more importantly, they’re proven to help moms and their families.
Register today for one of our on-demand webinars at here!
Read more about why prenatal and postpartum education is so important:
1. Reduced anxiety about labor and delivery and the transition to parenthood
Prenatal education classes can help reduce the anxiety women may feel about labor and delivery. Additionally, engaging with what medical providers call “anticipatory guidance,” - including education on infant feeding, postpartum emotional health, and the challenges of parenting and postpartum recovery - prepares moms-to-be and their families for an easier transition to parenthood.
We believe that a holistic approach to prenatal education leads mothers to maintain healthy lifestyles during pregnancy and helps families learn to manage stress, avoid harmful chemicals and situations, and recognize warning signs and symptoms to ultimately feel more confident in their parenting journey.
2. Greater overall satisfaction with the birth experience
The benefits of prenatal education classes, to name a few, include increased confidence for labor and birth, higher likelihood of breastfeeding, improved communication between women and their OB providers, decreased need for analgesic pain medication in labor, and increased satisfaction with birth.
Classes like our “Birth Prep Basics” can not only instill confidence in first-time moms but also help them and their families manage expectations. Every labor is unique, and sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Women who attend these classes often say they are more satisfied with their birth experience because their expectations were more in line with what could happen, rather than what they want to happen.
3. Higher rates of vaginal births (leading to shorter hospital stays, lower infection rates, and quicker recovery)
A multitude of studies show that attending prenatal education classes is associated with higher rates of vaginal births. In a very recent study of over 300 women in Israel, participating in childbirth classes led to a nearly 3x higher likelihood of a successful normal vaginal delivery, after controlling for socioeconomic factors and other differences.
This outcome wasn’t only seen in first-time moms – it was present for all women. The key benefits to a less invasive vaginal delivery include shorter hospital stays, lower infection rates, and quicker recovery.
4. A smoother transition to life with a newborn
Caring for a newborn does not come with a detailed roadmap, and the journey can at times feel overwhelming. But infant care classes can help prepare you for the adventure ahead. As with most things in life, knowing more about what to expect and learning how to handle the unexpected will lead to better outcomes for you, your family, and your baby.
With Warmth and Wellness,
Your EmmaWell Team