The Importance Of Mothers-To-Be Attending Maternity Classes

The post is brought to you in partnership with Inspira Health, but as usual, all opinions are my own!

I recently had a chance to interview Jessica Pizarro, who is an obstetrical nurse, and I couldn’t miss the opportunity to ask some questions concerning mothers-to-be attending maternity classes.

Jessica serves patients as part of the mother/baby team (labor, delivery and postpartum) at Inspira Medical Center Woodbury.

The center will move to the new Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill , opening late this year.

She holds certifications in advanced life support and neonatal resuscitation as well as childbirth education. She’s just perfect to answer all the questions I had in mind!

Here they are:

For those who haven’t attended a maternity class, what can they expect?

Most of the moms have never been hospitalized. So they will get a lot of information, so they know what to expect as far as:

how the labor progresses and what resources are available through the process;
pain management;
what their support people can do.

It also gives them information on some of the policies of the hospital:

how many support people can you bring with you.
how many days can you stay?

Other reasons to take a class and maternity tour:

It helps make it easy on the anxiety, just by knowing what to expect.

They can direct you to useful sites, such as Best For Parents, where you can find more helpful information if you’re ever stuck in a situation you haven’t handled before.

You learn when should you come to the hospital and call the doctor.

Talk about and see the triage room and what to expect there.

Partners support person is encouraged to attend. They see videos and learn ways they can get involved supporting their partner through labor.

If you prefer to attend these classes in the comfort of your house, you could take an online birthing class about natural deliveries and C-sections.

Exercises are done as a part of the class as well!

Classes are not just to provide information! You can get to interact with other women and share your experiences, interests, and plans. Few maternity classes can also involve fun activities, including photography sessions. For example, a class near Oregon could be based on tips and tricks for Portland newborn photography or photoshoot to provide you details on the newborn’s safety and proper positioning.

When is the best time to attend classes, how early?

In the second trimester, probably around 25 -32 weeks, but we had people at 39 weeks as well!

What are the most important takeaway mothers-to-be will learn from attending a course?

Different relaxation techniques: breathing, progressive relaxation, meditation

Pain management options.

Different techniques and interventions that doctors and midwives may use during labor and delivery, including wireless monitoring, or using a yoga ball for positioning.

C-Section Talk:

They talk about C-Sections because the goal is to have a healthy mom and healthy baby. What happens in the OR, recovery process which is different and they also show a short video as well.

Additionally, the class includes a Tour of the unit to make them more comfortable.

How long is the class?

Saturdays (1-day class) 9 AM-3PM

Series: Tuesday nights (3 weeks) from 7-9 PM

Most compelling reasons why moms-to-be should sign up for maternity classes and tours:

Discuss labor/pain management
warning signs
Breast feeding/postpartum and newborn care
Visit the unit

Unit is moving to Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill

Inspira Mullica Hill Sneak Peek Event

You can see the new hospital at a community sneak peek event on Saturday, November 9 from 10 to 3 p.m. There will be fun activities including a Mummer performance at noon plus health information and screenings. https://portal.inspirahealthnetwork.org/classes/detail/b447a737-3df4-e911-a813-000d3a1b1a80

New Unit