You should take birth preparation seriously and prepare for a gentle birth while you are still pregnant. Every expectant mother is different, experiences her pregnancy individually and has her own personal ideas about the birth. All expectant mothers have one thing in common: they want a gentle birth without severe pain or tension.
Why Birth Preparation Courses Are Important
You can attend birth preparation courses with your partner or another accompanying person and learn about the changes during pregnancy and the options available during birth. Most women choose to give birth "on land", while other expectant mothers want to have their baby in the water or prepare for a gentle birth with yoga. However you want the birth to be, birth preparation plays an important role and also allows you to exchange ideas with other expectant mothers.
Pregnant - when should you start a birth preparation course?
We recommend taking a birth preparation course from the 25th week of pregnancy. These are available privately and in hospitals, as well as individual and couples birth preparation courses. Don't wait any longer than the 25th week of pregnancy and take the opportunity to register for birth preparation courses in advance. In the hospital, an experienced midwife usually leads the birth preparation and gives helpful recommendations on correct breathing, relaxation techniques in preparation for the event and the correct posture, which is crucial for a gentle birth.
For first-time mothers, the midwife often recommends additional courses that focus on activity and exercise therapy. Anyone who tends to give birth outside of the classic "on land" method during pregnancy should attend a course that is specialized in their birth wishes. When birth preparation courses, pelvic floor exercises and perineal massage become necessary also depends on the physical condition of the pregnant woman.
Tips and preparation for a gentle birth
A midwife usually carries out the birth preparation and is an experienced contact person for all questions that arise during pregnancy. The focus of the birth preparation courses is primarily on loosening the pelvic muscles and making the birth process easier by means of a perineal massage beforehand. If you don't want to practice in a group and you find the breathing exercises and movement in front of others uncomfortable, you can also register for a private birth preparation course from the 25th week of pregnancy and do this with the midwife or in your own home.
Very few women have a midwife perform the perineal massage, but instead just get instructions during birth preparation and ask their partner for support. It is especially important that you do not put off the question of "when should I start the birth preparation course" for too long and that you register early.
During birth preparation, various pregnancy-related complaints are also addressed and valuable tips are given, for example for morning sickness, circulatory problems and general malaise.
You will meet other parents-to-be and the questions of the fathers-to-be will also be answered.
