Travel During Pregnancy and Childbirth Classes

	Share |

Travel and Childbirth Classes
Travel
There's no travel ban on a healthy pregnancy during the second trimester. In fact, it may be the perfect time for a "last hurrah" before life changes. You've got the energy, your digestive system is cooperating, your body can handle the physical stress of plane, train or car travel right now (which it may not have last trimester and will not be able to for a portion of the next).

For couples, consider a trip to a romantic destination to celebrate the love that created this baby. Go back to your honeymoon destination and honeymoon all over again. On a budget? Check out a beach destination off season. The beach is beautiful all year long, even when it's too cold to swim. You can collect shells (with no competition beating you to the real beauties) and go for long walks; there won't be crowds at the sought after restaurants. Winter destinations are beautiful when they're green. Think of all that pure fresh air for you and baby. Wherever you go, take pictures of yourselves on this pre-baby trip so that when baby grows a little, he will see Mom and Dad's love for one another and how excited they were about this pregnancy.

For families with children, a quality time inspiring destination is a great idea, just be sure to plan out rest periods and bathroom breaks just in case. After all, sometimes vacations actually use more energy than real life. Sure you can do Disney or some other family vacation mecca, but anything your family enjoys doing together can be turned into a trip. Art lovers can spend a weekend (or more) in the nearest big city checking out museums. What about camping? Just be sure to bring a charged cell phone in case of emergency.

Be sure to ask about the location of area hospitals any time you travel, pregnant or not. Looking for a hospital when you already need one ads extra stress to already stressful situations.

Childbirth Classes
Whether you think you want to "go natural" or you plan on having a medicine assisted delivery, you should take a childbirth preparation class. These classes are often offered at your local hospital or even through community centers. Ask your doctor for a list of recommended classes in your area. These classes often fill up fast, so make inquiries at the beginning of your second trimester. Figure out what classes work for you and find out when the registration deadlines are. The fees are usually nominal and can be waived for parents who cannot afford them.

What classes are offered?

Childbirth General childbirth classes cover an overview of all aspects of delivery, including natural and medicine assisted birth, what to expect during your hospital stay, a hospital tour, and practice with partners for breathing and calming techniques.

Lamaze classes which teach the Lamaze method of delivery. Mother-to-be and her birth coach (partner, friend, or family member) are taught about the stages of labor. They are taught how to reduce stress and pain through positioning, breathing, relaxation, and deliberate focusing.

Bradley Method This method of natural childbirth preparation is often confused with Lamaze, but there are significant differences. Childbirth preparation for Bradley moms and their husbands (Bradley instructors stress the word husband) begins during the fifth month of pregnancy and incorporates exercise, nutrition, birthing positions, focused breathing, relaxation techniques with a goal of medication free delivery.

Sibling Class These classes are not childbirth preparation, but are hospital and new baby preparation. Children are shown what newborns look like, are shown the maternity ward, and discuss the changes their families will soon undergo. The classes are intended to make children comfortable in the hospital setting and excited to become big brothers or sisters.

Breastfeeding/Lactation Class Breastfeeding is a natural function of the body, but is not does not always come naturally. All moms considering breastfeeding, even those who are simply curious about the possibility of breastfeeding, will benefit from a lactation class.

Education takes the unknown and makes it understandable. All pregnant women should take a class on childbirth.