Many first-time parents find themselves wondering what they have gotten themselves into. If you have a little one on the way it is perfectly normal to sometimes feel doubt, fear, and anxiety. You do not know quite what to expect, and that is completely understandable. A lot of rookies new to the baby game could use a coach. Birthing classes may help you and your partner out in this regard. Birthing classes will answer a lot of your questions, putting your mind at ease from the many worries that you may find are overwhelming you right now.

Birthing classes will prepare you for the many changes that you will soon experience. You will find out all about labor and delivery, vaginal and cesarean birth, pain management, breathing techniques and how to give your new baby the very best care.

Birthing classes usually begin when the new mommy is about seven months pregnant (the third trimester). What is offered in your area may begin at a later or sooner stage of your pregnancy than this, however. Check with your doctor to see which birthing classes are available where you live.

A birthing class is a wonderful resource for so many aspects of your upcoming childbirth experience. The benefits are many. You will learn the role of your labor partner, what you can expect while in labor and delivery and how to tell when you are in labor. You will find out about your pain relief choices during labor and how to write a birth plan. You will also be informed about the development of your baby, healthy progressions in your pregnancy and relaxation and breathing techniques. You will be cautioned about the warning signs that can let you know when something is wrong.

It takes two to tango, and your partner can benefit from birthing classes just as much as you can. If your baby's dad is also your birth coach he will feel much more involved in the pregnancy. Taking the classes together can be a great bonding experience for the two of you, too. He needs to know just what to expect when you go into labor so he will be much more prepared to help you through it. Sometimes classes concentrate on the challenges new dads can expect and these classes let men get their own concerns and questions addressed and answered. Like you, he needs to know all about dealing with the emotional changes new parents face, such as baby care and breastfeeding.

Healthy and well-informed moms and dads are more prepared for those all-important decisions that being new parents will bring. Birthing classes will prepare you with the coping techniques, knowledge and confidence you will need in the busy days and weeks to come. The choices you make now will impact all your lives for years to come. Understand your options, educate yourselves and be ready to give your new baby all the advantages that smart and loving parents can.