Welcome to Pacific Midwifery, Menopause & Women’s Health!

And CONGRATULATIONS on your pregnancy!

Please view this video prior to your first appointment with us… and don’t forget to complete your on-line’ history portion. There is a link in the side bar of every web page.

Childbirth education: Get ready for labor and delivery

     Childbirth education classes can give you confidence as you head for labor and delivery — whether you’re a first-time mom or a delivery veteran.

    You’ve probably read about childbirth and heard countless labor stories from friends and loved ones. But do you really know what to expect during labor and delivery? A childbirth education class can demystify the process.

Why should I take a childbirth education class?

    Whether you’re delivering your first child or fifth, a childbirth education class can help you prepare to meet the challenges of labor and delivery. Consider the opportunities:

• Learn things you never knew about labor, delivery and postpartum care. You’ll find out how to identify the signs of labor and what happens to your body as your baby makes his or her way into the world.
• Address your fears. During class, you’ll have the chance to talk about your fears with other women who probably share the same concerns. The instructor can dispel myths and help put your mind at ease.
• Connect with your partner or labor coach. A childbirth education class offers your partner or labor coach the chance to understand childbirth, too — as well as how to support you during labor.
• Discuss options for handling pain. You’ll practice various methods for coping with contractions, such as breathing techniques, relaxation and visualization. Most classes also cover the pros and cons of common medications, such as narcotic analgesics and epidural blocks.
• Get the basics on medical interventions. Find out how routine interventions may influence the course of labor.
• Check out the facility. You might tour the facility where you’ll give birth and find out about its policies and resources.
• Brush up on newborn care. In addition to labor and delivery, you’ll likely get a primer on newborns. Common topics include choosing a pediatrician, breast-feeding, diapering and bathing.
• Create a social network. Meet other pregnant women and listen to their experiences.

Are there different types of childbirth education classes?

     Some childbirth education classes cover specific types of births, such as C-section, vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) and multiple births. Refresher courses are available for parents who simply want to review the basics. Other classes focus on specific methods of childbirth. For example:

• Lamaze. The goal of Lamaze is to increase confidence in your ability to give birth. Lamaze classes help you understand how to cope with pain in ways that both facilitate labor and promote comfort — including focused breathing, movement and massage.
• Bradley. The Bradley Method emphasizes that birth is a natural process. You’re encouraged to trust your body, focusing on diet and exercise throughout pregnancy. You’re taught to manage labor through deep breathing and the support of your partner or labor coach.
• Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital offers childbirth classes. Call 360-487-5498 to obtain more information and register.
• Many other classes borrow elements from these popular methods. In addition, in the section of our website featuring Waterbirth, you can learn more, view a Power Point video and see reference sites.

What should I look for in a class?

     Look for a class taught by a certified childbirth educator. Classes should be small — with no more than eight to 10 couples — to facilitate discussion and allow personalized instruction. Be sure to ask about the cost as well.

When should I take the class?

     Childbirth education classes are often recommended near the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy — but anytime before you go into labor would be helpful. Often a series of classes is offered over a period of weeks during the last trimester. The earlier you register, the more options and flexibility you’ll have regarding class dates and times.

What is my midwife’s role?

     Your Certified Nurse Midwife is there throughout the labor and birth to help you have a positive experience. With her input, use what you learn in your childbirth education class to create a birth plan. No one can predict how labor and delivery will unfold, but together you can design a birth plan that meets your expectations for labor, delivery and postpartum care — and that promotes the best care for you and your baby. Your midwife will be with you throughout the active phase of labor and the delivery.

      Here is more information to review and answer most of your basic questions about pregnancy and birth! By Mayo Clinic staff

• Prenatal testing: Your guide to common tests
• Pregnancy and exercise: Baby, let’s move!
• Prenatal testing: Is it right for you?
• Sex during pregnancy: What’s OK, what’s not
• Prenatal vitamins: Give your baby the best start
• Working during pregnancy: Do’s and don’ts
• Pregnancy nutrition: Foods to avoid during pregnancy
• Pregnancy weight gain: What’s healthy?
• Preterm labor: Take prevention seriously
• Pregnancy diet: Essential nutrients when you’re eating for two
• Pregnancy nutrition: Healthy eating for you and your baby
• Pregnancy and fish: What’s too little — or too much?
• Back pain during pregnancy
• Breast-feeding while pregnant: Is it safe?
• Air travel during pregnancy: Is it safe?
• Baby brain: Does it exist?
• Pregnancy and hot tubs: What’s the risk?
• Flu shot in pregnancy: Is it safe?
• Pregnancy acne: What’s the best treatment?
• Aspirin during pregnancy: Is it safe?
• Headaches during pregnancy: What’s the best treatment?
• Allergy medications and pregnancy: What’s safe?
• X-ray during pregnancy: Is it safe?
• Antibiotics and pregnancy: What’s safe?
• Video: Fetal ultrasound
• Slide show: Fetal ultrasound
• Ankle swelling during pregnancy: Is it a concern?
• Hair dye and pregnancy: A concern?
• Vaccines during pregnancy: Are they safe?
• Exercise during pregnancy: Is heart rate a concern?
• Pregnancy constipation: Are stool softeners safe?
• Does eating fish make children smarter?
• Pregnancy and flu: Had your flu shot yet?
• Pregnancy due date calculator

Bring any other questions to your appointment and ask the midwife… she’s done this hundreds of times more than you (or your friends) have, and is the expert !!!