One in four births in the UK and almost one in three in the US are now caesareans. Yet the amount of time spent covering this eventuality in most childbirth education classes is about one hour; out of an eight to twelve hour course. Many couples face a caesarean birth with very little understanding of the procedure.

If you know that you will be having a caesarean birth, how can you best prepare? One answer is special childbirth education classes focusing on caesarean births. Although not offered at all hospitals, these special classes can be found through independent childbirth educators in many major UK and US cities.

But if the doctor is doing the surgery, why do you even need to prepare with classes?

Most importantly childbirth education classes will help you to prepare for your birth. Studies have shown that as many as 25% of caesarean mothers view their births as traumatic. One possible reason for this trauma is fear of the unknown. By taking a special class that focuses upon caesarean birth, you will learn about the basic procedure as well as what to expect after your baby is born and tips for improving your recovery. By understanding and preparing for your birth, you remove the unknown and the fear/trauma that goes with it.

And those relaxation and breathing exercises? You might be surprised at how valuable those techniques can be during a caesarean and recovery. Imagine a technician comes into your room an hour before your birth. You are a bit tense with anticipation already. She explains that she needs to draw a couple of tubes of blood and put in your IV. Your heart starts racing, your breathing becomes more rapid and shallow, your hands start to sweat and your veins actually start to constrict sending more blood to your heart. But also making it harder for the technician to find a vein.

Now imagine that you had learned visualization and breathing exercises. You are able to use those with the support of your partner or labour supporter. You relax and the technician is able to find your vein immediately…and you barely felt it. Repeat the process for the epidural, except this time the needle is going into your spine. And after the surgery, you are able to use the same techniques to minimise the use of pain medications.

So what do you look for in childbirth education classes if you are having a caesarean birth?

In addition to all the basic information about pregnancy and postpartum, ask some of the following questions:

Do you have classes just for caesarean births? If not how much time do you spend on the topic? What is the teacher’s experience with caesarean births? Has she had one? Has she observed one? Has she received special training on breastfeeding after a caesarean? What exercises and techniques to improve recovery times are covered in the class?

If you have difficulty finding special classes in your area, speak with your doctor or an independent childbirth educator about arranging a series or even having private classes. It might be that they had never realised how popular the classes would be.

Remember that this is still your baby’s birth and it deserves the same excitement and respect as any other birth. Learn and prepare your body, mind and heart to welcome your new baby. Maybe a caesarean birth was not what you had wanted or planned, but with knowledge and persistence you can still have a good birth experience…and the first step on that path is childbirth education classes.

By: Terri O'Neale