The Importance of Antenatal Education

Becoming a mother for the first time is the most incredible experience, but pregnancy and labour can be unpredictable.  When I was pregnant with my daughter, I exercised throughout, did pregnancy yoga, ate well and took time to relax.  Unfortunately, despite this, my labour didn’t go entirely to plan. I genuinely believed that if I did all those things, that would equal a good labour. I learnt that although physical and mental wellbeing is vitally important during pregnancy, so is being prepared for what nature may have in store. Yes, hopefully, things will go to plan, but it is so important to be flexible, not get too obsessed with your birth plan, and expect the unexpected.

So what can you do to prepare? The answer is whatever is instinctive and whatever you feel you need to build confidence about becoming a parent.  Good antenatal classes can be invaluable in your preparation; not only to meet other parents-to-be, but also to build awareness of your options and as a result, build your confidence as the pregnancy comes to an end, and the next chapter is about to start.

Are you pregnant and live in or around Bristol?  See our new expert-led antenatal classes at www.bumptocradle.com