The Importance Of Mothers-To-Be Attending Maternity Classes

I recently had a chance to interview Jessica Pizarro, who is an obstetrical nurse, and I couldn’t miss the opportunity to ask some questions concerning mothers-to-be attending maternity classes.

Jessica serves patients as part of the mother/baby team (labor, delivery and postpartum) at Inspira Medical Center Woodbury.

The center will move to the new Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill, opening late this year.

She holds certifications in advanced life support and neonatal resuscitation as well as childbirth education. She’s just perfect to answer all the questions I had in mind!

Here they are:

For those who haven’t attended a maternity class, what can they expect?

Most of the moms have never been hospitalized. So they will get a lot of information, so they know what to expect as far as:

• how the labor progresses and what resources are available through the process;
• pain management;
• what their support people can do.

It also gives them information on some of the policies of the hospital:

• how many support people can you bring with you.
• how many days can you stay?

Other reasons to take a class and maternity tour:

• It helps make it easy on the anxiety, just by knowing what to expect.
• You learn when should you come to the hospital and call the doctor.
• Talk about and see the triage room and what to expect there.
• Partners support person is encouraged to attend. They see videos and learn ways they can get involved supporting their partner through labor.
• See videos about natural deliveries and C-sections.
• Exercises are done as a part of the class as well!

When is the best time to attend classes, how early?

In the second trimester, probably around 25 -32 weeks, but we had people at 39 weeks as well!

What are the most important takeaway mothers-to-be will learn from attending a course?

Different relaxation techniques: breathing, progressive relaxation, meditation

Pain management options.

Different techniques and interventions that doctors and midwives may use  during labor and delivery,  including wireless monitoring, or using a yoga ball for positioning.

C-Section Talk:

They talk about C-Sections because the goal is to have a healthy mom and healthy baby. What happens in the OR, recovery process which is different and they also show a short video as well.

Additionally, the class includes a Tour of the unit to make them more comfortable.

How long is the class?

Saturdays (1-day class) 9 AM-3PM

Series: Tuesday nights (3 weeks) from 7-9 PM

Most compelling reasons why moms-to-be should sign up for maternity classes and tours:

• Discuss labor/pain management
• warning signs
• Breast feeding/postpartum and newborn care
• Visit the unit

Maternity room at Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill