OBTAINING FURTHER INFORMATION

Apart from books and articles in magazines, most centres have antenatal (meaning before birth) classes to provide further information about preparing for childbirth. These are usually run by nurse educators, midwives, doctors and physiotherapists and cover a whole range of important topics. The content and quality of antenatal classes obviously varies but they are well worth attending - especially if you are expecting your first baby. They include information about the physiology of pregnancy and mechanisms of labour; keeping fit and alleviating some of the discomforts that commonly occur during pregnancy; coping with labour; breastfeeding and advice on early parenthood.

Most classes are organised in the evenings so that those who are still working (and partners) can attend. Partners, incidentally, are not as useless as they often appear! But partners and friends need some help too, if they want to be supportive and share the birth with you. So encourage them to come along too.

Various booklets and handouts are often available at antenatal classes on a whole range of topics, including pain relief. Videos are also available which show the different kinds of pain relief used in labour and having a caesarean section under epidural anaesthesia. At least two separate videos have been produced on these topics, specifically for the general public. They are factual and unfeigned, yet not too technical for showing in an antenatal class as a basis for discussion.

Antenatal classes represent a golden opportunity to ask questions. Naturally, people are sometimes shy or hesitant to ask questions in the presence of others: no one likes to feel they are making a fool of themselves. But there is really no question that is too silly to ask. You will be surprised how often someone Will say afterwards 'I am glad you asked that question. It has been bothering me for ages, but I felt too stupid to ask!' As time goes on, most women attending antenatal classes begin to feel more relaxed and self confident. Indeed, one of the most useful things about attending the classes is the fact that you are in the company of others who are 'in the same boat'. Sharing one's expectations and anxieties with others is always beneficial and most classes provide plenty of opportunity for discussion. Many a friendship has been struck at an antenatal class!

Most centres nowadays will arrange for you to visit the labour and delivery area. This may be organised as a group visit during one of the antenatal classes or on an individual basis. There is nothing wrong in asking one of the midwives if you can have a look around the labour area. If you want to have an individual tour, however, it is best to telephone and make an appointment first because there will be times when the staff are too busy to attend to you. A good centre will welcome you and make you feel at home. An informal visit allows you to see for yourself the kinds of facilities that are available and gives you a better insight into the general atmosphere of the unit.

Sometimes, you will have particular questions that you may want to discuss privately:

• you may have an illness or condition which might influence your choice of pain relief or anaesthesia;
• you may have had a back injury or spinal surgery in the past
• and are worried about having an epidural;
• you may have experienced some problem with an anaesthetic in the past.

Questions such as these are best discussed with your doctor early in your pregnancy. If there are several questions, it is a good idea to write them down so that you do not forget. Your doctor will usually be able to put your mind at ease. If not, he may arrange for you to discuss your problem with an anaesthetist who is experienced in treating obstetric patients.