22/08/2020
Written by Marie-Paule CELSE, Head of Maternity, La Chataigneraie private hospital (Beaumont)
If you want to be as ready as you can be for childbirth and parenthood, you have the option to take eight antenatal classes (one antenatal interview and seven preparation sessions) that are fully reimbursed by the French Social Security system.
Early antenatal interview (l’entretien prénatal précoce)
The early antenatal interview, or the “4th month interview” can take place at any time during your pregnancy, although it’s best to arrange it as early as the fourth month of pregnancy. You can go alone or as a couple and no medical prescription is necessary. This interview can be organised with a GP, a gynaecologist, a liberal midwife, a midwife from the mother and child protection centre (“PMI”) or a midwife from the private or public maternity hospitality, if this option is available.
This interview is not a medical examination but a time to pose your questions to a healthcare professional. During the 45 minute interview, you can discuss any issue you’re concerned about. The professional that meets with you can provide all the parenting support you might need. You could, for example, discuss how your pregnancy will be monitored, your rights and obligations, your life as a couple and your birth plan.
Vaginal birth preparation
From the seventh month of your pregnancy, you have the option to take antenatal classes. These sessions will provide information on what’s going on inside you during your pregnancy and help you prepare for childbirth and your baby’s first days.
Taught by the midwife of your choice, antenatal classes are given on a one-on-one basis or in small groups. Part of the sessions concentrate on the theory, where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and talk to other mothers-to-be. The practical element focuses on helping you learn how to breathe, how to relax and how to push so that you’re ready when the time comes. Fathers or companions are also welcome to attend, and can find the answers to any questions they may have. Some maternity hospitals organise meetings just for fathers-to-be, so why not ask for more information!
Yoga
Yoga focuses on breathwork, teaching you breathing and relaxation techniques, as well as the positions that facilitate childbirth. You will do different exercises during these classes, including:
- Muscular stretching to help improve flexibility and tone the muscles used during pregnancy and childbirth
- Breathing exercises to coordinate breath and movement
- Learning how to properly position your pelvis.
Antenatal water aerobics
Taking antenatal water aerobics classes lets you move your body in a harmonious, fun and enjoyable way. In the water, the effects of weightlessness disappear. This means you can perform gentle and flexible relaxation and breathing exercises, enjoying greater freedom of movement without the risk of shock or trauma to the foetus. You can then prepare for the arrival of your baby at your own pace and in a totally relaxed manner!
Haptonomy
Haptonomy is a technique that allows future parents to establish emotional contact with their baby. Babies can perceive touch and the pressure exerted through the walls of their mother’s abdomen and womb. They are sensitive to this and respond positively. Haptonomy forges child-parent contact in utero and can help you give birth with as little trauma as possible. Haptonomy is not just a simple and practical method, it’s the first real communication you have with your baby before they arrive! The two of you can prepare for the birth together – with the father, who’s actively involved in the pregnancy.
Prenatal singing
The aim of prenatal singing is to support women in motherhood, both during pregnancy and after the birth. Prenatal singing is both for mothers and fathers-to-be, and does not require any specific voice skills.
Prenatal singing has four vocations:
- It promotes wellbeing: through singing, you focus on your breathing, on your body and on relaxing
- It creates a relationship with your unborn child through words or sound vibrations
- It completes your preparation for childbirth
- It helps you get through the pain.
If you enjoyed singing, you can prolong the moment with your baby after the birth – they’ll be delighted to hear you sing!
Sophrology
Sophrology is technique used for controlling pain and learning to relax. These precious moments of mental and muscular relaxation help loosen muscles, letting you breathe quietly and deeply.
In search of calm and serenity, you will learn to control your emotions through different techniques. Fully aware of your body, you will be taught how to regulate your breathing and recover between contractions.
The Bonapace method
The Bonapace birth preparation technique aims to reduce pain so as to limit medical intervention during childbirth. The method combines finger pressure, massage and posture tests. It requires the active participation of your birth partner, who can help relieve pain during contractions using three techniques:
- Acupressure: your birth partner places their fingers on the traditional acupuncture points located on your hands, feet and bottom. The pressure applied to these points should help soothe.
- Relational touch: particularly on the lumbar region. Massage helps relieve pain during contractions.
- Distracting attention using breathing techniques: you can concentrate on your breathing to help control pain during contractions, for example.
Pilates
This gentle technique helps you be more aware of your body and better control your posture and movements. Pilates focuses on strengthening the “powerhouse”, i.e. all the muscles in the centre of the body (abdominal, pelvic floor and back muscles). Exercises are performed on the floor, helping you relax the core muscles that support the skeleton.
Acupuncture
Needles that promote wellbeing are a non-invasive alternative that can prevent or relieve aches and pains during pregnancy, at the time of the birth and afterwards.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a preparation method that offers you more physical comfort through the control of stress and breathing.
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