Hydrotherapy in Labor: Can Water Make Birth Less Painful?

Imagine sinking into warm water as intense contractions peak, like a warm and comforting hug. Many birthing individuals are curious about Hydrotherapy in labor for their birthing experience. Hydrotherapy (or the use of water in a therapeutic manner) is as simple as using a tub of water for immersion or a shower for pain relief. This safe, simple, and readily accessible tool is a great one to ensure you have in your toolbox.

Walk with us as we explore the benefits of using water for pain relief, how it can offer support before and during birth, and some tips and tricks from our experts at Doulas of Baltimore.

A support person offers comfort to a birthing person in labor.

What Exactly Is Hydrotherapy in Labor?

Hydrotherapy put simply is using water as a therapeutic tool. This isn’t relegated to labor alone, as water is used in healing modalities for all sorts of situations from everyday people taking a shower during a migraine to professional athletes using cold water to limit swelling after injuries. During labor the most common uses are showers, birth pools, and baths.

Using water during labor is not just relaxing, it’s non-medical pain management. With roots in ancient civilizations for both health and spiritual reasons, using water as a treatment goes back centuries. Science has now caught up with the extensive use and offers us explanations for why historically this worked.

Why Water Works Wonders: Science-Backed Benefits

Physical Benefits

When discussing a birth pool or tub, the phyiscal benefits are measurable! By submerging in water, our bodies experience buoyancy which eases movement and reduces the stress on our muscles and joints. Even outside of labor, harnessing this power by floating in a pool can increase comfort during pregnancy.

The warmth of the water used during labor helps to increase blood flow and relax the muscles. This can ease the discomfort of contractions as muscles that are already tight become tighter as contractions increase. The relaxation can help allow your body to do what it needs to do to move baby down.

The pressure of the water (called Hydrostatic pressure) also can help to reduce swelling and support the peineum.

Emotional Benefits

Beyond physical comfort, emotional comfort can also emerge from the use of Hydrotherapy. Water creates a physical barrier, offering comfort whether in the shower or tub. Especially when giving birth in a less familiar setting (such as a hospital room), this can give a huge amount of security to the birthing person.

Water has been shown to help aid in the release of endorphins and lowering of stress hormones. During labor this can directly translate to pain reduction. Using Hydrotherapy also offers the birthing person a sense of control during active labor. Handing this control back to them can be the difference betwween stress and safety in their birthing experience.

Labor Progress

While the evidence is limited, there is data out there that suggests that immersion in water during labor can help shorten the duration of that labor. There is also evidence to suggest that use of Hydrotherapy as a tool during labor can potentially decrease the usage of epidurals or other medical pain management tools. This might be of particular interest for pregnant individuals who do not wish to or cannot use medical pain interventions for any reason.

When & How to Use Hydrotherapy in Labor

Timing

Early Labor – great for using showers as a distraction and pain relief

Active Labor – great time for using warm water in a birth pool or bath

Transition – this is when you’d want to exit the water if you’re not planning a waterbirth

Tip: water is also a great tool to use for both stalled labor and back labor. Submerge into warm water and allow your muscles to relax!

Techniques

  • Showers are great for leaning against the wall with the warm water running over your back. If the shower is equipped with a handheld shower head, you could also hold the warm water running over your back or belly, depending on where you’re feeling the tightness of your contractions.
  • When setting up the birthing pool, the ideal water level is at least 18 inches of water to ensure the birthing person experiences the benefits of buoyancy and to ensure the baby is fully submerged if they emerge in the water. Ideally, the water would be over the birthing person’s abdomen, just under their chest. Any higher can limit movement and cause instability.
  • The ideal water temperature is between 97°F–100°F. It’s important not to go too far above or below that range for the safety of baby.
  • In your birthing pool there are many positions you might try. Consider squatting, leaning over the side while on your knees, or floating on your back.
  • Partner Pro Tip: help with your partner’s relaxation by performing temperature checks, pouring warm water over their back or belly, keeping their cool water fresh, and offering or switching cool washcloths for their head or neck.

Safety & Considerations

Safety First

Some hospitals have a policy of avoiding submerging in water if your water has been broken for longer than 24 hours. This varies by facility and the best practice here is to keep in touch with your provider and doula once your membranes have ruptured. The concern here is introducing any bacteria into the placenta, this is definitely one to defer to your doctor on.

It’s important to pay attention to how you’re feeling and exit the water immediately if you begin to feel dizzy, overheated, or if baby shows signs of distress. At home you doctor may suggest a kick count to keep track of how baby is handling labor.

Since there is an open site for epidurals and you won’t be able to feel anything below that site, Hydrotherapy isn’t an option if you choose to recieve an epidural. It’s also often not an option for those who have recieved IV medication, though showers are often allowed! Make sure you touch base with your care providers on what is available to you.

FAQs

  • “Can the baby breathe underwater?” – Healthy babies have what is called a “Dive Reflex” where they do not breathe until exposed to cooler temperatures or air. For this reason, it’s important to monitor the temperature of the water and ensure it is kept warm. It’s also important to keep baby submerged if a water birth occurs until they’re fully emerged from the birth canal or that a birthing individual does not squat back down into the water once baby’s head has emerged. Immediate Surfacing, or bringing baby directly up for air and not submerging them again, is best practice for waterbirths. Follow the directions of your care provider in this instance.
  • “Does it increase infection risk?” – Studies have shown little to no evidence that Hydrotherapy in labor increases the risk of infection during labor. There was a slight increase in risk of infection after birth.
  • “What if I deliver in water?” – If you accidentally deliver in water your care team will guide you through the safest manner of getting you and your baby to safety. Sometimes this involves staying in the water, others this means you’ll exit the water. Waterbirth is also a viable birth option, though it’s rare to find in a hospital setting. If you desire a waterbirth, consider looking into a waterbirth-friendly birth center or a certified homebirth Midwife.

A birthing person holds their baby in a birth pool after their waterbirth.

Planning for Hydrotherapy in Labor

Birth Setting Options

Remember that not all hospitals have access to birthing pools or baths. Most will have showers in the rooms. Birth centers are often equipped with birthing bathtubs designed for laboring. Homebirths will require a birth pool rental unless your provider clears the tub you’re birthing in as large enough. Check with your provider if your plan for Hydrotherapy is going to work for your birth space.

Prep Checklist

  • Discuss your desire for Hydrotherapy with your care provider early in your pregnancy. This is important to ensure that they’re both comfortable with your plan and that they have the capability to offer it to you in your birthing space.
  • Pack essentials for being in water in your birth bag. Make sure you bring a comfortable sports bra or bathing suit top, soft towels, and a water bottle to keep nearby. Consider also bringing extra washcloths.
  • If you’re renting a birth pool for your home, make sure you do a test run before labor begins! Ensure you have it inflated well before labor is imminent, know how you’ll fill it (will you be bringing a hose inside?), and know how you’ll empty it.

Conclusion

An incredible tool in any birthing person’s toolbox, Hydrotherapy is a perfect, non-medical comfort measure to try. Remember that not all birthing individuals like the same things and the tools you use can even shift during labor. Remember to chat with your care team and make arrangements ahead of time. Your comfort matters during your birth! Let water be a helpful friend that offers you comfort as you ride the waves of labor.

Birthing Parental Health Resources from Doulas of Baltimore

As birth professionals, birthing parental health is paramount to our roles in the birth and parenting space. We know that our advocacy is vital to improving outcomes. Around 3.7 million babies are born each year in the US, but we are the only developed country with a rising mortality rate for birthing individuals. Not to mention that rate is worse for marginalized groups.

Black women are three to four times as likely to die of pregnancy and birthing complications as white women. Disabled people have a significantly higher risk of dying from pregnancy and childbirth than their able-bodied counterparts. 

Here is the important statistic, though: 60% of birthing parent deaths are preventable. Understanding the disparities and providing equity in healthcare access can decrease maternal mortality. To help increase awareness for maternal health, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recognizes Maternal Health Awareness Day every January 23. 

We’ve gathered some of our favorite resources for expectant parents to improve maternal health outcomes. Let’s walk through them!

Routine Prenatal Visits are Vital for Your Birthing Parental Health and Baby’s Health

ACOG recommends that you schedule a visit with a care provider as soon as you know you are pregnant. Then, go to all of your visits, even if you feel fine. A prenatal care provider can include an OB/GYN, a family care doctor, a nurse practitioner, or a midwife.

The March of Dimes has an extensive guide to prenatal care visits and what to expect. 

Understanding Pregnancy Helps Support a Healthy Pregnancy

Our belief is that education, collaborative provider partnership, and unwavering nonjudgmental support can make pregnancy and childbirth one of the most fulfilling and transformative experiences of your life. Understanding pregnancy can help people know what to expect, what to look out for, and how to stay as healthy as possible. For example, preeclampsia is a leading cause of birthing parental mortality, but many people may not know their risk factors.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) has an infographic with preeclampsia basics and an FAQ about staying healthy before and during pregnancy. At Doulas of Baltimore, our Childbirth Education Classes help you feel informed and make confident decisions. 

Postpartum Care Should Be an Ongoing Process to Support Birthing Parental Health

While a lot of focus is placed on the time leading up to childbirth, ACOG has recognized that the postpartum period is important. For parents, this should mean planning and thinking about healthcare, feeding, care, and important decisions (link to last blog) before baby arrives. ACOG believes that postpartum care should be an ongoing process that is individualized for each birthing person. This is especially true for people who have other health conditions that may impact their postpartum health. March of Dimes has an overview of what to expect during postpartum healthcare visits. 

Each pregnancy and birth is unique. By helping parents understand childbirth and the postpartum period, we can create change for healthier families and babies. 

Install a Car Seat Safely: How To

Installing a car seat safely is one of the most important things to do before baby arrives. In fact, you can’t leave the hospital without a car seat. Choosing and installing a car seat that best fits your vehicle and lifestyle can seem daunting. That’s why our own Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) is here to help. Here are six steps to ensure your baby’s car seat is safely installed. 

Be Prepared when Installing a Car Seat Safely

If you are a first-time parent, you’ve probably never installed a car seat before. And even if you have other children, you may not be familiar with your new car seat’s installation procedures. To install your car seat safely, read both the entirety of your car seat manual and the portions of your vehicle owner’s manual that pertains to child restraints. We recommend that you install your seat by your 36th week of pregnancy.

Accessories Can Be Dangerous

It might be tempting to use aftermarket accessories for your car seat or car. Don’t. Use only manufactured approved items that come in the box with your car seat (infant inserts, strap covers, etc.). This includes cozy winter inserts like the J.J. Cole Bundle Me, which are not approved for use in car seats. 

Don’t Leave Baby in the Car Seat

Avoid keeping baby in the car seat more than absolutely necessary. A car seat is designed to keep baby snug and safe, but limits baby’s movement. Even if baby fell asleep in the car seat, consider babywearing or a stroller with a bassinet instead. 

Ensure Proper Use of the Car Seat

Straps should come through the slot just below baby’s shoulders, be snug enough that you can not pinch any slack at the collarbone or hips and chest clip should be even with baby’s armpits. Never loosen car seat straps or unbuckle the chest clip or crotch buckle unless you are removing the baby from the seat.

Consult a Child Passenger Safety Technician to Install the Car Seat Safely

Before baby arrives, schedule an appointment with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). A CPST is qualified and trained to make sure that your car seat is installed correctly and can help you install a baby car seat safely.

As a Doulas of Baltimore client, you may schedule your Car Seat Concierge appointment for $100. What’s included in our car seat concierge service:

  • Initial consultation to discuss your feature and brand preferences, budget, and lifestyle factors
  • Assistance in selecting the best car seat for your child 90-minute personalized car seat installation appointment with up to 2 seat(s) in up to 2 vehicle(s) 
  • 12 months of industry professional phone/email support as your child grows to ensure your confident in your child’s car seat safety

Contact us to learn more. 

Birth Classes | 3 Ways Independent Curriculums Stand Out

There are pros and cons for all the birth classes on the market. Depending on what you are looking for from a class, many of the mainstream birth classes can be unappealing.

You may feel like taking a childbirth series is one more thing to do before your baby arrives, but this is one thing that could make an incredible difference to your birth experience.

Childbirth education classes share information that is not just about the physiological birth process. They also dive into the myriad of options that could be present at the birth of your child. If you pick a quality class, it is about much more than that.

Most parents are asking their providers for recommendations of where to attend, and for many, that means signing up for the hospital’s class. Childbirth classes are all different!

We want to share why choosing an independent professional childbirth education class could be one of the best things you do for you and your baby.

An evidence-based childbirth education class is held in Baltimore, Maryland

1) All The Options for Birth Classes

Because our childbirth classes are taught outside of the hospital, our instructors are free to share all options and not only those that support hospital policy. As independent instructors we focus on sharing information, explaining the many options available during labor and birth, and the various scenarios that may arise. This way our students feel informed and prepared to enter their own experience.

Our goal is getting you the knowledge for the type of birth that you desire.

Are you looking for a low intervention birth?

Maybe you’re curious about epidurals?

Have you considered what to do before you get an epidural?

We give easy-to-understand knowledge, and tools to help you bring your plan to life, and, if necessary, help to navigate the unexpected.

Childbirth and parenting classes taught by experts in the Baltimore area

2) Specialized Birth Educators

Once you decide to take a childbirth class, why not rest assured your instructor is someone connected and knowledgeable about birth in your area. To be a childbirth educator with Doulas of Baltimore, years of study, hundreds of hours teaching, and first-hand experience helping families in labor are what make the difference.

The nuance of birth is such that there is no pattern that everyone will follow. However, a new kind of skill develops which your teacher is happy to share with class attendees. It may be silly to say, but that ability is having trust and confidence in birth. When you know what is possible, and learn the necessary skills to discuss needs and wishes with your care providers, you increase the potential for an excellent birth experience.

Partner-approved childbirth, labor, and parenting classes in Baltimore, Maryland

3) Partners Enjoy Independent Birth Classes

There’s a stereotype that non-pregnant partners are uninterested in attending or participating in birth classes. We find birth partners engaged in our classes and happy to feel more confident when class has ended!

We do not shove you into a classroom with grainy videos of birth from the 1970s. A screen is never the focus of the class. We endeavor to make our time together result in you having more confidence about your child’s birth. And more confident about how to interact with one another during your baby’s birth.

Need more information? Read testimonials from former students and please to reach out with any questions. If you are ready to get started – head straight to our education page!

Top Positions to Try During Labor

Our top positions to try during labor? Childbirth is a process that can last a varied amount of time based on many factors. During labor, the birthing person might need to try a variety of different comfort measures. Even moving between each of these positions can help ease discomfort and be a welcome distraction. We’ve put together a guide on some of our top recommendations complete with variations and things for a support person to consider.

Positions for laboring in bed

This photo is property of Lamaze International.


Throne

Description: Throne position is a secret weapon of doulas everywhere! This position utilizes the movement of hospital beds to get the laboring person into a comfortable position for resting or waiting. This one is easy to remember, since the very idea of the position is in the name. We’ll be putting our birthing individual on a “throne”.

How to Get There (hospital bed): Have the birthing person sit in the bed. Using the controls on the hospital bed, raise the back up between 45 and 90 degrees. Have the birthing person lean forward for the initial adjustment and lean back to raise or lower the back to a comfortable position. Drop the lower part of the bed all the way to create a “throne”. The goal is a seated position.

Especially Helpful for: After an epidural or medication! This position is perfect for when you’re waiting for dilation but are comfortable enough with medication on board to rest. This is also helpful for getting baby to descend by letting gravity work its magic.

Variations: While this can be great for medicated births, this seated position is also excellent for non-medicated births in other spaces. One notable variation is sitting backwards on the toilet! Since our pelvic floors are trained to relax on the toilet to allow us to use the bathroom, often we’ll use this position to move dilation along. Note: this position can get intense very quickly as baby descends, make sure someone is nearby to help the birthing person off the toilet quickly if needed.

Side Lying

Description: As the name suggests, this position is very simply lying to the side for the birthing person. Another resting position, this helps take the pressure off of the pelvis and back for the birthing individual. We highly recommend a pillow or two between the legs. This one doubles as an excellent pushing position! The top leg can be held by the individual, their birthing partner, a nurse, or a doula to allow the pelvis to open in a more comfortable position.

How to Get There: Simply turn gently to one side or the other! To keep labor moving, a great idea is to move from one side to the other periodically.

Especially Helpful for: This is a great position for early labor, resting after an epidural, or while waiting for pushing urges to emerge. 

Variations: Adding a peanut ball or a stack of pillows that brings the upper knee facing upwards is a surefire way to help with dilation and progression of labor. This position is well-loved by our clients who choose medication as it allows them to rest well while laboring down. This can also be used for an unmedicated birth but, just as with the throne position on the toilet, it can get intense very quickly. Ensure someone is nearby in case a shift needs to happen quickly.

Hands and Knees

Description: Put those arms and legs to work! Laboring on all fours is an excellent way to open the pelvis. This position also could be great for getting baby oxygen and some physicians recommend it for easier positioning of monitors.

How to Get There: Very simply put, this position is fairly simple to get into! In the bed, rotate a little bit at a time with some support on one or both sides. Have someone nearby to move pillows or blankets as needed until the birthing person is in position.

Especially Helpful for: Active laboring! This position is a very active one and gives the birthing person the sensation of doing something instead of being swept away by laboring. Note: this one can get tiring! This is a great position to prepare or “train” ahead of time by lifting light weights or doing movements that strengthen the arms.

Variations: Lean over something to give your arms a rest! Our best suggestions are a stack of pillows, a birthing ball, or the back of the hospital bed. This position could also translate well to water if choosing hydrotherapy with the birthing person leaning over the side of the pool or bath.

Positions for out of the bed

A partner works with their pregnant partner to support them during labor.

Partner Supported

Description: Lean on me! Standing can get tiring but letting gravity do its job can be very helpful. Enter: partner support! Whether you lean on someone standing in front of you, behind you, or use a bedsheet or rebozo, getting support from someone else can make standing or squatting much easier.

How to Get There: For partner-supported sitting, simply have the partner stand in front of or behind the birthing person to support. It may be helpful for the partner to have their back supported against the wall.

Especially Helpful for: Taking a break from walking or while a contraction is happening. 

Variations: Use a bedsheet or rebozo under the birthing person’s arms to offer extra support that is easier to manage for the partner.

 

Hands and Knees Redux

Description: This position is a great one to do outside of the bed as well! Enjoy all the same benefits of hands and knees in the bed but with more freedom of movement.

How to Get There: Simply sit on the floor swinging legs around and using support to evenly distribute weight onto both hands and knees. Consider putting down a yoga mat or folded up blanket to support the knees and soften the surface.

Especially Helpful for: Active laboring and hip squeezes!

Variations: Lean over a birthing ball or chair to ease the strain on wrists.

 

Birth is not a one-size-fits-all and your comfort is a top priority. When practicing these positions, take note of what feels comfortable and what feels like too big of a stretch. Remind yourself and your birthing partner that what feels good outside of labor may change very quickly and vice versa. Stay in tune with your body as labor progresses and move naturally. Your body is wise!

Early Labor | What Should I Do?

Early labor can often leave us with the question of, “When do I head to the hospital?”. Clever reminders like “511” remind us that contractions should be 5 minutes apart and 1 minute long for 1 full hour before you head in. As doulas, we are huge advocates for distraction through early labor. Often, when you focus on distractions you’re able to discern when you can’t ignore labor anymore.

When your pregnancy is healthy and labor is going normally, we love to encourage clients to try to make their contractions go away. True labor won’t stop just because you put your feet up! In addition to staying hydrated, eating nourishing food that feels good to you, and laying down for a bit, here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy a distraction during early labor.

Schedule an Appointment

An excellent way to relax and distract yourself is to get yourself to a self-care appointment. Book a pedicure, a prenatal massage, or find a salon near you that does blow outs. These appointments are wonderful for distraction but they also help create a flow of oxytocin in your body. Oxytocin is a wonderful pain relief and also calming hormone and it can be stimulated by skin-to-skin contact. Be sure you’re in contact with your birth team and consider having someone else drive (just in case!)

Warm Shower or Bath

The warmth of a shower or bath can ease tension and relax your muscles, helping you stay comfortable as early labor progresses. Water has a calming effect and can provide gentle relief, especially for back pain or cramps. Sitting or standing under a warm shower allows the heat to target your back and abdomen, while a bath can create a more immersive, weightless experience that helps you relax between contractions.

Safety Note: Be sure to keep the water at a comfortable, warm temperature (not hot) and stay hydrated if you’re soaking for a while.

A pregnant individual does a yoga and meditation routine.

Movement and Gentle Exercise

Moving around can be surprisingly effective in early labor. Gentle stretches, walking, a prenatal yoga video, or using a yoga ball can help release muscle tension, encourage a more optimal baby position, and may even help labor progress. Slow dancing with a partner or swaying your hips in a figure-eight motion can bring comfort and connection, grounding you through each contraction.

Tip: If you have a yoga or birth ball, sit and gently rock your hips, move them in a figure 8 motion, or bounce lightly to ease any pressure in your lower back or hips.

Create a Calming Environment

A soothing environment can make a big difference in how you feel. Dim the lights, play calming music or sounds, and use soft, cozy blankets or a favorite pillow. Try lighting a candle that has a soothing scent to create a spa-like atmosphere if you’re interested in aromatherapy. Choose things that bring you comfort and help you feel safe.

Tip: Make a playlist with a mix of calming and upbeat songs. The calming ones can help you relax, while the upbeat tracks can lift your mood if you’re feeling restless.

A pregnant woman in early labor reads a book sitting on a couch.

Mindful Distractions

Early labor is the perfect time to engage in activities that keep your mind occupied without draining your energy. Simple activities like reading a favorite book, watching a comforting movie, or doing a craft project can keep your focus off contractions while still allowing you to relax. Some people enjoy adult coloring books, knitting, or easy puzzles that bring a sense of calm.

Tip: Make a list of short, enjoyable tasks you can do easily and stop anytime, so you’re prepared with options if labor progresses quickly or you start needing to focus more on your contractions.

These techniques can help you stay comfortable and relaxed at home as labor begins. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to experience early labor; do what feels best for you. Take things one contraction at a time, stay connected to your body, and know that each step brings you closer to meeting your baby.

Unsure if it’s really labor? Check out our blog “Am I actually in labor?”

Newborn Classes and Childbirth Education for New Parents

There isn’t a handbook for pregnancy, birth, or parenthood and that can be overwhelming. If you’re finding yourself with notebooks or spreadsheets full of information to wade through, you’re not alone. We have access to an entire internet full of recommendations, be they current or outdated. Finding reasonable, science-backed answers can feel like an uphill battle and a lonely one at that. Are childbirth classes really necessary? Are newborn care classes worth it?Where can I find newborn classes and childbirth education in Baltimore?

That’s a call only you and your partner can make.

Childbirth Education

What is Childbirth Education?

Childbirth Education Classes are educational programs taught by experienced instructors well versed in the field of Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum. Childbirth Education curriculum varies and classes attended are generally chosen based on your preferences. Some focus heavily on a larger, trademarked curriculum such as Evidence Based Birth or Lamaze, while others are completely unique to the instructor such as Doulas of Baltimore’s signature Complete Childbirth Education Series.

Childbirth Education classes can be taught in person, online, in a group setting, or on an individual basis. There are many options and approaches, the bottom line is finding one that someone you trust teaches.

 

What should my class cover?

While there are many different types of curriculum, and the benefits of childbirth education still require more official study, it’s well known that access to education increases positive outcomes. When looking at classes, ensure yours covers these basic topics:

  • Decision making strategies to ensure you remain an active participant in your birth story
  • Tips for staying healthy and comfortable in late pregnancy
  • Physiology and the process of labor and birth
  • Common interventions and medication options
  • How to create and communicate your birth preferences
  • Hands-on coping, comfort and relaxation techniques 
  • Preparing for the postpartum experience

 

Whether you’re planning on going through childbirth without an epidural or are open to medication, understanding these key topics can help you create the birth and postpartum experience that will set you up for success.

 

Doulas of Baltimore is hosting our Spring session of our Complete Childbirth Series on Saturdays beginning April 6th, 2024 in Baltimore and our One Day Baby 101 workshop in Frederick. Our Complete Childbirth Series runs 4 weeks and covers 12 hours of science-backed education in an affirming and open environment. Our Baby 101 workshop is a one day intensive that gives new parents all the essential information they need. Learn more and register here!

Newborn Care Classes

What are Newborn Care Classes?

Newborn Care Classes are educational sessions for anyone who needs updated information on the care and keeping of newborn babies. Experienced teachers lead these classes who have taken professional training and work in the field. There are many different options for taking these classes including Hospital-based programs and more uniquely designed curriculum created by individuals. Ensure the source and how frequently the materials are updated are considered when searching for your classes. Safety standards for newborns and infants change regularly and ensuring you have the latest information ensures you’re able to keep your baby safe and those around your baby updated.

What should my class cover?

All Newborn Care classes should cover the basics of baby care such as feeding and diapering as well as:

  • Preparing your home and family for a newborn
  • Common baby gear and gadgets
  • Normal newborn characteristics
  • Hygiene including diapering, bathing, and dressing
  • Crying and newborn communication
  • Comfort and bonding techniques
  • Newborn sleep patterns and safe sleep
  • Feeding options and techniques
  • Hunger and satiation cues
  • Common feeding obstacles

 

Doulas of Baltimore has an opportunity for Newborn Care Education this Spring. Join us in Baltimore for our 4 Week Essential Newborn Care Series. This class runs 4 weeks and covers 12 hours of science-backed education in an affirming and open environment. Learn more and register here!

 

When considering the question, “What childbirth classes should I take?” consider who is teaching it, what the course covers, and if the curriculum is aligned with your birth wishes. If you’re searching for infant care classes for new parents we recommend ensuring that the course is based in science and has up-to-date information on safety and development for newborn babies. We recommend if you’re searching for Newborn classes and Childbirth Education in Baltimore or Frederick, consider Doulas of Baltimore!

 

We believe education is one of the most important things you can invest in. Above all when we educate ourselves we empower ourselves to make sound decisions, enter any situation with confidence, and create a great environment for a positive experience. Generally taking classes with your birth partner prior to giving birth can deeply connect you to one another creating a sense of safety and support.

Pinterest graphic about classes for new parents to take

Doula Support & Childbirth Education Are Like Cookies & Milk

Some things in life are made better when they’re together. Milk and cookies. Peanut butter and jelly. Macaroni and cheese. Doula support and childbirth education. All solid choices independently but the combination of the two is unmatched. Maybe you haven’t heard of that last one, but I promise you, it’s just as cohesive of a relationship as milk and cookies! 

Hiring a birth doula helps ensure you and your partner are supported and confident during your pregnancy and birth journey. Just knowing that you will have someone whose sole focus is YOU during this process can relieve so much unanticipated stress. 

In order to ensure you receive the most out of your experience with a birth doula, it is beneficial to ALSO invest in a quality childbirth education workshop!

Here are three reasons why you (and your partner) will benefit from the combination of doula support and childbirth education workshops:

Your DOB doula is intimately familiar with our childbirth education curriculum. 

She is able to help you recall 3rd trimester health and safety information and communicate your preferences and priorities for your birth experience with your care provider through your pregnancy. Recognizing that your body was preparing for labor (hello too many trips to the bathroom!) meant you were able to give your doula a much appreciated heads up at 9 pm instead of 3 am! During labor, your doula can offer reminders to use your  B.R.A.I.N. to make decisions and ensure your partner feels confident with how and when to use the hip squeeze they learned during Comfort Measures. 

Your childbirth education workshop will set the framework for what to expect. 

Having a foundational knowledge of the ‘what ifs’ of pregnancy and birth can help you to avoid potentially serious complications. Unfortunately, not every aspect of pregnancy, labor, birth, and/or postpartum always goes perfectly according to plan. For example, because you’ve taken a childbirth education course together, your partner was able to recognize that the persistent headache you’ve had for the last 24 hours, may be outside of the range of normal and requires a call to your provider. Having the knowledge of what is expected at each stage of this journey helps you to better understand the process, communicate your concerns, and make decisions that are best for your family.

A well-prepared partner means better support for you.

Taking a workshop together takes the responsibility to inform and educate your partner, off of your shoulders. Chances are that you, as the birthing person, have shouldered much of the responsibility in researching and preparing for the birth of your baby. You may have sent resources – books, podcasts, TikTok videos, and articles in their direction but most partners benefit more from receiving information directly from a unbiased professional. 

Having access to a professional birth doula throughout your pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum experiences means having a sounding board for thoughts, questions, and concerns.

But the saying is true, you don’t know what you don’t know. Taking a childbirth education workshop and conferring with your doula can help you to devise questions for your providers so you aren’t left responding “I don’t know; what should I be asking?” at the end of your next prenatal visit!

4 Ways to Prepare for Baby’s Arrival

Two things can happen as you get closer to your baby’s arrival date. You feel the urge to nest, or prepare your home for the new baby. You might set up the nursery or clean the house. You also might feel overwhelmed and anxious about getting everything done. Here is an overview of four ways you can prepare for baby’s arrival. 

Set Up Your Home

The first thing that new parents usually think about is where baby is going to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies “room in,” (https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx) or sleep in the same room as parents, for the first 6 months. Make sure that the crib or bassinet is away from windows, heavy shelves, and electrical cords. Other things you might want in the nursery or in your bedroom are a diaper changing table, chair for feeding, a dresser for clothing, and places to store extra diapers and toys. Consider buying natural or greenguard items to prevent off-gassing, or buy them used or well in advance of baby’s arrival. 

Get the Gadgets 

Some gadgets aren’t really gadgets at all: they are necessary tools. For example, you can’t leave the hospital without a proper car seat. Many new parents opt for car seat/stroller combos, where the carrier snaps into the car seat or the stroller, for a variety of functions. 

Additionally, a baby carrier or babywearing device can be worth its weight in gold. Babies are soothed by being nestled close, while parents enjoy having their hands and arms free. Slings, wraps, and packlike/structured carriers are all great options. Often families will opt to have a couple carriers to choose from depending on who is wearing the baby and whether they are on for a walk (or other outdoor activity) or if they are trying to get chores done around the house. Check out this list of babywearing devices. 

Another popular product we’ve seen lately is the Snoo smart bassinet. Many new parents swear by their effectiveness. So much so that some employers (like Under Armour) are taking notice and now provide a 6 month rental Snoo bassinet for their employees. The bassinet responds to a baby’s cries with swaddling, shushing, and swaying (part of the 5S theory). It does this by rocking and playing white noise to soothe the baby. It also ensures that babies sleep on their backs with a special sleep sack. 

Clinical Decisions to Consider 

Less exciting than preparing the nursery or getting everything ready, but just as important, are the clinical decisions to consider before baby arrives. While you’ve been working with a doula and midwife and/or an obstetrician, once baby is born, they’ll need a pediatrician. Ask your healthcare provider for recommendations and get a pediatric care provider. Similarly, begin thinking about childcare providers. While you may have time off from work, consider who will take care of baby when you head back to work. Lastly, consider options available at the hospital for your newborn such as cord blood donation or delaying cord clamping, erythromycin eye ointment, vitamin K injection, and circumcision. 

Take Care of Yourself 

In the excitement and nervousness you may experience before bringing baby home, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. You can take time to appreciate your friendships, your romantic relationship, or your relationship with your other children through special trips or outings. And make sure to get adequate nutrition and rest – things that might be in short supply in the coming months.

You can learn more about how to prepare for baby’s arrival through our Baby 101: The 4th Trimester, Birth Basics or Complete Childbirth Education classes. Click here to learn more.

4 Lessons from Childbirth Education that Helped Us Get Through COVID

At the very beginning of our Complete Childbirth Education classes in Baltimore, we ask you to fill in sentences about how you feel about birth. While “I am nervous about…” is definitely not the same for everyone, over the last year, COVID-19 has made expecting parents nervous. And it brings up lots of questions for new moms: What does coronavirus mean for a hospital stay? Could baby meet grandma and grandpa? Who will be able to help me after delivery? 

Although 2020 was totally unexpected, at Doulas of Baltimore, we’ve tried to keep the safe, nurturing, and smart perspective we’ve had serving you for the last 7 years. As things are slowly getting back to normal, we wanted to share how 4 lessons from our CBE classes helped us get through this past year. 

Need to Make a Decision? Use Your B.R.A.I.N.!

Use your B.R.A.I.N is a philosophy we use in class. When making a decision, think about benefits, risks, alternatives, intuition, and what would happen if you did nothing. At the very beginning of the pandemic, we used this philosophy to think about what services we could safely offer to you all. While we’ve always known the benefits of comprehensive support, there were many risks involved in continuing in-person classes and doula support. Our intuition (and clients and friends who work in medicine) helped us make the call to move all of our support to an alternative – virtual classes and support – until it was safe to be in person again. 

Confidence and Support Help Get Us Through

Doulas are experts who provide steadfast and nonjudgemental support to you and your family during pregnancy, labor, and after baby arrives. While our classes continued with all of the regular topics, we also dealt with the most pressing issue: navigating the obstacles of COVID. What is the absolute need-to-know information? How can we help make this a less stressful situation in a very stressful climate? Like in all of our classes, we focused on evidence-based information and provided straight talk about birth and postpartum care in the pandemic. We also used that same evidence-based information to make decisions about how to run our business and what we could safely offer to clients. 

Take a Deep Breath 

Was that a contraction? A real contraction? Or just pre-labor? In our classes, we always go over the stages of labor  and how to tell the difference. Over this past year, each time a wave of infections started coming down and businesses started opening up, it was almost like Braxton Hicks contractions. They are stressful, because you are trying to figure out if they are real or not, but ultimately, they are not the real thing. 

When we went virtual, we wanted to wait until it was safe and realistic to provide in person support again, and we wanted to know the difference between pre-labor and real labor. The last thing we wanted to do was tell a client, “Yes, we can be with you in the hospital,” and then back out. Now, as vaccinations are available for everyone, case numbers remain low, and hospitals have permanently re-opened for professional doula support, we can offer in-person support again. 

Adapting is Key

If you’ve been in one of our classes or been pregnant, you know: labor takes many paths. And what you want to do is know the unexpected situations and what to do about them. No one knew what 2020 would bring us or when, and adapting to the ever-changing scenarios has become key to keeping our support going. We were able to bring classes to a virtual space, and some aspects of online meeting and learning are great (including no commutes on weeknights!). This is one reason we plan to continue to offer some classes online in the future. However, some things such as comfort measures, are hard to teach over Zoom. And, a big part of what we do is supporting you during and after birth, in person. So, we are adapting again. This fall, we will be offering a few classes in person in addition to our online Complete Childbirth Education class, and we have begun working one-on-one with families in person again for both birth doula support and in-home postpartum and newborn care

You can find out more about our classes here and contact us to find out more about in person doula support this summer and fall.