YOUR LIFE YOUR HEALTH

How childbirth education classes can help moms prepare for labor

Feb 1, 2024, 5:20 PM | Updated: Feb 2, 2024, 7:24 am

ST. GEORGE — Jayde St. Clair just had her first baby.

“I just want to hold her all day,” she said. “It’s so hard to have to do other things like chores!”

When she was pregnant, St. Clair had wanted a home birth.

“For me, that kind of stemmed from a fear of hospitals and getting interventions pushed on me that I didn’t want,” she said. “I just really wanted to be in control of my body and be able to trust the process of my body to be able to birth naturally.”

Jayde St. Clair (right) pregnant, with her husband (left).

Jayde St. Clair with her husband. (Courtesy: Jayde St. Clair)

Her husband, on the other hand, wanted their baby to be delivered at a hospital. So, the couple compromised and decided to do a low-intervention birth in a home-like hospital setting.

“It was kind of a home environment and there was a labor tub, and it just was really relaxing,” St. Clair said.

A low-intervention birth typically means little to no medication, allowing moms to move around more freely during labor.

“The nurse was really great,” St. Clair said. “I gave her my birthing plan right there and she was immediately implementing those things that I wanted.”

One of the things St. Clair asked of the nurses was that rather than using the word “pain,” they instead ask about her “comfort level.”

“You’re not thinking about why you’re in pain, you’re just thinking more of ‘these things that I’m feeling are just going to bring me closer to my baby,'” she said. “And they have a purpose – it’s not just unnecessary pain.”

Jayde St. Clair (left) with her newborn child being held by her husband.

Jayde St. Clair with her newborn child being held by her husband. (Courtesy: Jayde St. Clair)

Christina Lynch, a registered nurse and childbirth educator at St. George Regional Hospital, said they help moms with different breathing techniques and positions on exercise balls – all things she teaches in her childbirth education class.

“Pregnancy and labor is a scary unknown,” Lynch said. “The education covers every type of birth possible: vaginal, unmedicated, fully medicated, C-section, whatever type of childbirth you’re having, you’re not going to be left out. We’ll cover every intervention possible.”

St. Clair said that by taking the class, she felt emotionally and physically prepared for the life-changing event that was about to take place.

“They talked about things that maybe we didn’t think of,” she said. “Things like how to advocate for yourself if you need. We talked about splitting the sleep schedule up and taking shifts to care of the baby and just working through different problems like that.”

Intermountain Health offers a variety of childbirth education classes online or in person. For more information, you can visit intermountainhealth.org.

KSL 5 TV Live

Your Life Your Health

For this week's Your Life Your Health, medical specialist Emma Benson explains how one local man wa...

Emma Benson

‘Completely awake’: Quick, safe hand procedures help patients avoid the operating room

For this week's Your Life Your Health, medical specialist Emma Benson explains how one local man was able to resume everyday tasks thanks to a simple in-office procedure. 

1 day ago

A woman wearing lime green platform shoes....

Emma Benson

Beauty is pain? Why platform shoes can be a health hazard

While platform shoes are back in style, experts say they pose a risk for injury.

8 days ago

...

Emma Benson

Maternal health awareness: Lowering risk for pregnancy-related complications

Finding a trusted maternal health provider and following their recommendations can help women stay healthy and deliver healthy babies.

15 days ago

Caffeine is the most widely-used psychoactive substance, with 80% of adults worldwide reporting the...

Emma Benson

Caffeine: How much is too much?

Caffeine is the most widely-used psychoactive substance, with 80% of adults worldwide reporting they consume it regularly.

22 days ago

Utah has seen a big spike in severe flu cases, with 829 reported hospitalizations statewide, accor...

Emma Benson

What to know as flu season ramps up 

Utah has seen a big spike in severe flu cases, with 829 reported hospitalizations statewide, according to data from Dec. 29 to Jan. 4. That's up nearly 300 cases from the week before. 

29 days ago

People on cardio machines in a gym....

Emma Benson

Exercise therapist shares tips to set and stick to a fitness routine

It's the start of a new year, and for many, becoming more physically active with exercise is a top resolution. But when it comes to setting fitness goals, there are a lot of options out there.

1 month ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

How childbirth education classes can help moms prepare for labor