Nowadays, many antenatal classes no longer take place in traditional classrooms, but digitally. But what should you expect from an online antenatal class? Do expectant parents learn just as much here? And how do you find the right course for you? We have all the information on the subject for you.
Online antenatal class? Here is what awaits you
An antenatal class is quite exciting - and most expectant parents look forward to the experience. Together you will learn exactly what happens during childbirth, how you can both deal with the expectant mother's contractions, what the role of the partner might be, and how you can both best support each other and look after your child together during the subsequent postpartum period.
Since the pandemic and the associated contact restrictions, online antenatal classes have often been held. The content is usually the same. The only difference: the courses are provided digitally, for example via videos, live chats or video conferences.
What do we learn in the courses?
Regardless of whether it is analog or digital: the focus of the courses is always on providing information and answering all your questions. The content can vary slightly, simply because the range of online antenatal classes in particular is very large. However, the following core topics are usually included in all courses:
- How does a birth work?
- How and when is labor induced?
- What birth positions are there?
- How can breathing help during contractions?
- How can the expectant mother relax as much as possible?
- How is a baby born?
- Which exercises make childbirth easier?
- What happens after birth?
- How can the postpartum period work for both partners?
Additional fitness exercises and health topics can also be covered by a course.
But how personal are such online antenatal classes?
No question: It is always great when you do contraction exercises together in a room - with a midwife or course instructor, but also with other couples - or exchange ideas about the postpartum period. This can give expectant parents a lot of strength.
Nevertheless: Digital antenatal classes have not only existed since Corona. Even if the pandemic has expanded the range, the course providers are perfectly prepared to make the digital offering as beautiful, personal and active for you as possible.
And such online antenatal classes also have several advantages:
- You are in your familiar surroundings and can create a beautiful and intimate atmosphere.
- Especially when it comes to preparing for the postpartum period, you can practice in your apartment under "real" conditions - and thus notice where there might still be one or two weak points.
- You don't even always have to be online. Some digital antenatal classes are not live, but can - depending on the type of course chosen - be accessed at home or from anywhere. This means that you can go according to your schedule. Completely flexible. However, it should be noted that these courses are currently not covered by health insurance (see below).
- Since the digital selection is now so large, you also have a particularly large number of options. For example, some courses contain yoga units, while others offer holistic tips on the subject of health. Or experts have their say - for example on the subject of breastfeeding.
- You can also choose courses from another city and are completely independent of location. Especially if you live in the countryside, for example, you don't have a long journey.
- An online antenatal class is ideal if the expectant mother has been prescribed bed rest during her pregnancy.
What if I have questions?
If it is a live online antenatal class, then questions are usually planned for by the course instructors and midwives. So you can ask your questions directly and have them answered, just like in a face-to-face course.
If, on the other hand, you have decided on a course that you can access at any time, then accompanying consultations are usually offered - by telephone or email.
Do we need special equipment at home for the online antenatal class?
No, usually not. For live courses, the internet connection should be stable, and the laptop should ideally offer good image quality. And it is certainly helpful to have a mat or a towel handy.
Are digital antenatal classes covered by health insurance?
It is important that you inform yourself thoroughly here. Check who or which institution is offering the course. The expectant mother's health insurance usually pays for the online antenatal class if it is led by a "recognized service provider", for example a midwife.
This is currently a special agreement due to the pandemic, which is however limited in time. It currently applies to digital antenatal and postnatal classes until March 31, 2022 - so that expectant mothers receive the best possible care despite all restrictions.
What about expectant fathers?
Here it makes sense to ask the health insurance company in advance whether the costs will be covered. This varies from one insurance company to another. Often the costs for expectant fathers have to be paid by themselves.
By the way: If you are both privately insured, you should also clarify the cost coverage with the health insurance company in advance. There are differences here too.
An antenatal class is always a good idea - even online
So you can rest assured: In principle, an online antenatal class is no less informative or helpful than a face-to-face course. And it is worth it in any case - not only for couples who are becoming parents for the first time. People who are expecting their second or even third child can also always take something away for themselves in the courses. Sometimes you perceive many things and information much more consciously than the first time.
We wish you a lot of fun and success!
Image source:
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