Do antenatal classes benefit the mother and her baby?

Abstract

Objective: To examine the characteristics of women attending antenatal classes and evaluate the effects of these classes on mothers' and babies' health.Methods: A population-based observationalstudy on care during pregnancy, delivery and in the postnatal period was carried out in 1995-96. A total of 9004 women resident in 13 regions of Italy who delivered in a 4-month period were interviewed.The outcomes studied were attendance at antenatal classes, Cesarean section, bottle feeding, satisfaction with the experience of childbirth, knowledge of contraception, breast feeding and baby care.Results:A total of 2065 (23.0%) women attended antenatal classes. Women without previous children, those with a higher level of education and office workers were more likely to attend classes. Women who attendedantenatal classes had a much lower risk of Cesarean section and were about half as likely to bottle feed while in hospital compared with non-attenders. They received better information on contraception,breast feeding and baby care. Women who attended classes and applied the techniques learned were more satisfied with the experience of childbirth.Conclusion: Antenatal classes seem to improvewomen's knowledge and competence. This may provide a defence against the tendency to overmedicalize pregnancy and childbirth.