What to expect from a prenatal class? Our archives remind us of the establishment and evolution of this program for future parents, which began in the 1970s in Quebec.
In Quebec, free public prenatal classes for pregnant women were established in response to the 1973 adoption of a first perinatality policy by the province’s Ministry of Social Affairs.
This program offered by community health departments aims first and foremost to ensure that children are born in better health and that women can experience childbirth in better conditions.
This report by journalist Renée Hudon on the show woman now of October 11, 1977 gives us an overview of the prenatal courses provided by the perinatal clinic of the organization Pro-Santé de Baie-Saint-Paul.
Sitting on mats on the floor, participants repeated the exercises and stretches taught to them by the instructor. Periods of discussion or more theoretical instruction are also planned in this relaxed setting.
These women who are expecting a child meet once a week for two hours, sometimes accompanied by their husbands. Postpartum meetings are also arranged by the perinatal clinic, but they are less frequent. The problem is with them taking care of the newborn or trusting her father “who is more or less accustomed to it and somewhat nervous”, explains program coordinator Jocelyne Côté.
At Notre-Dame Hospital’s maternal center, a supplement is offered to prenatal courses that typically consist of theoretical courses, floor exercises and breathing skills.
Pregnant women who follow this hospital in Montreal can take advantage of a series of swimming pool classes throughout their pregnancy, this report on the show shows us. woman now on May 4, 1982.
Water exercises allow them to activate every part of their body and especially the muscles that will be used in childbirth or which need to be strengthened afterwards.
The lecturer, a nurse with extensive swimming experience, explains to journalist Lise Bonneville the purpose of each exercise taught, such as leg scissors, the circle with a ball or the assisted width of a plank.
I look ten pounds lightertestifies to a participant. I feel relaxed, I feel relaxed.
In addition to feeling lighter, pregnant women have more freedom of movement in the water and can even push the exercises. Enough to jump into the years that follow the popularity of these courses offered in the pool.
While prenatal classes can be an important step in preparing pregnant women for childbirth, they are also of concern to two members of the couple who are expecting a child.
At Sainte-Justine Hospital in Montreal, since 1970, couples have been strictly encouraged to attend prenatal classes given at the end of pregnancy.
Garde Lebrun and Garde Bourgault explained to host Guy Boucher that a portion of these courses are aimed at training the prospective father to be more responsible during childbirth.
Instead of sitting still and thinking about what to do, the husband can participate in childbirth and support his wife, their argument.
” The wife becomes the motivator, the monitor during childbirth. He becomes active, he is not powerless in the face of what is happening. “
The part of the training that focuses on breathing is therefore also intended for the husband to help the woman giving birth by giving her rhythm and reminding her of slowness.
It was great for the couple to experience their childbirth togethercheck with two nurses from Sainte-Justine Hospital to the facilitator who have not yet experienced this stage.
In 1991, Hôpital Sainte-Justine created another first in Quebec by introducing a prenatal course for children about to accept a little brother or sister.
When the second child arrives, the parents forget that the eldest will experience a full traumaexplanation by host Marie-Claude Lavallée in Montreal tonight on October 8, 1982.
Journalist Louise Beaudoin in her report accompanied a group of children supervised by nurse Martine Legault under her wing to prepare them for the arrival of a newcomer to their family.
In a hospital delivery room, she showed them with the help of a large doll how the baby came into the world. Children also learn how to change a diaper and how to hold the baby’s head properly before cuddling and knocking him down. A formula milk tasting is even included in the program!
The arrival of a new family member will change their lives, they were told. By letting them know, this training aims to reduce their negative reactions and above all, to make them proud to be a big sibling to the baby.
Me, I’ve been waiting a long timesaid a young participant. they [mes parents] I’ll take a little more time with him to take care of it, but I don’t care, I’m old enough to be alone.speaks for his part as a future big brother at the conclusion of this meeting.
Source: Radio-Canada
