How Do I Know What’s Right for Me & My Baby in Labour? (The Answer Might Surprise You) by Donna, Antenatal classes Auckland

When you picture labour, do you ever wonder: “How on earth will I know what decisions to make?” You’re not alone. Almost every mum-to-be I meet in my Antenatal Classes Auckland asks this exact question.

Here’s the truth: birth comes with choices. Whether it’s pain relief options, positions, interventions, or how you want your baby’s first moments to unfold — knowing what’s “right” can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to.

Let’s break it down into a simple guide you can lean on when the big day arrives.

1. Trust That You Know Your Baby Best

Even before birth, your instincts are powerful. Research shows mothers often know when something feels right or wrong for their baby. In labour, tuning into that gut feeling matters. Antenatal classes give you the tools to back up your instincts with knowledge.

2. Get Clear on Your Options Before Labour Starts

When you’re in labour, it’s not always the best time to learn brand new information. That’s why preparation is everything. By joining Antenatal Classes Auckland, you’ll learn the pros and cons of common interventions (like inductions, epidurals, monitoring, or caesareans), so if these choices arise, you’ll already feel informed.

3. Use the B.R.A.I.N. Tool for Decision-Making

This simple tool helps you make decisions under pressure:

• Benefits – What are the benefits of this option?

• Risks – What are the risks?

• Alternatives – Are there other options?

• Instinct – What does my gut say?

• Nothing – What happens if I wait or do nothing for now?

Practising this in advance (yes, we do this in class!) makes it second nature on the day.

4. Know That “Right” is Personal

There’s no single right way to birth. What’s right for one woman may not be right for you. Some women feel empowered by a natural birth, others by an epidural, and others by a planned caesarean. What matters is that you felt supported, respected, and informed in your decisions.

5. Build a Support Team You Trust

Your birth partner, midwife, and care team play a huge role in helping you feel safe and confident. Talk openly about your preferences ahead of time. Encourage your partner to come to class with you — antenatal classes in Ponsonby, Silverdale, Birkenhead, and Point Chevalier are designed for couples, so they feel confident to advocate for you if needed.

6. Give Yourself Permission to Change Your Mind

This is big. You don’t need to stick rigidly to a birth plan. Labour is dynamic, and it’s okay to shift directions. The right decision in one moment might be different an hour later. That doesn’t mean you failed — it means you’re responding with wisdom to what’s unfolding.

Knowing what’s right for you and your baby in labour isn’t about memorising the “perfect” plan — it’s about preparation, confidence, and trusting yourself. That’s exactly what we focus on in my Antenatal Classes Auckland.

Wherever you’re based — Birkenhead, Ponsonby, Silverdale, Point Chevalier, or beyond — you’ll find classes designed to help you feel calm, capable, and confident for birth and baby.

Upcoming Antenatal Classes

Donna x

Antenatal Classes Auckland

FAQ: Antenatal Classes Auckland

1. Do antenatal classes really help with decision-making in labour?Yes! They give you knowledge, frameworks like B.R.A.I.N., and practice with real scenarios so you feel prepared instead of panicked.

2. Can my partner join the class?Absolutely. Partners play a key role in supporting and advocating during labour — our classes are designed with couples in mind.

3. Are classes different in Birkenhead, Ponsonby, Silverdale, and Point Chevalier?The content is the same, but locations are chosen for convenience, so you can pick the one closest to home.

4. What if I want a natural birth but end up with interventions?Birth doesn’t always go exactly as planned. What matters is that you felt informed and supported in your decisions every step of the way.

5. When should I book antenatal classes?Most couples book between 20–30 weeks, but the sooner you book, the more prepared (and less rushed) you’ll feel.