Selecting a Childbirth Education Class

Benefits of Childbirth Education

The benefit of signing up for and attending childbirth education classes is the confidence that these classes provide, helping to allay the fears and anxieties that both the mother and father may have about labor and delivery, especially if it is their first child. The courses offered help parents to make informed decisions based on qualified information, so that they are equipped with the necessary tools to inform themselves about the possibilities and consequences of childbirth. 

What Happens at Childbirth Education Classes?

Childbirth education classes can last as little as six weeks and as long as eight weeks.  Typically, the husband will attend the class with his wife.  The training curriculum usually covers:

• Prenatal Fitness and Nutrition
• Does and Dont’s of Pregnancy
• Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy and Birth
• Changes in the Body
• Signs and Stages of Labor, an overview
• Comfort Measures (coping and relaxation methods)
• Comfort Positions
• Interventions, Preferences and Procedures
• Postpartum Care
• Breastfeeding
• Doulas and Midwives
• Supportive Techniques for the Support Persons
• Birthing Center or Hospital Tour

This is also an opportunity for you to asks questions.  So, consider writing down your questions before class so that you have the answers to anything that may concern you. 

Finding the Right Class for You

If you are planning to give birth in a hospital near you, your doctor may have included the hospital’s childbirth education classes in your birth plan. Nevertheless, it would be beneficial for you to attend the hospital’s childbirth education classes so that you can be informed about the hospital’s policies and practices regarding accommodations and interventions.

Some hospitals have their own birthing center or a dedicated maternity center. They will probably have childbirth education classes available to you as part of the services that they offer.

Many doulas and midwives are trained in childbirth education and have their own childbirth curriculum. If you hire a doula or midwife for your birth, they will likely provide you with the information you need to sign up for their childbirth education classes.

In addition, there are some well-known childbirth preparation classes that expectant moms can contact to get the information they need about their classes and curriculum.

• Alexander Technique in childbirth education, instructs the learner to develop patterns of movement that incorporate ease, flexibility, and balance.
• Bradley childbirth education is about embracing and teaching relaxation techniques that support labor. Incorporated in the curriculum are breastfeeding, exercise, nutrition, and prenatal care. 
• Lamaze childbirth education focuses on controlled breathing. Incorporated in the curriculum are body positions to assist labor, pain relief methods and breastfeeding. 

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