Childbirth Education Classes
Choosing the Class for You
Today, many couples attend some type of childbirth education class. They attend these classes for various reasons. Some want to learn as much as possible about labor and delivery so they can prepare for the birth of their baby. Some attend because they think they are supposed to because their friends did it. Some attend because they want to deliver without the use of medications; still others attend because they are afraid. They fear the pain of childbirth, the process of labor, and the loss of control. Whatever the reason, attending classes can be an invaluable experience.
Classes allow you to spend time with others experiencing the same fears, discomforts, and anticipation for birth that you are experiencing. Classes teach you to gain knowledge about the process of childbirth as well as labor procedures and childbirth options. Classes also give you new skills to help you cope with the challenges of labor and birth.
There are three basic philosophies for childbirth classes. The three are similar in that they all have an educational component to help prepare you for what to expect during labor and delivery, and they all teach methods of relaxation, breathing patterns, and exercises. The theories behind the methods are different, as are the specific relaxation and breathing patterns that are taught. Even so, they all have the same basic goal: to minimize the pain and make childbirth a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
Hypnobirthing
Dr. Grantly Dick-Read was a British physician who believed that the pain women experienced in labor was psychological and due to fears about the process of childbirth. This caused what he called a fear-tension-pain syndrome. He believed that if fear could be reduced, tension would lessen, and pain would be minimized. He was one of the first physicians to encourage bringing fathers into the labor room.
Classes in this discipline follow the basic pattern of the others, with part of the program devoted to education and the other part devoted to demonstration and the practice of exercises. This method focuses on passive relaxation, abdominal breathing, and body conditioning exercises.
A new approach to childbirth preparation, which combines the work of Dr. Dick-Read with hypnotic techniques to release fear and achieve deep relaxation, is called hypnobirthing. Although not available yet in many areas, classes are becoming increasingly popular around the country. As with all methods, education about childbirth is included. The emphasis of these classes is on self-hypnotic techniques to achieve deep relaxation, a focus on abdominal breathing, and exercises to condition the body for labor. The ten-hour class is offered in various formats (e.g. weekend, four weekly classes, etc.).
The Lamaze Philosophy
This method is named after Dr. Ferdinand Lamaze, a French obstetrician, and became popular in the United States due to a book by Marjorie Karmel, entitled Thank You, Dr. Lamaze. The method is based on the principles of conditioned response: practice and repetition are used to replace unfavorable responses to contractions with helpful ones. Couples are educated about the process of childbirth and trained to do specific exercises. The exercises include proper body mechanics, body conditioning for labor and delivery, relaxation, distraction, and controlled breathing techniques. Active relaxation and the breathing patterns are key to this method. Couples are encouraged to set their own goals for success. A ten to twelve hour class is offered in various formats (weekend, four weeks, five weeks, six weeks, etc.).
The Bradley Philosophy
This method, named for Robert Bradley, an American obstetrician, is also known as husband-coached childbirth. The approach emphasizes diet and exercise to help cope with the discomforts of pregnancy. This method includes learning about pregnancy and childbirth, deep relaxation, inward focus, and slow abdominal breathing. Partners are taught to become active participants in labor. They learn to identify when pregnant partners are in discomfort, and what to do to ease it during the course of labor. This method discourages the use of medication, except in extreme cases. Classes are generally held weekly over a twelve-week period.
Many educators blend ideas from all three methods into their classes, which are offered in a variety of settings. Hospital classes may be held in classrooms or conference rooms, and usually include a tour of hospital facilities. Educators also teach in community centers, adult education programs, or in their homes.
If more than one method and/or setting is offered in your area, discuss with your partner the aspects of classes that are most important to you. Talk to the teacher before enrolling. Ask how many couples will be in class, what the philosophy on childbirth is, and what experience and background the instructor has. Request a class outline so that you can examine the types of topics covered in class. If you are still unsure, ask to observe a class to get a sense of the instructor's teaching style. Sign up early because many classes fill quickly. Your doctor, family, friends, or local hospital can often be a good source of information referral on classes and instructors.
Attending childbirth preparation classes will help you gain not only knowledge about labor and delivery, but also an increased understanding of yourself. Through practice, you will find what works best for you.
As an added bonus, what you learn in classes can be applied to other situations as well. Relaxation techniques may help you unwind after a hard day at work or even minimize stress while in the dentist's chair. The knowledge you gain by attending classes will likely serve you well during labor, and may even last a lifetime.
Editorial provided by Linda Dunn, R.N., LCCE of The Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
