Childbirth Education Classes
Preparation for a Rewarding Birth Experience
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven society, soon-to-be-parents might think they don’t have time for a childbirth class or they can simply find information on the Internet. But for the miracle of childbirth, nothing compares to a childbirth class when it comes to preparing new moms and dads for the delivery room.
A common misperception is that childbirth classes are only for women who are planning a “natural” childbirth. But the truth is any expectant parent can learn something from a preparatory class – even if an epidural, induction or c-section is part of the childbirth plan. The goals of childbirth classes are to arm the expectant parents with information so anxiety is reduced and to support the parents so giving birth can be a great experience.
What can you learn from a childbirth class?
It’s common for hospitals to offer classes on a wide variety of childbirth-related topics. Based on your interests, consider taking classes that cover some or all of the following topics:
- Childbirth Preparation – Take the mystery out of the labor and birth process. Childbirth classes usually cover how to know if you are in labor, comfort measures, labor positions, pushing techniques, tips for partners, relaxation and breathing strategies, and epidural anesthesia. Many classes also will include information about common medical interventions, labor induction, cesarean birth and postpartum recovery.
- Breastfeeding – Learn about proper latch, comfort and positioning, helpful practices and routines in the hospital and at home, and common myths and concerns. Learn how to know if baby is getting enough, when to expect growth spurts, and how to choose the best products and accessories to support breastfeeding and fit your lifestyle. Women who take a class prior to giving birth tend to be more successful at breastfeeding.
- Childbirth Center Tours – A tour can help expectant parents decide where to give birth and welcome their new baby. It can also provide the added comfort of being familiar with the place you’ll give birth.
- Natural Childbirth Preparation - Women who are interested in preparing for a birth experience with less medical intervention may want to take a class specific to that topic. These classes often include all of the same information as a regular childbirth class, but provide additional practice of labor comfort strategies, partner support and in-depth discussion on working with the natural process of labor. Choose a class that emphasizes the birth practice supportive of your personal plans for birth.
- Newborn Care – Learning how to care for your newborn is just as important as preparing for the baby’s birth. Some classes may offer hands-on practice diapering, bathing and swaddling a life-size baby doll. Learn about circumcision and umbilical cord care. Learn about the benefits of breastfeeding, infant formula preparation and introducing solids. Sleep patterns and baby safety tips (including car seat installation) may be discussed. It’s also good to know what to expect during well-baby visits, the importance of immunizations, common childhood illnesses, how to tell if your baby is sick, and how to take your baby's temperature.
- Classes covering other topics may be offered by health care facilities, too, like parenting for multiples, CPR for infants and preparing siblings for a new baby.
Why take a childbirth class?
Even though information about childbirth is available online, in books or in magazines, participating in an instructor-led class is still highly beneficial.
- Group settings help facilitate learning. Hearing questions other expectant couples ask is often helpful. Perhaps you had the same question, but were hesitant to ask. Or maybe it was a question you hadn’t thought about yet.
- Provides an opportunity to bond with your partner. Attending a class means you both have set aside time on your calendars to focus on preparing for the birth of your child. You will be going through the experience of childbirth as a team and preparing together helps strengthen that relationship.
- Practice makes perfect. Reading about breathing strategies or diapering a baby is often different than the experience of actually doing it. In a class setting, an instructor can demonstrate a technique and then have the participants practice. Hands-on learning helps expectant parents retain information. And it provides an opportunity to get feedback from the instructor and ask question that may come up while you are practicing the activity.
- Support networks are developed. The social interaction of sharing experiences with others in the same situation can help relieve anxiety. Friendships fostered during class often last long after birth.
It’s completely normal to be a bit fearful about childbirth. Not many people look forward to labor, because labor is work, just as the word labor implies. But properly preparing yourself can help make labor a great experience. Attending a childbirth class remains the best way to ensure soon to-be parents are confident and ready for their birth experience.