Childbirth classes provide new parents with information about the labor and delivery process, answer questions, dispel myths, provide helpful techniques, and help parents prepare for D-day. Once you’re nearing the end of your second trimester, you’ll want to start researching a birthing class that will best meet your needs.
Tip: Most classes last about 12 weeks so you’ll want to sign up by month 6-7 to ensure you can finish the class before your delivery date.
Types of childbirth classes
There are a number of types of childbirth classes to choose from. Some classes teach a specific philosophy of childbirth while others provide a general overview of various styles and techniques.
Hospital-offered childbirth classes do not promote a specific birthing technique and will usually cover a wide variety of topics, skills and techniques. Classes offered through your local hospital may only cover those birthing options they offer. In other words, if they don’t have birthing tubs for water births, you may not learn about that option.
Natural birth classes may be offered through your hospital, birth center or private teachers. These classes focus on teaching breathing techniques, birthing methods such as water births, non-supine pushing and other strategies for a birthing experience with no pain medication and limited medical intervention.
International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) classes to do not promote one particular approach to childbirth, but instead offer an overview of labor and delivery, various birth philosophies and pain management techniques including medical intervention.
Lamaze classes teach a birthing method developed by Dr. Fernand Lamaze in the 1950s. Though it is traditionally associated with a style of breathing to manage pain, Lamaze International has expanded to promote a number of fundamental beliefs [http://www.lamaze.org/p/bl/et/blogid=4&blogaid=27] about the birthing process such as avoiding unnecessary medical interventions, not laying down for delivery and ensuring immediate mother-to-baby contact after birth.
Bradley Method classes teach a natural birthing method and endorse the idea that proper education and a supportive birth coach are vital to a successful, positive and drug-free birth experience. Classes teach nutrition, relaxation, natural breathing techniques, active participation by the birthing coach, and allowing a woman to tune in to and trust her body’s natural instincts during delivery.
Hypno-birthing classes, also called the Mongan method, aims to teach women methods of self-hypnosis to achieve a deep state of relaxation fr the body and mind to remain calm, in control and drug-free during labor and delivery.
Refresher courses are the perfect solution for parents who have already had baby #1, but are looking for a reminder course on the basics. Many places offer cheaper, shorter refresher courses for the second (or third, or fourth….) time around.
VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) classes explain who is a good candidate for a VBAC, potential risks and complications, and answer specific concerns and questions for mother’s considering a VBAC.
What You’ll Learn at a Childbirth Class
Though some classes focus on teaching specific types of breathing or pain management, most childbirth classes will cover the following topics:
- Prenatal nutrition
- How to make a birth plan
- Birthing options
- The stages of labor
- What to expect during delivery
- Breathing techniques and other relaxation methods
- Potential complications that may occur during delivery
- Epidurals and other medical pain management options
- Tests, measurements and medicines given to newborns
- Post-partum care of the baby and mother
- Breastfeeding
Where To Find A Childbirth Class
While some hospitals may offer free childbirth classes, most charge a fee and nearly all require pre-registration. Since many classes can be 12 weeks longs, be sure to sign up before your third trimester to ensure you can finish the class before your delivery date.
Local hospital – check your local hospital’s website for childbirth classes or maternity classes. Many hospitals also offer maternity ward tours so you can familiarize yourself with the labor and delivery rooms, recovery rooms and prenatal intensive care unit (ICU).
Birth centers – More like a home, than a hospital and staffed with doulas, nurses and obstetricians, birthing centers often offer classes geared for parents looking for birthing experience with limited medical intervention. Looks on the birth center’s website to see if they offer childbirth classes.
International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) find certified ICEA teachers and classes here.
Lamaze – find certified Lamaze teachers and classes here.
Bradley Method – find certified Bradley Method teachers and classes here.
Hypno-birthing – find certified Hypno-birthing teachers and classes here.
Online Resources If you can’t find a local birthing class, are bed-ridden or don’t want to spend money on a birthing class, consider one of these free, online birthing classes. Keep in mind though, that although the classes are free and convenient, they lack the personalized attention, group dynamic, and structure that an in-person class would have.
Did you take a childbirth class? Did you find it helpful or not?