For first-time parents-to-be, the unknown aspects of how to prepare and what to expect about childbirth can be a major source of anxiety. It’s easy to find yourself lost in the information hole and overwhelmed by irrelevant details on the internet – luckily, that’s where childbirth education classes come in handy. Having a birthing professional on hand, ready to answer your questions and quell your fears, can be a great source of peace during an otherwise stressful time.
To help you decide whether or not a childbirth class is something you can benefit from, we’ve put together some information about childbirth education classes and how they can help you prepare for the day you give birth.
What are childbirth classes?
There are a wide variety of prenatal classes available. Depending on what you’re looking for information on – whether it’s general knowledge or a specific birthing technique – there’s a good chance there’s a class for it. Many women become childbirth educators because of their personal experiences with childbirth. These trainers strive to educate expectant parents about the birth process and what to expect when bringing a new baby into their lives. Childbirth education classes can be taught by high school graduates over the age of 18 who have completed childbirth education certification training or (more commonly) by health professionals such as doctors, nurses, doulas, or midwives.
Benefits of childbirth education classes
There are many benefits to prepare for childbirth through a childbirth class, here are the top 5 reasons to recommend them:
- Lower C-Section Rate- Childbirth classes can teach you ways to spot signs of active labor, educate you on when to leave for the hospital, and show you ways to help progress naturally. Failure to thrive is the number 1 reason for unplanned cesarean deliveries in primiparous mothers.
- Improves Relevant Information- We mentioned information overload earlier in this article. Although the Internet is a great source of useful information, this information can also lead to a lot of unnecessary stress. Talking with a labor and delivery professional can help filter out irrelevant or outdated information so you don’t feel so overwhelmed.
- Hands-on practice- This is mutually beneficial for you and your partner. Practicing breathing and relaxation techniques together helps everyone feel more confident and relaxed on delivery day.
- Socializing with other soon-to-be parents – Pregnancy can feel a bit alienating. Sharing your worries and joys with other pregnant women can provide a sense of community and a bonding experience.
- Enhanced Labor and Delivery Tour- If you take a prenatal class at the hospital where you plan to give birth, they often provide a more detailed explanation of your upcoming hospitalization and birth experience, along with an in-depth tour of the labor and delivery facilities.
Types of childbirth classes
Hospitals, private trainers, health departments and some OB/GYNs offer childbirth education classes. Most are organized as in-person teaching over several weeks, but as a result of Covid-19, many courses are also available virtually. While some courses are free, others are paid. The types of childbirth classes include:
- The Lamaze Technique- Teaches breathing and relaxation techniques as well as other labor and birth preparation skills. They also cover immediate postpartum care, breastfeeding tips and healthy lifestyle choices.
- The Bradley Method – Covers relaxation techniques for pain management, postpartum care, labor rehearsals, and how to avoid a C-section. This class also focuses on the importance of nutritional health and exercise.
- Alexander Technique- Focuses on improving balance, flexibility and mobility to improve comfort during pregnancy. This course also teaches proper thrusting and positioning techniques to focus your energy where it is most needed during delivery.
- HypnoBirthing- Otherwise known as the Mongan method, it is a relaxed natural birthing technique that teaches self-hypnosis to reduce pain, anxiety and fear while you go into labour. The teachers focus not only on childbirth, but also on parenting, as well as the state of your developing baby during pregnancy as well.
When to take a class
Many courses are broken down into weekly sessions of 30 minutes to 1 hour over 12 weeks. With this timeline in mind, you’ll want to start your childbirth class at the end of your second trimester or the beginning of your third. Whichever class (or classes) you decide to take, it is recommended that you register early as they tend to fill up quickly.
Other ways to prepare for childbirth
Preparation for childbirth should not be limited to just childbirth information and techniques. There is fun to be had as well as physical work to be done (known as nesting). Some other ways to help prepare for the arrival of your new baby is:
- Create a birth plan with your partner- If one thing is for sure, it’s that births don’t always go according to plan. However, describing your expectations and wishes for your labor and delivery is helpful for your doctor, nurses and partner.
- take one Job preparation supplement– Prepare your body for childbirth through us Labor Prep Tea with Red Raspberry Leaf, Nettle, Oats and Chamomile to support a shorter labor, more effective contractions, stimulate the uterus and relieve postpartum cramps.
- Build your hospital bag – Pack for you and your baby. Plan a 2-3 night stay with lots of comfortable clothes, nursing friendly bras and tops, toiletries, nursing pillow and any other necessities.
- Installing car seat(s)- Anytime between 35-37 weeks is the perfect time to install your infant (or convertible) car seat. If you go into labor before 35 weeks, there’s a good chance your baby will need to spend some time in the NICU, giving you a little extra time to settle in before your little one is cleared to go home.
- Plan Your Birth Announcement- Many parents-to-be look forward to sharing the birth of their baby with friends and family. If you need to order anything special, such as personalized baby blankets, letterheads, etc., please order these items early enough to pack them in your hospital bag.
- Stock up on essentials – Diapers and wipes, postpartum supplies, burp cloths, pumping accessories, anything that will keep you from reaching the emergency store is what you’ll want to have in excess.
- Baby Proof- Install corner guards, outlet covers, screens and baby gates. If you have a pool, now is the time to install or secure your pool fence. Drowning is the number one cause of death for children under the age of 4 in the United States.
- Find Your Pediatrician – Ask friends and family for recommendations in your area, check reviews, or schedule a parent consultation (if offered) with a pediatrician. You will need to choose one before you leave the hospital with your newborn.
Although preparing for labor and delivery can feel overwhelming, taking a childbirth class can help streamline the redundancies and ease worries. If you are interested in reading more, we recommend:
Planning for the day of delivery: What to prepare before delivery
Jobs: Planning your delivery
What is labor and how long does it last?
