What Are birth Education Classes?
Birth education or preparation classes do just that. They help to prepare you for your baby's birth.
For most pregnant women, even if you already have a child, the labor and birth process can be both overwhelming and joyful. Many women and their partners choose to attend childbirth classes to gather information and lessen their anxiety. There are several different options when choosing a childbirth education class.
For most pregnant women, even if you already have a child, the labor and birth process can be both overwhelming and joyful. Many women and their partners choose to attend childbirth classes to gather information and lessen their anxiety. There are several different options when choosing a childbirth education class.
Why Take A BIrth Education Class?
- Childbirth classes will build your confidence in your body’s ability to give birth.
- You can discuss your fears about labor and birth with the instructor and other couples with the same concerns.
- Your partner will learn about childbirth and how to support you on the big day. You may find that attending childbirth classes together will create a special bond.
- Your instructor will discuss pain relief options, including massage, relaxation, breathing, and medications.
Finding the Right Class for You
Whether you are planning a hospital or home birth, birth education classes come in a variety of styles. A class at the hospital might include a basic overview of labor and birth and usually seeks to inform parents to be of specific hospital practices. Classes taught outside the hospital may equip you with in-depth information about coping skills, physiology of labor and birth, emotional aspects, and childbirth options.
Long Island Doula Association members offer a variety of classes and styles to fit the needs of any family.
Long Island Doula Association members offer a variety of classes and styles to fit the needs of any family.
What Questions Should I Ask Before I Choose A Class?
- Is the instructor certified to teach childbirth classes?
- What is the instructor’s philosophy about labor and birth?
- What topics are included in the curriculum?
- Will my partner learn how to play an active role in labor and birth?
- What is the cost?
- How many couples will be in the class?
- How often will the class meet?
- Will various birth philosophies be taught in class? For example, will a woman wanting an un-medicated birth learn coping skills for success? Will a woman wanting an epidural learn how to cope with a medicated labor and birth?
- Does this location offer different types of childbirth classes? For example, some locations offer Childbirth Basics, Refresher Class, Natural Childbirth and Sibling Class.