Why childbirth classes are important

Childbirth Education Classes. Childbirth Classes: Types and Benefits For most pregnant women, even if you already have a child, the labor and birth process can be both overwhelming and joyful. What are the benefits of childbirth education classes?

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 techniques, and medications.

A tour of your birthing facility during class will give you the opportunity to see the staff in action. This is a great time to ask your instructor about routine practices, such as electronic fetal monitoring and freedom of movement during labor. How do I find the right class for me? Is the instructor certified to teach childbirth classes?

What topics are included in the curriculum? Will my partner learn how to play an active role in labor and birth? Childbirth classes can give you confidence as you head for labor and delivery — whether you're a first-time mom or a delivery room veteran. You've probably read about childbirth and heard countless labor stories from friends and loved ones. Do you really know what to expect during labor and delivery, though?

Childbirth classes can help demystify the process. Whether you're delivering your first child or fifth, childbirth classes can help you prepare to meet the challenges of labor and delivery. Consider the opportunities:. Some childbirth classes cover specific types of births, such as C-section, vaginal birth after C-section VBAC and multiple births. Refresher courses are available for parents who simply want to review the basics.

Other classes focus on specific methods of childbirth. For example:. Many other classes include elements from a number of methods. In addition, you might find classes on other approaches to childbirth, such as hypnobirthing — which incorporates self-hypnosis and deep relaxation. Whatever class you choose, take time to become comfortable with the information and method. Practice the breathing techniques or strategies shared during the class so that you'll be ready to use them during labor.

Childbirth classes are offered at most hospitals and birthing centers. Some classes are available online or in DVD format. Ask your health care provider about classes available in your area.

Previous Next. View Larger Image. Birth Center Stone Oak offers ongoing childbirth education classes. In our classes, you can get your questions answered, like: What can I expect with labor and birth? How can my partner help? When did a childbirth class -- once a rite of passage -- become a burden easily dropped? Participation has dwindled slowly, say people in the industry. One survey now shows that more expectant moms learn about giving birth from television. It takes the mystery out of it. Information is empowering, and what you don't know can scare you more than it should.

So experienced experts such as Murkoff urge parents to at least consider enrolling in a class. A good one can teach you about pain relief, demystify hospital procedures, and provide a forum for questions you forgot to ask your ob-gyn. And then there's Dad: taking a class helps him feel less left out. Yet despite all this, there are also good reasons why some expectant parents may continue to avoid the adult-ed route. Childbirth education began more than four decades ago as an attempt to change the concept of childbirth as an illness that required medical meddling.

Participation peaked in the '80s and '90s. But by , class popularity had plummeted, according to Childbirth Connection, a nonprofit group that surveyed almost 1, new moms in its Listening to Mothers II survey.

Class attendance fell from 70 percent of first-time mothers in to 56 percent in Instead, for childbirth information, expectant moms are turning to television 68 percent , books 33 percent , friends and relatives 19 percent , and the Internet 16 percent , according to the survey. Even more telling: only 10 percent of women surveyed considered classes their most important source of information. Childbirth educators are scrambling to change their teaching tactics. Besides a four-week course, Isis Maternity offers condensed one- and two-day sessions.

Many hospitals and educators going that route have seen their class attendance rise as a result.