As you prepare for the arrival of your new baby, it’s important to take the time to consider all of the moving pieces that are involved in birth. A childbirth education class can be a really helpful tool to help you and your partner get ready for the big day. Not that you or your body actually needs an education on how to give birth, but a childbirth ed class can help you understand the changes your body will go through, the progression of labor, as well as understanding what will happen at the hospital or in your home if you’re choosing a home birth. While many hospitals offer childbirth education classes, private sessions or hiring a dedicated childbirth educator can provide a more tailored and in-depth learning experience.
What are Childbirth Education Classes?
Childbirth education classes are designed to prepare expectant parents for early labor, labor & delivery, and the early postpartum period. Childbirth ed classes are particularly helpful for first-time parents, providing in-depth information that helps reduce anxiety and increases preparedness for what to expect.
The goal of these classes is:
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To cover multiple scenarios that parents might encounter at home, in the hospital and in the case of an emergency
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To demystify the medical aspect of birth
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To educate parents on the medical jargon, procedures and many of the other “unknowns” about birth
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To help pregnant moms (and their partners) understand what’s going on with her body and her baby during birth
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To offer insight into where in birth process parents may need to advocate for themselves (or hire a doula to help advocate)
Early labor:
Parents will learn the early signs of labor, and when to head to the hospital or call the midwife. Childbirth ed classes often offer tips for early pain management, ideas on how to stay busy when you’re waiting for your real labor to begin, how to understand your contractions, and more. Knowing the information and signs of early labor can help you feel more equipped, comfortable and patient leading up to the big day!
Labor and delivery:
Childbirth ed classes break down the different stages of labor. The words “effacement”, “dilation”, and “contraction” will have whole new meanings. If you’re planning on giving birth in the hospital, your class will walk through triage, pain management techniques and go over the possible interventions you’ll be offered. You’ll learn how to ask questions to be more informed to make better decisions in the moment. No matter where you’re planning on giving birth, your educator will be able to demonstrate effective laboring positions and delivery techniques.
If your childbirth educator is local to you, you might gain insight into your specific hospital, providers, and other nuances that will help you feel confident and prepared.
Postpartum care:
Some childbirth education classes will cover some basics for early postpartum. You’ll learn the benefits of skin-to-skin, the golden hour, early nursing and latching, as well as advocating for your desires for your baby (ie bathing, measuring, and other standard procedures). Tips for recovering after childbirth and the changes new mothers might experience.
The Benefits Of Private Childbirth Education Classes
Most hospitals offer childbirth ed classes for their expectant families, but choosing a private childbirth education class offers advantages that you may not get from a hospital class. Hospital childbirth ed classes can be limited by time constraints, hospital policies and the need to cater to a broad audience. A private childbirth ed class can get a little bit more into the nitty gritty of birth, procedures and policies.
Personalization:
Private classes are often more flexible and can be tailored to fit your specific fears, philosophy, concerns, and birth scenarios. This personalized approach ensures that you're not just getting general information but are learning in a way that feels relevant to your needs. You can share your birth plan with your childbirth educator so they can tailor your class even further.
Comfort and convenience:
Learn in the comfort of your own home or in a private setting where you can feel more comfortable asking questions and discussing personal topics. These settings also often allow for scheduling classes at times that work best for you and your partner. This setting can feel more intimate and will help you get even more comfortable with the idea of birth.
Focused attention:
A small class size– aka, you and your partner– means really deliberate and focused attention. You will be able to dive deep into topics that you are curious or worried about and spend less time in areas you already feel comfortable with.
Broader content:
Many hospital childbirth ed courses stick to the basics. With a private childbirth educator you’ll be able to cover a wider range of topics, including alternative birthing methods, holistic practices, hospital practice criticisms, and more.
Choosing The Right Childbirth Education Class
It’s important that you choose a childbirth ed class and instructor that fits your birth plan and your preferences. If you’re having a home birth, it’s important to work with an educator who champions home birth. Similarly, if you’re planning on a hospital birth with pain management drugs and interventions, it’s important that your educator understands and can relay the information in a way that you feel comfortable with each procedure. Here are a few things to consider when choosing an educator or class:
Credentials
Depending on your personal preferences, this may or may not always be important. There are a few recognized associations for childbirth education, including Lamaze International, ICEA (International Childbirth Education Association), or CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association). Whether or not the educator you’re considering has recognized credentials, it’s important to do a little research into their track record to see if other clients have had an empowering and enjoyable experience working with this educator.
Class format
Because it’s 2024, many educators have moved their courses to an online format. Some education courses are self-directed, some are virtual live classes, and some are still in person. It’s important to consider your learning style and decide which style of class you would prefer to get the most out of your childbirth ed class.
Curriculum
Make sure that you get an outline of the curriculum before deciding on a specific class or educator. You’ll want to check that the course is comprehensive and includes the topics that you’re interested in.
Teaching style and philosophy
You’ll want to make sure that you and your teacher jive. It’s hard to learn from someone if they have a totally different mindset about birth than you do. See if you can attend an introductory session to get a feel for the educator you’ll be working with. You can also ask for testimonials of past happy clients.
Cost
Consider your budget for a private birth education course. Some educators offer sliding scales and payment plans, and you can also use your BeHerVillage registry to collect funds from your loved ones to cover the cost of your class.
Choosing a private childbirth education course can significantly impact your confidence and experience as you approach birth
By opting for private childbirth education, you gain a tailored, in-depth educational experience that empowers you and your partner, preparing you for the end of pregnancy, early labor, delivery and early postpartum.
As you consider your options, remember that the goal is to feel prepared, informed, and supported. Private childbirth education classes offer a unique opportunity to achieve just that, making them a worthy investment for expectant parents looking for more than what hospital classes can offer.
If you want to find a childbirth educator in your area, use the BeHerVillage registry guide to get started.
BeHerVillage is helping parents like you get the funds they need for the support they deserve! Are you having a baby and are looking for support? Create a registry for support today and get gifted funds directly into your bank account to pay for your support team. You deserve this.
Are you a birthworker who supports new moms? Use BeHerVillage to help your clients pay for your support. Create your free profile here and you can be the best baby shower gift a mom will ever get!
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