Childbirth classes- BabyCenter.com

Childbirth classes Reviewed by the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board En español What will I learn from a childbirth class? A childbirth class is a great way to prepare for labor and birth. The typical class includes up to eight weekly sessions and consists of lectures, discussion, and exercises, led by a trained childbirth instructor. While approaches vary, the goal is to provide you with information to minimize your fears and help you make informed decisions. You'll also learn techniques to help you relax and cope. Most hospitals offer classes, or you can take one through an independent instructor or organization. Classes range from intensive courses that begin early in pregnancy and continue through the postpartum period to one-shot refresher sessions. Classes should cover: The signs of labor The normal progress of labor and birth Techniques for coping with pain How your partner can help you during labor When to call your doctor or midwife In addition, they generally cover some of the more common childbirth complications and how they might be handled. Most will show videos of both a vaginal birth and a c-section. Classes should also teach the basics of breastfeeding and newborn care. (If you'd like more detail about nursing and baby care, you can generally find separate in-depth classes on these topics. Early pregnancy classes are usually available as well.) A bonus: You may make friends. Childbirth classes provide a great opportunity to meet other expectant parents who will have a child the same age as yours. Some participants stay in touch long after classes are over. What sorts of childbirth classes are offered? Depending on where you live, you may have access to classes in some or all of the various methods that are common today. Be sure to research the classes before you sign up, so you'll find one that meets your needs. If you plan to give birth without an epidural, for example, look for an instructor who spends a lot of time exploring all the different natural methods of pain management. On the other hand, if you're sure you're going the epidural route, a course taught by a stringently antidrug instructor is not for you. Here's a look at the most popular choices: Lamaze classes According to Lamaze International, the goal of Lamaze classes is to "increase women's confidence in their ability to give birth," and toward that end, women learn various simple coping strategies, including breathing techniques. The Lamaze philosophy stipulates that "birth is normal, natural, and healthy" and that "women have a right to give birth free from routine medical interventions." But Lamaze also educates women so that when interventions are needed, or pain relief medication is desired, women are able to give true informed consent. Bradley Method classes The Bradley Method embraces the idea that childbirth is a natural process and that, with the right preparation, most women can avoid pain medication and routine interventions during labor and birth. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of diet and exercise during pregnancy, teaches deep breathing techniques to manage pain, and involves the husband or partner as an integral participant in the birth process. HypnoBirthing classes HypnoBirthing, or the Mongan Method, teaches women how to use deep relaxation, visualization, and self-hypnosis to experience "a calm, serene, and comfortable birth." While the focus is on natural pregnancy and birth, the techniques are also useful for mothers who require medical intervention during labor and delivery. ICEA classes Some childbirth instructors are certified by the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA), an organization that provides education and training programs for instructors. The ICEA doesn't promote particular techniques, so class content varies depending on the instructor. If you're thinking of using an ICEA-certified instructor, ask what information and which techniques for coping with labor will be covered in class. Other methods and techniques There are other, less well known (and, in some instances, less widely available) childbirth techniques. Here are a few that you may want to look into: Birthing From Within is a spiritually focused approach to preparing for birth and parenting. Another program, BirthWorks, encourages the pregnant woman to have faith in her body's knowledge about labor. The Alexander Technique, a movement-awareness method, can help women physically prepare for pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood by focusing on alignment, balance, and coordination. If you're into yoga, you might want to explore prenatal yoga classes. Many women find the breathing, stretching, and meditation of various types of yoga very helpful during pregnancy and childbirth. Some classes even incorporate self-hypnosis techniques for use during labor. Chat with a local yoga instructor, or ask at a hospital education center, birth center, or adult education facility. How can I find a childbirth class in my area? Most hospitals offer classes through their education programs. This is usually the least expensive way to go, although these classes do tend to be more crowded. Birth centers often offer their own classes, which are geared toward their particular birth philosophy. If you're interested in exploring other options, ask your obstetrician or midwife for suggestions. Or contact: Lamaze International The American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth (Bradley Method) The International Childbirth Education Association HypnoBirthing If an in-person class doesn't work for you, try BabyCenter's online childbirth class. It's free (unlike many traditional childbirth classes), and you can watch it from home as many times as you'd like. The two-hour class is a good solution for parents-to-be with busy schedules, women on bedrest, and second-time moms who want a refresher course.