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Step 1
Obtain a list of local childbirth classes by looking in the phone book or searching the internet for classes in your area. Consider looking for independent classes held outside the hospital. Independently taught classes tend to offer a more wide range of information whereas hospital classes tend to teach how to be prepared for giving birth in their facility.
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Step 2
Ask your midwife or doctor, friends that have had a baby, and your doula. You might call your local breastfeeding support group or new moms group for recommendations.
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Step 3
Once you have located various classes call for more information. Ask apecific questions such as, "how many weeks is your series", what nights and what time are the classes held", "how much does a series cost and do you take payments if needed", "how do you feel about natural childbirth", "how do you feel about epidurals", "how do you feel about midwives and homebirths", "are you certified and through what organization", etc.
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Step 4
After you have called several teachers and taken notes about the various classes, decide which one best matches your philosophy of birth. If you are interested in a unmedicated birth you want to go with the instructor that has perhaps had an unmedicated birth herself. If you have decided to use an epidural, you may want a class that focuses not on just natural birth.
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Step 5
When you have decided on a class that seems to be the best match call to register as soon as possible, no later than the 6 month of pregnancy as classes tend to fill up quickly. You can always ask to sit in on a class to observe the instructors teaching style before signing up.
Comments
TheGlamSquad said
on 11/19/2008 Great Advice! It's good that you mentioned to register early because when I was prego we ended up looking into registering later and was unable to get in a class.
oneloved said
on 8/29/2008 Very good information! A childbirth class is a great way to educate yourself to make informed choices for the best birth experience! If you don't know, you're at the mercy of others to make those decisions for you, and you may not be happy with the results.
oneloved said
on 8/29/2008 Very good information! A childbirth class is a great way to educate yourself to make informed choices for the best birth experience! If you don't know, you're at the mercy of others to make those decisions for you, and you may not be happy with the results.
1creativemama said
on 6/19/2008 I didn't personally go to any type of class to have a natural child birth, I just watched about 30-45 minutes of a childbirth movie and decided I was ready. But these are great tips on finding a child birthing class.