How to Choose A Childbirth Class

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

There are several factors to consider when choosing a childbirth class, such as their philosophy of birth, the certification of teacher, and the cost, size and length of the class. Are you looking for a class that will emphasize effective methods for having a completely natural labor and birth, or one which takes a more neutral stance? Do you want to be educated on ways to maintain a healthy pregnancy, the stages of labor, and all the risks, benefits and alternatives to common (and often unnecessary) interventions? Do you merely wish to be familiarized with the maternity ward and it's policies?
Step 2

Another factor is whether the class is independent, or offered by the hospital. An independent childbirth class is accountable only to its patrons, and often discusses a wide range of options (such as water birth or home birth). A class offered by the hospital usually will not show preference for natural birth over medicated birth, and will focus on birth options which comply with their preferred policies.
Step 3

Lamaze is one of the most popular and well-known childbirth education classes. It was developed by Dr. Fernand Lamaze in 1951, in France. The method largely consists of relaxation techniques, controlled breathing and emotional support. Over the past decade, the method has reduced focus on its famous breathing exercises or any particular "method", and instead emphasizes education and their core birth philosophy:
1) Birth is normal, natural and healthy.
2) The experience of birth profoundly affects women and their families.
3) Women's inner wisdom guides them through birth.
4) Women's confidence and ability to give birth is either enhanced or diminished by the care provider and place of birth.
5) Women have the right to give birth free from routine medical interventions.
6) Birth can safely take place in homes, birth centers and hospitals.
7) Childbirth education empowers women to make informed choices in health care, to assume responsibility for their health and to trust their inner wisdom.

The average Lamaze class is six weeks long, in two-hour weekly sessions. They are taught by certified Lamaze instructors, and focus on educating women about normal labor, birth, postpartum recovery, and breastfeeding. Comfort techniques and communication during labor are also covered, as are healthy lifestyle choices during pregnancy, and information about common hospital procedures and interventions.
Step 4

The Bradley method was created by an obstetrician named Dr. Robert Bradley in the 1940's. Growing up on a farm, he saw animals giving birth without suffering or needless interference. He was concerned by the highly medicalized methods which were becoming commonplace for mothers in hospital births (including the exclusion of fathers), and founded the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth (based on his book, "Husband-Coached Childbirth") to counteract the trend.

According to Bradley, birth is a natural process which, given the right preparation, rarely requires the routine medications and interventions which have become so prevalent in the US. According to their website, up to 90% of Bradley clients are able to achieve their goals of a completely natural, intervention-free labor and delivery. It is taught by certified independent instructors.

The Bradley Method is an intensive 12-week program, which thoroughly educates its clients on a wide range of topics: pregnancy, nutrition, exercise, dealing with common pregnancy discomforts, the role of the birth coach, the stages of labor, natural comfort measures, creating a birth plan, common hospital interventions (their risks, benefits and alternatives), being prepared for possible complications, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, newborn care, and how to deliver your baby in an emergency.
Step 5

Hypnobirthing was founded by a hypnotherapist named Marie Mongan, who wrote the book "HypnoBirthing - A Celebration of Life" in 1989. The theory behind hypnobirthing is that fear (and the tension it produces) is the major factor in causing pain during labor, and controlling fear through deep relaxation, self-hypnosis and visualization can allow a mother to experience a more comfortable (and possibly painless) birth, though fully aware and conscious.

The class is typically four 3-hour sessions, or five 2 & 1/2-hour sessions. Although the majority of the class focuses on practicing self-hypnosis techniques, it also covers avoiding induction, having a natural birth in a hospital, what to do at each stage of labor, and bonding with your newborn.
Step 6

Birthing From Within is a class based on the book of the same name, written by Pam England and Rob Horowitz. It is a holistic approach which views birth as a rite of passage, rather than a medical event. The focus is on encouraging women to get in touch with their "inner wisdom". Mothers are encouraged to express their thoughts and fears about pregnancy and birth through journaling, painting, and art. They are encouraged to create the birth experience they want by partnering with a care provider who shares their goals and intuitively listening to their bodies. Classes may be offered as two full days, or a series of 6 evening sessions.

The "Birthing From Within" Philosophy is as follows:
- Childbirth is a profound rite of passage, not a medical event (even when medical care is part of the birth).
- The essence of childbirth preparation is self-discovery, not assimilating obstetric information.
- The teacher (mentor) is "midwife" to the parents' discovery process, not the expert from whom wisdom flows.
- Childbirth preparation is a continually evolving process (for parents and teachers), not a static structure of techniques and knowledge.
- Parents' individual needs and differences determine class content.
- Active, creative self-expression is critical to childbirth preparation.
- The purpose of childbirth preparation is to prepare mothers to give birth-in-awareness, not to achieve a specific birth outcome.
- Pregnancy and birth outcome are influenced by a variety of factors, but can't be controlled by planning.
- In order to help parents mobilize their coping resources, it is critical for childbirth classes to acknowledge that unexpected, unwelcome events may happen during labor.
- Parents deserve support for any birth option which might be right for them (whether it be drugs, cesarean, home birth, or bottle-feeding).
- Pain is an inevitable part of childbirth, yet much can be done to ease suffering.
- Pain-coping practices work best when integrated into daily life, rather than "dusted off" for labor.
- Fathers and birth partners help best as birth guardians or loving partners, not as coaches; they also need support.
- For parents, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is a time of continuous learning and adjustment; holistic support and education should be available throughout that period.
- Childbirth preparation is also parent preparation.
Step 7

Birth Works is a nonprofit organization that certifies instructors and doulas in agreement with their philosophy of birth. It is considered a "process" rather than a "method", and classes average about 25 total hours. The focus in on building a woman's confidence in her own body's ability to birth.

The "Birth Works" Philosophy is as follows:
- Women's bodies are designed to give birth. The knowledge about how to give birth already exists inside every woman.
- A woman will labor the best where ever she feels the safest and most secure. For some that may be a hospital. For others it may mean at home or in an alternative birthing center.
- The nutrition of a pregnant woman has a great impact on the health of her baby from its life as a fetus through adulthood.
- Birthing a baby requires integration of the mind, body, and spirit.
- Breastmilk provides optimum nutrition for the newborn baby.
- Birth is one of the greatest challenges life has to offer. It provides an opportunity for personal growth.
- While a cesarean section may be necessary at times, the current rate is too high.
- In most cases, VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) is a safer alternative to routine repeat cesarean.
- Birth Works© is a process, not a method.
- Birth Works© seeks to facilitate a woman's or a couple's personal process in childbearing, and not to impart a preconceived method of labor and birth. There is no one right way to give birth. Each birth is unique.
- A woman in labor deserves an environment in which her privacy, autonomy and emotional security is protected, and her mobility is encouraged.
- Expectant parents should participate in decisions regarding the judicious use of obstetrical medications and procedures.
- A woman's beliefs influence her birth. Exploring beliefs heightens self-awareness, serving as a catalyst for positive change.
- The emotions of a birthing woman have profound effects on the birth outcome. Women must be allowed to express all their birth related feelings.

Comments

Limowreck said

on 8/5/2008 This can be such a struggle for new, expecting mothers. I remember how scared I was of the whole birthing experience and how lost I felt trying to find the right class. I wish I had had this article back then. Thanks for this great advice. *****

bookmom said

on 8/2/2008 Such a thorough article! I love that you include examples of the popular methods available. My birthing class was great, but I also found myself relying on what I learned in my prenatal yoga just as much for the birth itself.