How to Choose a Birth Class

Birth class, a ritual of modern pregnancy, gives you and your partner a chance to prepare together for the big day of labor.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Telephones
• Notebooks
• Pencils Or Pens
• Notebooks

1. Learn the difference between childbirth techniques. The two biggies are Lamaze and Bradley, but there are other philosophies, and many instructors offer a hybrid.

2. Decide what type of class you'd like to take if there's a choice in your area.

3. Get recommendations from people you trust: your doctor or midwife, a friend or sister-in-law.

4. Find out about the specifics of the class: What topics are covered? Will you watch videos of births? Will you practice breathing techniques? What's the C-section rate for those who have taken the class?

5. Talk to the instructor before you sign up. There's information and confidence to be gained from a good class, but a dogmatic or boring instructor is a drain.

6. Decide if you want a one-day intensive or a weekly class (usually about six sessions). For later births, many educators offer short refresher courses.

7. Make sure the class is appropriate for your due date. Try to find one in the first two months of your last trimester.

Tips & Warnings

• Birth class is an excellent place to meet other parents in your area who are expecting around the same time.
• If you're interested, you can also find classes relevant to early pregnancy or those that deal with such things as newborn care and nursing.
• Preparation isn't everything: Even though you've practiced breathing techniques and learned all you can learn, you might end up with medications or procedures you don't expect.

[pangea]

on 11/30/2008 Online birth classes are also a great option - there is a great one at http://www.maiainstitute.com

[oneloved]

on 7/30/2008 Interesting tips! I describe several birthing classes - not just Lamaze and Bradley - in detail in my article, "How to Choose A Childbirth Class"

[macey]

on 6/16/2008 I've just found out that parenting classes are on DVD now... watch them at home and revisit the info!
birthing sense - look it up!