Childbirth Classes

As a first time mother, what was your first thought when you heard the words "childbirth class?" (If you heard them at all!) Did you envision a group of couples sitting in a circle while the women "hee-heed" and "hoo-hooed" until they hyperventilated? Or perhaps you envisioned an actual class, sitting at desks and taking notes while listening to a teacher drone on and on. Whatever your vision may have been, it was probably different from what your actual class was like.

With my son, I took the general childbirth class that was offered at the hospital I was going to give birth at. It was a pretty nice class although it was a bit large. We initially had to do a little explanation since everyone there (as far as I can remember) brought their spouse. My spouse was working, so my Dad agreed to come with me. The initial reaction to the 19 year old girl sitting there with the 40 year old man was a bit odd! But we got that cleared up quickly and reassured them that he was actually, my father! :)

The class covered the basics of our stay in the hospital, the options we would have available while there, a general overview of everything that would happen and a tour of the maternity department. While I do advocate reading books on childbirth during your pregnancy, there are some benefits you can receive in a class that you just can't quite get in a book. You are able to talk about your experiences with other people who are going through the same things as you. You're able to ask questions immediately and get answers. And most of all, they will (or should) teach you things that will be helpful to you during childbirth. I also think classes relieve a bit of the fear that you or your husband/significant other/support partner might be having. Going to class and getting a general idea of what is going to be happening makes you feel more prepared. As I like to say, you can never be too educated! It may sound silly, but it's very true. If you had a huge test in school, didn't you study for it? Why then wouldn't you find out as much as you could about what might happen during childbirth?

Most hospitals offer a basic class like the one I took. Often times you can check the hospital's website or call their front desk or registration office to get more information. If this is not an option for you, check your local phonebook or directory. You might find that a doctor's office holds classes that you could attend or that a educational or state program sponsors some.
Yet another option is the internet. You can also find a lot of information online. Some of the more popular childbirth classes (such as Lamaze, the Bradley Method, etc.) have their own websites with search pages to find a class or teacher near you. I've listed some different places below and have linked to their search pages:

- The Bradley Method
The Bradley Method emphasizes that birth is a natural process and that with the right preparation women can avoid unnecessary pain medication and other interventions. Bradley also places an emphasis on the spouse or support partner's role during childbirth.

- International Childbirth Education Association
The ICEA provides education and training for people interested in childbirth. They don't have a set teaching method or technique so the classes might vary from teacher to teacher.

- Childbirth.org
This page provides a search for basic childbirth educators and doulas.

- Lamaze
Lamaze focuses on preparing the mother for childbirth and emphasizes breathing techniques, among other things. It is natural childbirth education but it also teaches you about medical interventions so that you can be prepared if you find that you need them.

- Hypnobirthing
Hypnobirthing teaches women to rely on deep relaxation methods and self-hypnosis during childbirth. It focuses mainly on natural childbirth.

- Birthworks.org
Birthworks is an educational certification program and organization that strives to develop a woman's confidence, trust and faith in her ability to give birth. It places a lot of importance on the woman, her body and her feelings.

- Birthing From Within
Birthing From Within takes a spiritual approach to childbirth. It focuses on whatever options the mother (or couple) feels is right for them and their childbirth. It also discusses parenting quite a bit.

That's just a basic overview of classes and "schools of thought" regarding childbirth - obviously you can get more information from your local hospitals and websites. It just varies when choosing - something that might not be right for you, might be right for me. Check them out, find out more information about them and choose the one(s) that feel right to you.