Embracing New Beginnings: Importance of Childbirth Education for New Parents
Childbirth Education
Childbirth education can come in many forms. Classes at your hospital, classes at a birthing center, private classes in person or virtually, and small group classes in person or virtually. It can be overwhelming with options, however I promise you, it is so important to prepare for your birth. Since it's so important, I'll break it down for you!
Benefits of childbirth education
Childbirth education can be important for many aspects of your birth. You can learn more about what exactly is happening in your body. As well as how to cope, help labor progress, and learn more on the risks & benefits of interventions. You can also learn how to advocate for yourself and your baby when needed. Not only are these classes great for you but they are also great for birth partners to attend as well. The knowledge gained from these classes can be invaluable when it comes time to birth your baby. These are just a few things you can learn in childbirth education depending on where you attend the course. Many private courses may also teach breathing techniques, labor positions, natural induction methods, pain coping techniques, meditation, yoga, postpartum, etc. Having a firm understanding of your own goals and desires is the first big step to deciding on which childbirth education course you wish to take.
Your personal preferences
Before you pick a childbirth education course, think about how you learn best. Do you prefer hands on? Do you prefer lectures? Do you prefer reading? Do you prefer 1-on-1 learning, small groups, etc? After you think about these basics you can begin to narrow down your options.
Hospital Childbirth education courses
Hospital classes can be great, however they are also not the greatest. Most of the time they will push interventions, their ideal births, and their ideal birth plans. More often than not they will not inform you of risks of unnecessary interventions, they will push their ideal birth even though it is not what is best for the mother or baby and they will push the exact plan they want you to do even if it is not what you want. Even if you desire Pitocin, an IV, an epidural, etc. it is important to learn your options, the risks involved and the benefits.
Birth Center Childbirth Education courses
Birth center classes are great resources. They more often than not will be giving you information on all aspects of birth. Every center will be different based on the care they aim to provide. If you are not birthing there and just taking the classes, I recommend getting more information on their practice and values first. If you are birthing there, the classes can be a great tool to learn more about the expectations and realities of when you give birth there.
Private Childbirth Education Courses
Private childbirth education can come in many forms. If you have a doula she can teach you a lot and may even include childbirth education services. Otherwise you can find an educator online or in your community. There are now many wonderful online childbirth education courses that you can complete at your own pace. There are also educators who teach in person classes. These classes may be in a group setting within the community or can be 1-on-1. I recommend researching each course you come across and finding the one that aligns best with your views and goals. Some classes may be strictly for home birth or strictly for natural hospital births. Every course will be different in some way and ensuring it aligns with your goals is extremely important.
Ready to sign up?
Did you know I am currently offering virtual and in-person 1-on-1 childbirth education sessions? Contact me today to get more information! Soon we'll be offering a comprehensive in person group course in St. Clair County, MI. If this is something you are interested in, get on my email list to stay in touch and be the first to get the details and exclusive discounts!
