Childbirth Education (CBE) classes teach a wide spectrum of topics ranging from nutrition and health in pregnancy to early postpartum and everything in between. Most classes are going to teach how a woman's body is designed to give birth, what is going on during labor, pain management options, cesarean birth, what to expect postpartum and some basic newborn care.
Childbirth Education Classes help you prepare for your upcoming birth. It is hard to plan for something if you don't know much about it. As you learn how birth is designed to work and different options you have surrounding it, you can think through what is important for you. Even in the midst of the unpredictability of birth, when you know your options ahead of time, you are better able to make informed decisions when plans change. It is also helpful to know some of the terminology before you're in labor. For example, knowing words like: cervix, effacement, dilation, epidural, crowning, etc.
There can be a lot of fear surrounding childbirth and one of the main goals of childbirth education classes is to educate parents and help reduce fear surrounding birth. Childbirth doesn't need to be something to be feared. Being educated on the design and process of birth, as well as your options in it, can help reduce any fear surrounding it. Childbirth Education classes can also prepare you for what to expect when you show up to the hospital or birth center so you're not taken by surprise when you arrive.
Another advantage of taking a childbirth education class is if you don't have a lot of time with your provider at your prenatal appointments. Depending on your provider and their office, you may get as much time as you need with them or just a few minutes. If you don't have enough time to get all your questions answered during your prenatal appointments, taking a CBE class may be a good option to learn about birth, your options and get your questions answered.
There are many options for classes: Hospital classes; doula taught classes; online classes/videos; group or private classes. There is also a variety of teaching styles. Some classes lean more holistic, others more medically minded, some somewhere in between. Classes may either be free of charge or have some sort of a fee. Deciding what class to take can be overwhelming!
Things to think of when considering which CBE class you would like to take:
Do I prefer an in person or online class?
If I prefer an in person class, what is available in my area?
If I prefer an online class: do I want to attend a live class, or is a recording okay?
Do I prefer a group or private class?
Do I prefer a more holistic or medical approach or somewhere in between?
Am I planning on a home birth, hospital or birth center birth? (A hospital class may not be helpful when planning for a home birth.)
What is my budget?
Remember, there are pros and cons to different CBE classes, and no class is perfect.
Q&A
Q: This isn't my first baby, should I still take another class?
A: Even if you've already had a baby, taking a childbirth education class may still be beneficial. Every birth is different. What happened with a previous birth may not happen with this birth. If you don't want to take a full-fledged course, an overview course may be a good option as it can refresh your memory of birth and help you prepare for your upcoming birth. It may also prove beneficial to your husband to be reminded of what to expect and how he can support you.
Q: What I I'm having a planned C-Section?
A: A traditional CBE class may or may not be super helpful in this situation. Some childbirth education classes include cesarean birth in their classes. If you are looking to take a CBE class and are planning a c-section, be sure you are taking a class that covers c-sections. It is good to educate yourself on what to expect and how a cesarean is done, even if that is simply a good conversation with your doctor where you can talk through your concerns, preferences, and get your questions answered.
In conclusion:
As a doula, I highly recommend taking a Childbirth Education Class if you are expecting a new baby. They can be very beneficial in preparing for your upcoming birth as every pregnancy and birth is different. I hope this post encouraged you to look into taking a class whether its one from the hospital, me, or one online.
Resources:
Catharine is a birth doula and a stay home/homeschool mama of 4 (plus one on the way!). She has a passion for serving women on their motherhood journey. Catharine believes the memories surrounding birth are some of the most precious memories in a woman's life. How she is cared for during this precious and vulnerable time will make a big impact on her life. Each birth is unique and Catharine seeks to provide education and support so each mother can make informed decisions that are best for her. Her desire is that each mother can look back on her birth knowing she was loved and well cared for.
Catharine is currently offering both private and group Childbirth Education Classes. If you are interested in taking a class, don't hesitate to reach out!!
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Disclaimer: This post is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, please discuss any questions or concerns with your provider.