Are childbirth classes worth it?
Friday February 6, 2009
That's the question posed by first time mom, Leah on her blog. I was actually quite interested in her notes as well as the comments. And I was delightfully surprised at the number of people who were actually pretty pro-childbirth class and had some great suggestions on childbirth classes. I actually have to deal with this question a lot being a childbirth educator.
People send me email and call me on the phone to ask me to justify my job or my fees. I often get asked questions like: "Why do you charge for classes when the hospital classes are free?" or "My best friend had a natural childbirth and will be with me - why do I need a class?" Since I doubt these people actually call other professionals and ask them to justify their business practices, I can only assume that they want to be talked into childbirth classes. One mom told me as much when she said, "Everyone says I don't need classes, so I thought I'd let you make the case for class..."
The case for childbirth class? Here are some of my reasons:
- In an independent class you are taught all of your options, not simply hospital policy or preference.
- Taking a class where the information is spread out over a series of time, not a weekend cram course, or one time class, prevents you from saying 'I forgot everything!'
- One of the best parts of the class are guided discussions about various topics.
- It is good to be with people who are due when you are and are experiencing similar things.
So, are childbirth classes worth it? Share your thoughts!
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Comments
I got a lot of comments at work when people heard that I was taking a childbirth class. Like that I was crazy for considering birth without drugs. Finally my boss said that she had taken a childbirth class even though she intended to have an epidural simply so she would be educated about all the options. I know several people who wanted an epidural, but their labor went so quickly that they needed to manage the pain on their own. Childbirth class was so worth it for us!
I think childbirth classes can be worth it. Generally I say only take them if they’re independent classes. I took independent classes with my first and third babies and thought they were pretty good.
I also think that doing a good childbirth home study course can be a good idea too - especially if you are shy or don’t live near an independent instructor. I’ve done two courses at home and liked both of them.
I definitely think a mom should take some sort of course - an independent instructor’s course or one of the home study courses.