Choosing the right childbirth class is very important. You need to find a class that meets your needs. Here are some helpful tips on choosing the right childbirth class:
- Check the Certification
You probably checked with your practitioner to make sure that they were prepared and educated enough to be your team member at birth, why not do the same of your childbirth educator? There are a couple of childbirth education organizations out there. Lamaze International, The Bradley Method and International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) are the biggest ones. They have also been around for a very long time. While each has different requirements for certification, they do have certifications. A certified childbirth educator meets a certain set of minimum standards as set forth by their certifying agency. Be sure to ask about your educator's credentials. - Time in Class
In addition to issues like finding a class on the right day and at the right time, you will want to consider the number of hours you spend in class. Believe it or not, you will actually learn more and remember more when the time comes to give birth, if you have shorter periods of time spent in class, spread over several weeks. So even if that weekend childbirth class looks tempting, remember that squeezing all the hours together makes you remember less. - How many students are in the class?
An ideal childbirth class has between 3-10 couples. You need enough people to start a good discussion, but not so many that you are just a number to your teacher. - Class Content
A childbirth class should cover lots of great topics, including:- Positioning in Labor
- Birth Planning
- Comfort Measures
- Relaxation
- Epidurals and other medication in labor and birth
- Support in labor
- Common Interventions in Labor
- Unexpected Outcomes
- Breastfeeding
- Parenting Skills
