© 2010, Carol Peterson, ICCE, CD(DONA) Erie, PA

Birth Journeys

Carol Peterson, ICCE, HCHI, CD(DONA)

Instilling Confidence in Birth Since 2004

814-899-7722  * cbecarol@yahoo.com * Erie, PA

Do Childbirth Classes Matter?  Written by Carol Peterson, ICCE, HCHI, CD(DONA)

 

Of course I believe that childbirth classes matter, and that comprehensive classes that cover not only an in-depth process of birth, but also a full education on the benefits and drawbacks of such things as induction and pain medications are necessary.  This is especially true for first time families as they try to navigate the myriad of options that are available.  Without the knowledge of these options, then there are no choices, and this is what an in-depth, comprehensive class provides.

 

According to Lamaze International, parents should evaluate the classes that are available in their communities, looking for a class that “includes normal labor, birth and early postpartum; positioning for labor and birth; relaxation and massage techniques to ease pain; labor support; communication skills; information about medical procedures; breastfeeding; and healthy lifestyles.”

 

Judith Lothian, PhD, RN, LCCE, FACCE, offers a very insightful perspective on childbirth classes.  In her words “Once birth moved to the hospital, a great deal of knowledge was lost. More importantly, women, for the first time, gave birth in unfamiliar surroundings supported by strangers. The medical technology that is standard in many hospitals today further complicates what is meant to be simple but hard work. Childbirth classes can go a long way in helping women reclaim that confidence and knowledge that our great-grandmothers had when they gave birth.”

 

Judith also offers the following tips in selecting a childbirth class:

 

• Take a class that focuses on pro-normal birth, and one that helps to inspire confidence in birth.  She says, “The best childbirth classes are ones that increase your confidence in your own ability to give birth. Good classes allow plenty of time for discussion, for sharing concerns, for figuring out the kind of birth you want and then developing strategies to get that. You should leave class feeling assured rather than fearful.”   The best way to determine this is to ask questions of friends on the classes they took.  Did they leave with a sense that birth was normal and that they could give birth, or did they feel like birth was a medical emergency waiting to happen?

 

• Make sure the class presents evidence-based information.  According to Judith, classes should “help women understand the influence of obstetric practices on the natural, physiologic process of birth, help women make informed decisions that are right for them and help women navigate the maze of modern obstetrics.”   In today’s birth environment, however, classes that teach teach evidence based information are not common.  Judith offers the following advice, “Be wary of classes that focus on hospital protocols, possible complications and medical interventions. Learning about birth should not focus on things going wrong, but rather on the ways to make childbirth as safe, easy and healthy as possible. If you are considering a class at a hospital, keep in mind that some hospital administrators pressure childbirth educators to prepare women for the “standard” birth experience in their hospital. In fact, some childbirth educators may be forced to withhold information about best practices and the full range of options.”  It is not just hospital classes that often miss the mark.  Often, the focus is simply providing general information on birth, rather than fully preparing couples for the myriad of options.  The best way to determine this is to ask to speak to the instructor of the class, and then ask if evidence-based information on obstetrical practices is presented, or does the class focus on hospital protocol?

 

• Look for smaller classes where you can have access to the instructor in between classes, and even after your birth.  Judith explains that smaller classes are preferable “because you want to be sure there is plenty of opportunity for you to get your individual questions and concerns addressed. Be cautious of classes that spend a lot of time practicing relaxation and breathing but little or no time answering your questions or discussing how to support and protect your ability to give birth without unnecessary interventions. You also should be wary of the half-day class, which may seem so convenient, but limits discussion and information due to time constraints. If all you want to get out of a childbirth class is knowledge of what it’s like to give birth in a particular hospital, it’s fine. But childbirth classes should give you so much more!”

 

In summary, childbirth classes do matter, as does the content of the class taken.  Most first time parents greatly underestimated how important it is to take a class that is in-depth, inspires confidence in birth, and presents evidence-based information.  Not all classes are created equal.  When selecting a class, do not be afraid to ask to see the outline of the class and to ask specific questions.  Your time is valuable, and your birth is important.  There is no opportunity to go back after your birth to take another class if you find you were ill-prepared.  In birth, there are no “do-overs”.