Childbirth comes with a lot of unknowns, no matter if you are a first-time mother or a seasoned pro going after multiple times. Natural birth classes are a great tool to help pregnant women get rid of some of the anxiety and uncertainty that surrounds pregnancy and the birthing process.
You can find that these classes will vary and can offer a wealth of information outside of the pregnancy and childbirth to included newborn care. Classes with info on the latter can be especially useful to first-time mothers.
There are several different types of natural birth classes so you will need to figure out which one or ones you want to sign up for. Let us help you sift through the different types of classes that are available and how to determine which will be the right choice for you.
Benefits of Childbirth Classes
If you are a first-time parent a childbirth class is highly recommended. The information provided at these classes can be extremely useful for both you and your partner. Megan Davies, owner of YEG Prenatal in Alberta California and a certified childbirth educator indicates that everyone can benefit from attending prenatal childbirth classes.
You will find that most natural birth classes charge per couple. And if you choose a class at a community centre or your localhost you can find them at a low cost. You may be even able to find some free classes if you’re lucky.
When Should I take Birthing Classes?
The answer to this question will vary based on several situations. It will differ based on the type of course you choose and your schedule. Most parents typically take their classes in the second to third trimesters.
We recommend taking classes in your second trimester to ensure they do not feel rushed. You can start looking for classes from your first trimester by pinpointing those that are related to the type of birth that you would much prefer to have.
When you start a class in your second trimester you will have time to practice any techniques learned. Taking the classes at this time can help you to decide if any changes are necessary based on what you have learned in your class.
Does Insurance Pay for Childbirth Classes?
Birthing classes can run anywhere from $50 to $200 without insurance. You can find several classes that are covered by health insurance. Do your research and ask the pertinent questions.
How do I Choose a Birthing Class?
There are many different types of birthing classes to choose from. There is no one “right” childbirth class method. Several different classes are based on different philosophies. The one you choose should all come down to your beliefs and the type of birth you want to have.
You want to consider the cost of the class, the convenience of the schedule and the distance you will have to travel to and from the class. Talk with other moms that have experience with these classes to see what you can expect and to determine if it will provide you with value for money.
You can get recommendations about which classes are best for you by asking your OB. You can check out online birthing classes as well, – yes these are an option. Online communities can help you to find sources you never knew existed and can help you to find new parent friends.
Different Types of Birthing Classes
Lamaze
This is a very popular option for a lot of moms. Lamaze was established in the 1950s by a doctor of French background. It is focused on pain management techniques such as breathing. During these classes, you will learn about pain medication options and what to expect if you decide to use the.
This birthing class typically is a 12-hour course and puts significant focus on the birth partner. So those are things to consider before making your choice.
The Alexander Technique
This birthing class is focused on a movement technique. It is ideal for moms to be as well as can be of benefit for dancers, actors and persons with back pain.
The technique helps teach pregnant women labor breathing and how to remain relaxed as best as possible. The focus is on the opening of the body for the birthing process.
You may find some of these classes geared specifically for pregnant women while you may find some geared for all who want to relax with breathing. It is recommended that you take a minimum of one class per week starting in your second trimester for these to be beneficial to you.
The Bradley Method
This birthing class spans 12 weeks and focuses on all childbirth aspects. It touches on the stages of labor and the different techniques for each. It also touches on the role of your partner and provides a bit of information on newborn and infant care.
The goal of the Bradley method is to help you to have an intervention-free and un-medicated birthing experience. Studies show that 86% of persons who take this childbirth class have a drug free delivery.
Birthing from Within
This birthing concept was developed by Pam England a midwife. The focus of the classes is a transformative physical and psychological experience for both mom and dad to be.
The information in this course will touch on pain management
techniques. It is a very personalized approach as it takes into
account your expectations, goals and fears surrounding pregnancy, labor and parenthood.
Birthing from Within classes tend to include journaling, drawing and a host of other types of creative rituals. As such they are private classes that are conducted with you and your partner and the birth coach. They may also be done in small groups as well.
“HypnoBirthing”
No don’t worry, they won’t be putting you in a trance during this birthing class. The notion is that anxiety and fear contribute to the amount of pain a mom-to-be feels during labor.
This process teaches deep relaxation techniques and has shown a success rate of 80% of mothers having a drug-free delivery after taking the class.
CONCLUSION
By enrolling and completing natural birth classes you can boost your confidence to go into labor. These classes can help you to get rid of some amount of fear and anxiety related to the birthing process. Whether you are a new mom or you have delivered multiple babies before, you can benefit from natural birth classes.
The most popular type of natural birth class is Lamaze but there are many other options out there. All in all, they can help you to address your fears, connect with your partner and will help to provide you with options for handling your pain.
Which type of natural birth classes will you choose? We like the personal touch of Birthing from Within but this is ultimately your choice. Get some feedback from persons who have done the different classes to determine which ones will be the best options for you and your family.
Cris
