Child birth classes are designed to provide expectant mothers with information so that moms are prepared for labor and delivery. Every woman will have a different labor and delivery experience, but the techniques used to help minimize pain and prepare a mother for labor are similar.
I remember when I was a first time mom, I didn’t feel that I really needed to attend a child birth class, I had it in my mind that I was going to have a natural birth and knew how to breathe. I thought that was all that I needed to know. However, my mom urged me to attend a child birthing class and I was able to learn some information on the different types of pain management that is often used during child birth. I attended a class that was provided by the hospital; however, today mom’s have a wider variety of information at their finger tips to help them prepare for their baby’s arrival.
Disclosure: This post is for informational purposes only. All opinions reflected in this post are my own.
What type of information do they provide during a child birth class?
The topics that are covered in your child birth class may vary from the class that I took. The instructor during my child birth class covered:
- Hospital Policies
- Different Types of Birthing Methods
- How to Tell If You are in Labor
- Where to Go if you Think Your in Labor
- How to Breathe Properly Through Contractions
- Pain Management Options
- Basic Breastfeeding
7 comments
I don’t really feel that birth classes are needed. The doctor should provide the mom of information that she needs and expect.
I think they were a MUST for me and my Hubby!
We did the childbirth classes with our first and I think it was more a form of comedy for my husband and myself than actual learning experience. But that humor brought us closer together for the full experience which was great!
We did a birth class with my daughter and actually found it pretty helpful! Like Andrea, it was also a time for hubby and I to giggle and come together before the life-changing event. The most helpful part of the one we took was learning about what to do once the baby is actually born. But, we won’t do it again with #2.
I only took a class with my oldest child as well. 🙂 I handled my second labor much better than the first.
We always put it off and never even had a chance to go! I had pre-eclampsia so I was quite early too, but all turned out well. So no, I don’t think they are necessary. I’m a first time mom and I think I did ok.
I agree that the classes aren’t always necessary and with the Internet women have information at their fingertips.