by Stacey Scarborough, ICCE, CLE, AdvCD(DONA), PCD, BDT
What kind of education provides a class that is: fun, informative, enlightening, lively, sometimes embarrassing, and often just plain amusing?
Childbirth education classes!
Education is truly the key to a better birth experience. Many new parents wonder what the big deal is about having a baby, and it IS a big deal. How the birth goes can dramatically enhance or defeat the personal perceptions of the birth experience. Women never completely forgets their births. Just ask your mom!
How the classes are taught can make a difference, as well. A birthing class should provide evidence-based facts about birth, the terminology that is used in birth, and the process of labor and delivery. You will be informed of your rights as far as how you would like the birth to go. There are many hospital procedures that are part of the hospital experience but might not be needed for all women. Therefore, being educated on what those procedures are, and then having the right and ability to inform your caregivers of your choices, leads you on a path of speaking up and empowerment!
Classes will provide you with the skills to write a “Birth Plan” that is shared with your doctor, midwife, and/or nurse. A doula can help you craft a well-prepared birth plan based on your preferences and what you learned in your classes.
Another aspect of classes is the knowledge and practice of movements, physical positioning, and relaxation skills.
Long gone are the days when the birthing woman comes in to a hospital and just lays in the bed. Birthing a baby requires gravity and changes in body positioning that help the baby descend properly into the pelvis. The baby needs the room to move into what is known as “optimal fetal positioning,” and knowing what you can do to enhance the process can dramatically make the birth go easier and, sometimes, faster.
Not only is birth a physical process, it is also very spiritual and mentally challenging. Birthing classes can provide the parents with tools to “re-wire” their minds about the process. These tools will help parents not be fearful, but feel more powerful in their birth experience.
Most hospitals and birth centers offer classes, but there are educators who work independently to provide classes. You will learn specific breathing techniques, mental relaxation, positioning, and partner support.
Educators are trained through organizations such as the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA), Lamaze, Birth Arts International, The Bradley Method, and Birthing from Within.
Wherever and however you plan to give birth, you are guaranteed to have a more empowered birth, which leads to being a more empowered parent. Parenting is one of the hardest and most important jobs you will ever have, so going into this new lifestyle is not to be taken lightly, but will the best experience possible. You and your child deserve it!
To find an educator that fits your family’s needs, go to preparingtheparents.com.
Stacey Scarborough is a birth doula trainer and childbirth educator based in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She also offer private childbirth classes in the comfort of your home. Check out Stacey’s high-visibility ads under the Childbirth Educators, Doulas, and Support Groups & Education sections of the Spokane Birth Resource Directory.