If you're expecting your first baby, childbirth classes may be on your list of things to do. There are many different styles to choose from, and you need to decide if it really is something you should do or not.
There are some excellent childbirth education classes out there, to be sure. There are also some very poor classes out there. If you do decide to take one, choose carefully.
I took childbirth classes during my first pregnancy. They did not help prepare me at all. Sure, it was fun to meet other pregnant couples at the time, but the instructor never answered my questions, even when they pertained to the subject matter that was covered that night. I was always told that we'd get to that later. I thought I was doing a good job in selecting a class. I chose one that was not hospital-affiliated. I researched the theory behind the class. This one happened to be taught by an instructor who was certified through the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA). Evenso, my needs during class went unmet, and even at the end when we all got together to tell birth stories, we were overlooked. We had not only been the last to birth, but we'd had a cesarean, so in the eyes of the class, we had failed.
I went on to become a childbirth educator myself. I studied with ICEA, since I was not accepted into the Bradley Method. First priority went to parents who had a successful Bradley birth to become certified through their organization. Since we had a cesarean, we were not candidates.
I taught classes privately and online for quite awhile. My entire focus was to meet the needs of my clients. If we needed to spend an hour talking about a concern or fear they had, then so be it.
I know it is more difficult to do this when there is a group of students in a class, but it is still possible to answer at least some of their questions and address their concerns. If you are looking for a class, don't be afraid to ask questions before you enroll.
There are some very wonderful teachers out there... the trick is to find them.
The alternative, of course, is to teach yourself. There are some excellent books out there now, like Henci Goer's "Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" is one I really recommend. Try to avoid books that are fear-based. It may help to read a book or watch a film that addresses today's maternity care so you know what to expect in the hospital if you need to go there.
They say there are two types of learning: learning that you find from books, teachers and childbirth classes; and intrinsic wisdom, found in the deep recesses of our brains and bodies. Which do you trust most?
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Pregnancy is a time to look within and listen to our bodies and our babies. By all means, read books. Watch films. Take classes. Take what you need to address your fears and concerns. Then, look within. Trust your body's wisdom. Women have been birthing for hundreds of thousands of years. When we birth, we connect with these women across the ages. Feel the generations behind you who have birthed your ancestors.
So, should you take childbirth classes? Hospital classes will usually do a good job of teaching you how to be a good patient. If this is what you're looking for, by all means, take them. If you're looking for a way to learn how to give birth, do what you feel comfortable with. If that means finding a class that addresses your needs, great. If that means relying on yourself, that's great too.
