Planning to Take Childbirth Classes? Here’s What You Need to Know

How necessary is a birthing class? After all, your body is aware of what to do during labor, right? The fact that each class is different from each other may make it difficult to get the importance of enrolling in a childbirth class.

Taking a birthing class prepares you both psychologically and physically. It helps you and your partner to draft a reasonable birth plan and get to know the available options during labor and delivery. The knowledge gained helps you prepare for the postpartum period and taking care of the newborn baby.

Are you afraid to approach the delivery room? These classes will help you boost your confidence by transforming you from a fearful uncertain student to a self-assured expectant parent.

In this article, we’ll discuss some important things you need to know when planning to enroll in a birthing class.

Finding the Right Birthing Class

Consider the following when choosing a class:

Location – is the facility near you? It is recommendable you enroll in a class near you to avoid stress and struggles that may arise during the last days of pregnancy.
Format – look for a class that best suits you. It can either be an everyday class or a one-class-every week basis.
Type of class – it can either be a private or a group session.
Birthing methods taught – methods include hypnobirthing and Lamaze.

Before choosing a class, ensure to go through the class curriculum. What topics do they cover? A good class should at least cover a topic about labor, birth, different kind of pain management, birth position, decision-making skills, etc. What do you want to learn in that particular class? You should know that each teaching techniques will have a different impact on each person.

Format

How is your class offered? Is it one-on-one classes or online? Yes, you heard me right. Today, there are birthing classes available online!

There are many reasons for enrolling in an online class. For one, they are less expensive. Secondly, they are the only option if you can’t find a class near you. And lastly, during last-minute preparation.

However, just like any other online service, online birthing classes lacks parent-to-parent interaction, hand-on practice and skills, and no interaction with your tutor in person.

To get the most out of your classes, you’ll have to commit yourself to implement, practice, and learn at home in your own time. While this can be great for some, others may find it difficult and might not commit fully.

Time

Do you have enough time to attend a birthing class? Most humans are short on time and it is upon you to create time to attend these classes. For instance, you can enroll in a one-evening-a-week session. Depending on the duration your course will take, you can have a class anywhere from 4-7 weeks in the evening mostly, for 2-3 hours each session.

Most weekly series deliver knowledge in shorter, understandable details and you can practice the gained knowledge in between the week. If you have a question, be sure to ask the class and the teacher during the next session. As a thumb of rule, never approach the delivery room with any unanswered questions.

In case you are in a hurry to finish the course, enroll in a weekend class series. The disadvantage of these classes is that it as if you are swotting for an exam i.e. you are digesting a lot of information in a short period.

Cost

What is your budget? The amount you pay for birthing classes is determined by various factors, including your location, whether it is a private or a group, quality, and experience of the teacher.

However, paying a large amount of money doesn’t necessarily imply that you will get the best from that class. Depending on the above factors, you may be required to anything between $100 and $400. Talk with your instructors on the model of payment. Some will allow you to pay on increments while others will offer scholarships.

Right Time for You to Enroll

How will you know it is time for you to register in a birthing class? Most people take their first class during the second trimester or early third trimester. This period will be ideal for you as you will have enough time to finish your class before you approach the labor room.

You will also have enough time to evaluate the quality of your classes and avoid the risk of switching your care provider during the last weeks of pregnancy.

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