Childbirth education is the same no matter where you go to receive it, right? No, I wish that was so!!! Different organizations teach childbirth education differently based on their views/perspective of childbirth.
Hospital classes are the most comprehensive, right? Unfortunately, most often, they have the LEAST amount of helpful information. Typically hospital birth classes focus on teaching your medicalized terminology, but do not go into depth about natural physiological birth.
What is natural physiological birth? Birth that is properly supported so that a woman can labor and birth her baby in the way her body was made to.
A comprehensive childbirth education class will enough information so you will understand what happens to your body during labor, what to expect, how to practice and plan,
Being educated about the birth process will allow you to visualize what you will be feeling and experiencing. You will learn about your pelvis, uterus and baby and how all 3 - PLUS - you moving around will help the baby move into a more optimal birth position. You will learn more about your anatomy, physiology, hormones and psyche and how each plays a role in your birth. We will discuss what to expect in a hospital, birth center or home setting and different terminology used surrounding birth. Informed consent is discussed along with questions to ask your provider, a questionnaire to figure out what you really want or don’t want and then you create a birth preference plan to share with your providers.
This comprehensive class will leave you feeling more prepared and confident as labor begins.