Whether you’re a first-time parent or you’ve been through labor before, childbirth classes are a great way to prepare. They can give you (and your partner) the confidence to handle one of the most dramatic experiences of your life. Many birth classes cover the whole experience, from recognizing the
first signs of labor to putting your newborn in their
car seat and bringing them
home from the hospital.
What topics do childbirth classes cover?
Typical childbirth classes include lectures, discussions, and exercises, all led by a trained childbirth instructor. While some classes focus on a particular approach (more on that below), others include techniques from several methods.
The main purpose of a childbirth class is to prepare you for birth, help you make informed decisions about the birthing process, and ease your fears about labor and delivery.
Common topics covered include:
Most childbirth classes also cover some of the most common birth complications, such as slow labor and
perineal tears, and how your
hospital or
birth center might handle them. You can also expect to watch footage of some real
vaginal births and C-section deliveries.
Some classes also teach the basics of
breastfeeding and
newborn care, but those are often offered as add-on classes. (Many hospitals separate their pregnancy classes by topic: Labor and delivery, breastfeeding,
infant safety, and other parenting topics.) If you’re taking a childbirth class at your hospital, it may include a tour of the maternity unit – which can help you feel more comfortable there on the big day.
Depending on what type of class you attend, childbirth classes range from one-day intensive workshops to weekly sessions that last for a couple of months.
Another benefit of group childbirth classes: They provide a great opportunity to make friends with other expectant parents who will have a baby the same age as yours. Some new parents stay in touch long after their birth classes are over.
When’s the best time to take a birthing class?
The best time to take a birthing class is usually close enough to your
due date that the information is fresh, but not so close that you’ll miss the class if your
baby arrives early. To make sure you don’t miss out on valuable information, Dr. Mavani usually recommends taking the class early in the
third trimester and no later than
34 weeks.
There are some benefits to taking a childbirth class earlier, though. If a class covers
tips for a healthy pregnancy or how to choose a provider, that’s information that will be helpful early on. Likewise, if you’re taking a class on
vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), you’ll want to take it early so you can think about some of the decisions you’ll need to make.
If you’ve been through labor before and just want to take a refresher course, you might want to schedule the class close to your delivery date, say mid-third trimester. And if you’re taking a breastfeeding class, it might be best to wait until later in pregnancy, when you’re closer to nursing.
