What are the benefits of childbirth education classes?
• Childbirth classes will build your confidence in your body’s ability to give birth. • You can discuss your fears about labor and birth with the instructor and other couples with the same concerns. • Your partner will learn about childbirth and how to support you on the big day. You may find that attending childbirth classes together will create a special bond. • Your instructor will discuss pain relief options, including massage, relaxation, breathing, and medications. • A tour of your birthing facility during class will give you the opportunity to see the staff in action. This is a great time to ask your instructor about routine practices, such as electronic fetal monitoring and freedom of movement during labor. • If you are planning a hospital birth, you might be interested in taking more than one class. A class at the hospital might include a basic overview of labor and birth and may teach specific hospital practices. Classes taught outside the hospital may equip you with in-depth
