Taking a class in person is still a popular method of childbirth education. However the technology of today also allows for additional options like apps, online classes, webinars, and home study courses by CD or DVD.
These new options may seem like a great fit for our increasingly busy schedules, and they're often cheaper, too. But there are may reasons why taking a class in person can be much more effective and beneficial.
Here's why:
- Taking a live class in your area allows you to develop a relationship with a childbirth educator who has knowledge of your local hospitals, birth centers, midwives, and doctors, and can help you find one that is supportive of natural birth. She can also help you locate a care provider who can help with your specific needs (VBAC, breech, multiples, etc.)
- Physically meeting once a week ensures that the coach or birth partner (husband or other chosen support person) will be as thoroughly prepared as the mom by receiving all the same info and having opportunities to ask all his own questions. The live and in-person class also requires the coach to practice relaxation and labor rehearsals together with the mom.
- An in-person class allows you to ask your questions directly and immediately, while they are still fresh in your mind.
- Your teacher can check as you learn your pregnancy exercises and birth positions to make sure that you are doing them the right way.
- Your teacher will give you personal feedback on your nutrition. Meeting each week provides accountability for your nutrition, exercise, and relaxation practice that you won't get if you are going it alone.
- The information is tailored specifically to your situation and chosen birth place. A class that's been pre-recorded or addresses a large group may not be able to do that.
- Being part of a class allows you to meet other expecting moms and dads and form friendships with like-minded parents.
- Having a local teacher allows you to form a relationship with someone you can keep in touch with, even after the class ends, so you can continue to receive answers to your further questions.
- Many in-person classes are longer and more thorough than online seminars. Some teachers allow you to continue attending their next class series for free after yours has ended right up until your baby's birth, to ensure the information stays fresh in your mind.
Certainly there are people who live in areas where there just aren't childbirth educators around. For those parents, any education, even web classes and DVDs, is better than none at all. But for those who do have the option, a live class is by far the best way to prepare for birth.
© 2011 Jessi Frenzel. Updated 2012.
To find a childbirth educator near you, visit the Childbirth Classes page.
