What information is covered in a birth preparation class?

The exact content of classes can vary, as can the philosophical basis behind different classes. The following topics are typically covered in all classes, though the time dedicated to each topic can vary from instructor to instructor, and the coping techniques taught depend on the instructor’s training and her beliefs about what practices are most helpful to women in labor.

Pregnancy

· Tips for coping with the common discomforts of pregnancy.

· Basic exercises for pregnancy.

· Nutrition for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

· Warning signs in pregnancy. Preventing premature labor.

Labor and Birth

· Signs of the onset of labor: how to know that labor has begun.

· What to expect, and what to do during labor.

o The stages of labor, and how labor progress is measured.

o How to time contractions.

o When to leave for the hospital or birth center (or when to call the midwife to attend a home birth).

o Eating and drinking during labor. Activities during labor.

· Comfort techniques and pain relief options.

o Breathing techniques, relaxation and visualization.

o Massage, positions for labor, and movement.

o Emotional aspects of labor support.

o Pain medication options, with information about possible side effects.

·  Medical interventions in the labor process: what they are, how to minimize the chance of needing interventions, and making informed decisions about interventions if the need arises.

Postpartum Period

· Information about physical recovery from childbirth.

· May include discussion of how the new baby affects parents’ lives, emotions, relationships, and social roles.

Positive Attitudes toward Labor and Birth

Different instructors have different philosophies, but a typical childbirth educator will convey some of these beliefs to their students:

· Birth is normal, natural, and healthy.

· Women’s inner wisdom can guide them during birth. This can be enhanced by supportive caregivers and supportive birth environments.

· Women have the right to making informed choices about medical interventions, and moms and support people are encouraged to take responsibility for their health and advocate for their birthing choices.

· The experience of birth has a profound, lasting effect on women and their families: a positive experience can boost self-esteem for years, and being nurtured in labor helps form a foundation for being nurturing parents.

Newborn Care*

· Basics of baby care: diapering, bathing, dressing, and holding a newborn.

· Normal newborn characteristics, behavior, and communication cues.

· Sleep patterns and sleep safety.

· Crying and calming.

· Feeding: how often, how much, and how to know that baby’s getting enough.

· Warning signs: when to call the doctor.

Breastfeeding*

· Benefits of breastfeeding.

· How to hold baby and encourage baby to latch on to the breast.

· How often to feed, how much, and how to know baby is getting enough.

· Preventing problems, and coping with challenges that may arise.

· May cover pumping and bottle-feeding, and the return to work.

*Some hospitals and educational organizations include baby care and breastfeeding information within their childbirth preparation series. Others offer these as separate classes: typically 2 – 4 hours for newborn care, and 2 – 3 hours for breastfeeding. When you sign up for childbirth preparation, find out how much time is spent on these topics so that you can decide if additional classes would be helpful to you. 

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c. Janelle Durham, 2003