Why Attend a Childbirth Class?
Over the last few years, attendance in childbirth education classes have drastically declined. In part, this is due to increased access, availability, and convenience of information through social media and Google. Any questions about childbirth—Google it! However, there is a vast amount of information on the internet for mothers to siphon through. Yes, the internet can give you a glimpse and some information about various aspects of childbirth but group childbirth classes offer so much more. Sometimes, mothers and partners do not know what kind of information they need or what to look for. According to multiple research studies, group childbirth education can decrease the mother’s anxiety about childbirth (anxiety during pregnancy and birth can lead to pre-term delivery, low birth weight infant, failure to progress in labor, and fetal hypoxia), decrease interventions such as episiotomy and cesarean section, decrease overall pain, decrease the length of labor, increase satisfaction with labor and birth, and increase breastfeeding success (Andaroon et al., 2017; Aral et al., 2014; Navaee & Abedian, 2015). It is suggested that attending childbirth classes can help decrease fear, anxiety, and stress and thus, provide a shorter and more enjoyable birth experience.
Not all childbirth classes offer the same tools or experiences. Here at Castle Rock Midwifery (CRM), we strive to give each couple the opportunity to learn, gather information, explore various topics and ideas surrounding childbirth. Many childbirth classes offer only one style of labor and birthing technique. However, CRM believes there is not a “one-size fits all” method of teaching childbirth preparation. We teach concepts from Lamaze®, Bradley Method®, HypnoBirthing®, and Birthing Within to provide each couple with the necessary tools for their own unique birthing experience. Benefits of attending a group childbirth class includes a sense of community.
When couples come together 
here with similar due dates they can talk about their experiences, discomforts, what they’ve tried for heartburn that worked and what didn’t work. We can discuss finding the right pediatrician in the area or where to get the best price for infant car seats. Most couples form a bond during these classes that can last while their children grow up together. Another benefit for attending childbirth classes is the hands-on experience the couple’s receive. Methods for learning to cope with the discomfort of labor (including pain management and breathing techniques), practice positions for laboring and pushing that include the partner so they are involved at their comfort level, practice newborn care such as changing diapers, placing infant in car seat properly, positions and methods for calming infant, swaddling, bathing, and breastfeeding and bottle feeding positions.
These classes provide mother’s and partners with the necessary tools to feel prepared for their labor and birth experience. Some of the tools include bringing an MP3 player with your favorite songs, battery operated candles to relax in a warm bathtub, or your favorite picture or inspirational sayings to hang around your room, and what happens if baby is coming in the car. These classes provide interactive discussion and welcomes questions to ensure the needs of each couple are met.
Classes are held at CRM for two Saturday mornings or Tuesday evenings for 3 hrs each. If neither of these times work, please let us know and we will try our best to find a time that best meets your needs. Each class includes handouts, videos, hands-on time, questions, and answers…and don’t forget about the goodies! We provide light snacks and drinks for each session and fun giveaways!
If you are interested in attending a childbirth preparation class, please see the “Appointment” page for dates and times.
**For a limited time, if you mention this BLOG, you can receive $10 off your class.**
References
Andaroon, N., Kordi, M., Kimiaei, S. A., & Esmaeily, H. (2017). The effect of individual counseling program by a midwife on fear of childbirth in primiparous women. Journal of Education and Health Pomotion, 6.
Aral, I., Köken, G., Bozkurt, M., Sahin, F. K., & Demirel, R. (2014). Evaluation of the effects of maternal anxiety on the duration of vaginal labour delivery. Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology, 41(1), 32-36.
Navaee, M., & Abedian, Z. (2015). Effect of role play education on primiparous women’s fear of natural delivery and their decision on the mode of delivery. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 20(1), 40.