Is a birth class important?

In our information-based world, knowledge is at our fingertips. Why would a couple want or need a birth class?

A lot of the information you may find online about pregnancy and birth can be conflicting, and inaccurate. Very often it is opinion-based - ”this is what worked for me.” But what if you want something different? 

Maybe you’re considering a home birth…or don’t want to be induced? 

What if you had a c-section for your first baby and want to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) for this baby? 

What if this is your first baby and you just don’t want an experience like your best friend or sister had? (Yes, women are being traumatized from their birth experiences right now.)

The benefit of a birth class is that the instructor curates all of the best, evidence-based information for you. Many instructors are also very familiar with what is happening at area hospitals regarding interventions and which birth centers might best suit your needs. In addition, they’ve helped many mothers with common pregnancy discomforts, discussed prenatal tests, and helped them navigate pregnancy after a miscarriage. You’ll have someone to guide you and your partner through the process of pregnancy and birth, step by step.

In addition, couples will learn techniques to work with birth instead of against it. Positions, comfort measures, and most essentially - what to expect. Yes, your midwife or doctor is the knowledgeable provider you chose to assist you in the birth of your baby ...but they can’t give you confidence or believe in your body’s ability to birth when things get challenging. Nor can they take away fear when you are experiencing sensations in your body that are unlike anything you’ve ever felt before. Ultimately YOU are the one responsible for educating yourself about birth and learning how to choose the right provider that aligns with your values.

By having personal knowledge about birth and what to expect, as well as an arsenal of positions to incorporate during labor, you can feel safe and capable as you are bringing your baby into the world. And the very best classes also include meditations and things to get your mind prepared for your big day. Mantras. Visualizations. Breath work. 

Some birth classes also include breastfeeding education, newborn care, and postpartum prep...vital skills needed to help you navigate the time after baby arrives, which is just as important as the birth itself.

Like anything else in life that we are learning for the first time, it is helpful to gain knowledge. We took driver’s training to learn to drive a car, swim lessons before we dove into the deep water. Birth is no different. 

So if you are considering a birth class, reach out to me. I have an amazing in-person class series as well as online class options. Learn if we might be a good fit here, and learn more about class options here. Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out! 

Grand Rapids Natural Birth and Pregnancy ©2023