The Birth Survey Booby Traps

Why Take Childbirth Classes?

pregnancy photo and ultrasound

Childbirth classes are useful tools that are for more than embarrassing the partner of the pregnant woman. They are a place to ask questions, gather information, and to socialize with other pregnant women and their families. Recent studies in medical literature have upheld the benefits of childbirth education.

  • Learn how to make pregnancy more comfortable.
  • Get answers to common questions and information about concerns.
  • Learn about prenatal development.
  • Learn about danger signals in pregnancy.
  • Learn about pregnancy and how your life is affected.
  • Learn about premature labor and how to prevent it.
  • Learn how to involve your family in your pregnancy and birth.
  • Learn good communication skills and birth plans.
  • Learn how to tell if this is labor.
  • Learn about support options (doulas, montrices, etc.).
  • Learn what to expect during labor and birth.
  • Learn about pain relief options.
  • Learn about caring for your new baby.
  • Learn about the benefits of breastfeeding and how to get started.
  • Learn infant stimulation and development techniques.

You can find childbirth class by contacting local childbirth related organizations. These would include: hospitals, birth centers, childbirth organizations, Le Leche League, people you know who have recently had babies, massage therapists, midwives, doulas, and anyone else you can think of who would have the information. You can also contact the different childbirth organizations who train teachers.

View pain in labor for what it is - normal, healthy, productive, intermittent - and ending with the ecstasy of your baby's birth.

Used with permission from childbirth instructor.