Childbirth education. Several of you might ask, “What’s the big deal? I’ll just take the class that the hospital offers. It’s cheap and easy.” Or “It will all work out, women have been having babies for centuries.” I’m a big believer in knowledge is power and the more knowledge, the better. What I find when preparing for the arrival of your baby is that not all childbirth education is equal and sometimes you get what you pay for. So, I thought that I would break down some of the differences between some of the classes offered in the Macon, Warner Robins, Perry, Georgia area. You will probably have different options in your area, so make sure to find the one that is best for you.
First, let’s talk a bit about the hospital class. In this area, we have Navicent and Houston Medical. This is the class that most of my clients take (if they take one at all). You will cover most of the basics like, the birth process, some comfort techniques, all the drugs and interventions that the hospital offers, cesareans, and a bit of postpartum. This class may include a hospital tour. You should leave feeling like you understand the ABC’s of birth. What the hospital class won’t do is help you with the natural side of childbirth. It mostly assumes that every woman will get an epidural. They may talk a bit about having an unmedicated birth, but they will do very little to help you prepare for it. This can leave someone feeling less than empowered and lacking confidence in their ability to give birth.
Next, I’d like to take a minute and talk about method based classes. We don’t really have these in the Middle GA area, but I wanted to over them. These classes include things like Hypnobabies and the Bradley Method. These classes are super strong on the natural (or unmedicated) side of things. Although they cover interventions, like epidurals and cesareans, they don’t really help you with what to do if birth doesn’t go the way you planned it. Nor do they help you to plan for the unexpected. This can leave you feeling like a failure or at a loss if things don’t go as planned.
Now, I’d like to introduce you to Preparing for Birth. This class is a great mix of both sides. Not only will you learn the ABC’s of birth, but you will learn the pros and cons of each of them. We will not only cover what unmedicated birth looks like, but we will also talk about what happens when birth takes an unexpected turn. There is information for both parents in this class. This is wonderful because it helps the partner get ready and know how to support their loved one in labor and birth. We also include things like a beautiful Preparing for Birth journal, Prepared Feeding (breastfeeding taught by Amanda Devereaux, doula and IBLC), and postpartum and newborn care. These subjects are normally taught in a whole different class, if they are offered at all. This class covers it all, in one class. You will leave this class feeling prepared and empowered.
I know that I am biased. After all, I teach Preparing for Birth. But, as a doula, I hear from my clients (and many others) what they felt like was missing in the classes they took. I genuinely feel this class covers all the bases. It is thoughtful and informative. It treats birth with the honor and respect it deserves. It helps couples to see the big picture and make the best decisions for themselves. I love teaching this class and hope that you will love taking it. Every birth story matters.
Erin's Doula & Birth Services 