Childbirth Choices :: Choosing Childbirth Education
Hospital-Based Education | Independent Education | Childbirth Education Organizations | TBN Childbirth Educators
Many expectant families today enroll in the “Prepared Childbirth” classes offered by the hospital where they plan to have their baby. In our area, each of the major hospitals offer childbirth classes, ranging intensive one- or two-day weekend classes to five- or six-week evening classes. These classes are generally taught by Lamaze- or ICEA-certified childbirth instructors, using a class outline that has been approved by the Patient Education division of the hospital. While each class will vary depending on the specific instructor assigned to your class, these classes generally cover the following topics:
- The Normal Labor and Birth Process
- Pain Coping and Comfort Techniques
- The Role of the Partner and Doula
- Informed Consent
- Medical Interventions Available for Birth
- Postpartum Healing, Breastfeeding, and the Newborn
Hospital-based childbirth classes have the advantage of being able to speak directly to what you can expect from your birth place: the admissions and triage process, parking, postpartum care, and common hospital procedures. In addition, attending a class in your birth place will familiarize you with the hospital, making your arrival in labor a bit more comfortable. These classes also are usually larger than independent classes, which will allow you to meet more people with babies due around the same time, but may not allow for as much individual attention and practice as a smaller private class will. Hospital classes may also be shorter than independent classes, which may be more convenient for those with busy schedules, but also does not allow for as much content or depth as a longer independent class.
Local hospitals also offer a variety of other classes on topics of interest to the childbearing family, including infant CPR, breastfeeding, fathering, car seat use, and helping your dog adjust to your new baby (seriously!). If you are interested in a hospital-based class, ask your care provider for more information.