What Should I Look for in Childbirth Classes? | Cleveland, Ohio

Whether you’re having your first child or you’re a seasoned parenting pro, you want to be and do the absolute best for the new life you’re bringing into the world. For many parents, that includes feeling ready to take on childbirth with confidence. Childbirth classes are an excellent way to create a greater level of comfort and understanding in the labor and delivery process. 

However, there are so many options, it can be overwhelming! Which is the right style for what I want out of my labor and delivery? Will I connect with the instructors and will they understand my needs?

In order to find the best option for you and your partner, you need to know what to look for in childbirth classes. 

What to Look for in Childbirth Classes

There are five main elements you’ll want to take into consideration and want to look for in childbirth classes. Let’s dive into each one!

They Have Customized Options

Labor and deliveries are unique for every single person or couple. You have specific desires of what you want to know or what you may not find as valuable based on the experience you are looking to achieve. You’ll want to look for a childbirth class provider that has both a comprehensive curriculum they can teach, but also provides the flexibility to customize that to your unique needs and desires around your childbirth experience. 

They Teach You How to Create a Birth Plan

If you have specific desires around your labor and delivery experience, it is critical to have a birth plan. Even if you aren’t as specific, it’s still an important step to take now, not later.

Why?

In the middle of labor when you are exhausted and potentially in significant pain, it is very hard to make clear-headed decisions or advocate for yourself. By having a set birth plan – that also has flexibility built in – you will be able to enter into labor and delivery confidently, knowing that these decisions have already been made.

Make sure to look for a childbirth classes provider that can walk you through this process.

They Give You Tips Around Labor Support

There are so many things that new parents need to understand about the labor process in order to feel confident during it including:

• The stages of labor
• How to communicate during it
• Positions for labor and birth
• Interventions if needed

A great childbirth class should walk you through all of the above and help set you up for success during labor.

They Give You Pain Relief Tips

Even if you are not choosing a natural birth, natural pain relief management can be hugely beneficial both before you receive an epidural as well as during and post-labor.

If you are choosing to go with a natural birth, these tips and techniques become even more critical to have the best labor and delivery experience possible.

A quality childbirth education course should walk you through all of your options here and help you feel ready to get on labor with natural pain relief. 

They Give You Postpartum Tips and Support

Getting through labor and bringing your new baby into the world is going to be completely amazing – however, they work doesn’t really stop there – especially with your recovery. 

You’ll not only want to be prepared for the actual process of labor and delivery but everything that comes after it. Choose a childbirth class that prepares you for this time and also points you to other resources that can help make your first few days as new parent as stress-free as possible.

Childbirth Classes FAQ

Have more questions about childbirth classes? Take a look at our FAQ list below!

Q: What’s the difference between your Prepare to Rock Childbirth Classes and Hypnobirthing Classes?

A: Prepare to Rock is our customizable childbirth education curriculum. The entire course is about 9 hours and is a comprehensive overview of everything pregnancy, labor, and birth. You’re also able to pick and choose your topics to create a curriculum that fits your specific needs. If you’re planning an unmedicated hospital birth or a planned cesarean with multiples, this course teaches you everything you need to know along the way.

Hypnobirthing is a method of giving birth that teaches women and their partners to trust the birth process and release fear. It’s taught across 5 weeks for 2.5 hours at a time and emphasizes relaxation, breathing, meditation, and self-hypnosis. During classes you’ll work hands-on, exploring the techniques you’ll utilize during childbirth.

Q: Do I have to be located in Ohio to take a class?

A: Nope! We also teach these birthing classes virtually to those outside of our service area and nationwide.

Q: When is the ideal time to take a birth class?

A: We welcome clients at any stage of pregnancy, though many prefer to take a birth class in the second trimester.

Q: Shouldn’t I just take classes at the hospital where I plan to give birth?

A: We wouldn’t discourage you from that! And we do encourage you to take a tour of the hospital so you know where to go on the big day. Our childbirth educators are highly skilled and experienced in the labor and delivery room. They’re also warm, compassionate, and dedicated to providing you with the information you need! They create a private, safe space where you can feel comfortable and heard.

Q: When are your childbirth classes held?

A: It depends! With our childbirth education classes, we come to you so that you never have to leave the house. Further, unlike hospital birth classes, we are flexible in our scheduling so that we can work around your busy schedule.

Ready to get started? Register for your childbirth class with CLEbaby today!