When Should I Start Childbirth Classes?

You’re expecting a new baby! Congratulations! If this is your first pregnancy, you may feel a little overwhelmed with the prospect of childbirth.

What will it be like? What should I be prepared for? What should I expect? How can I be sure that I’m able to have the experience I want – or at least as close as possible?

All of these are excellent questions that a quality and custom childbirth class experience can provide.

Another FAQ we hear is about the timing of childbirth classes. Specifically, “When should I start childbirth classes? As soon as I find out I’m pregnant? In the second or third trimester?”

Again, all great questions and important ones to answer. ⤵️

When You Should Begin Childbirth Classes

There are a few different factors to take into consideration when choosing when to begin childbirth classes.

Determining the Type of Birth You Would Like to Have

If you’re unsure of the type of labor and delivery you would like to have, then taking classes at the very beginning stages of pregnancy can be very beneficial in helping you make the best, most educated decision for yourself. 

For instance, if you’ve already had a baby before, and it was a cesarean birth, you may want to go this route again or you might consider a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). There are many classes that can help you decide if this might be the best route for you or if you should go with another cesarean birth. 

If you don’t know what type of birth you’d like to have, start early with classes that can help you decide more firmly the direction to go.

Preparing in Time

Once you’ve decided the direction you’d like to go with your labor and delivery, you’re in a good spot to choose other childbirth classes. Most providers recommend beginning these classes at the end of your second trimester/the beginning of your third trimester. This gives you enough time to absorb the information but keeps it close enough to the actual delivery where it’s still fresh. Further, by the second trimester, nausea has probably subsided, and you aren’t as uncomfortable as you might be by the middle/end of your third trimester.

Ok, Got It. But, What Type of Childbirth Classes Do I Need?

Great question! One of our biggest pieces of advice is to look for a truly customizable option when it comes to your childbirth education. No two people, pregnancies, or births are the same. You have unique desires for this experience and a quality childbirth educator will help you achieve that experience if at all possible through the curriculum, guidance, and support.

We recommend looking at 5 specific factors before choosing childbirth classes. You can find all 5 of these with more in-depth information to guide your search here.

Benefits of Childbirth Classes

While that may all sound great, you may be wondering if childbirth classes are actually worth the time and money, right?

We truly believe there is no greater investment than peace of mind and that is what childbirth classes can bring, especially to first-time parents. There are so many unknowns when it comes to pregnancy, labor, and delivery. By educating yourself through a comprehensive childbirth class, you can feel greater confidence in the experience as well as…

• Have more knowledge on knowing what to expect;
• Get your mindset in a healthy, positive place;
• Develop your birth plan/ideas/what you want out of the experience.

Create a Custom Experience for Your Childbirth Classes

At CLEbaby, we believe in a fully customized childbirth class experience. Over the course of our childbirth classes, you’ll receive customized options depending on what you want to learn most about as well as labor support tips, pain relief methods, post-partum support and much more. 

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