I’m going to be honest, Mom Groups on Facebook are the last place I like to hang out. The terrible advice runs rampant! It is like watching a train wreck, not to mention some of the advice is just plain dangerous. One of the most common questions that I see is “Do I really need a Childbirth Ed class?” Most of the answers are things like this…”It’s just a waste of money.” “Just ask your Dr.” Or my personal favortite, “I didn’t and I was just fine.” What does that even mean. Here’s a question that I have for you….”Would you take your car apart without taking some sort of class?” Nope. So the answer to “Do I really need to take a childbirth Ed class?” Yes. Yes you do.

The biggest thing that you should learn is what the birth process looks like, what to expect, and what to ask. What is a epidural and how is it administered? What is skin to skin? What is Pitocin? What is a Foley Bulb? What are comfort measure’s.? What is a Bishop Score? The list goes on and on. Here is the truth, if we understand the physiology of birth, we are better off in the process. Most people don’t. How you work with your body during the process of birth is a must. Do you know where you want to birth? Why is that important? How can you breathe to birth your baby? These are the components that you will understand after taking a Childbirth Ed. class.

Let’s talk about the difference between a Childbirth Ed class that is offered through your hospital and why it looks very different from one that is offered through a private organization. The hospital led classes will lead you to believe that you need to go along with what they are telling you. You aren’t taught what to ask, or given many choices. That is on purpose. You will be educated on how the hospital and their providers do birth. Often medicated births, inductions and c-sections will be discussed. You will also receive a laundry list of things you can’t do. I’m not saying that hospital protocols and locations are not the place that you want to birth your baby. I had all three of my children in a hospital, However, in terms of understanding what all your options are during the birth process, the education that you will get there is a little biased.

Some of the benefits of Childbirth Education classes are listed below.

Childbirth classes will help you build confidence in your ability to give birth.
It builds a sense of community as you are with other expecting parents whether virtually or in person. You are able to ask questions to the educator and not feel so alone in the journey.
You will have an understanding of how birth works and what to expect.
Acquire the knowledge you need to make the best decisions for your family.
A Childbirth Ed class will help you manage the expectations you have of your birth.

In February of 2016 a study presented at the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s annual meeting showed that birthing people who took a childbirth education class or had a birth plan were more likely to have a vaginal birth than those who didn’t. While the exact reasons for these results are unclear, they do suggest that more preparation before childbirth does have benefits.

Things to look for in a class:

Birthing techniques. Hynobirthing. Bradley Method. Breath.
Pain Management Strategies.
Physiology of birth.
Comfort measures.
How to advocate for yourself.
Breastfeeding

If you ask me, a Childbirth Ed class is well worth the investment. Again, I wouldn't take the engine of my care apart without a class, and you should feel confidant about walking through one of the most important journey’s of your life. A Childbirth Ed class will serve you well, I promise.