You may be surprised to discover the variations in childbirth classes—some are months long while others last a day; some take place in a hospital( least recommended) and others are conducted in the educator’s home or other locations. Regardless, topics generally include labor signs,pain-relief options, stages of labor and comfort measures.
I have been trained in Bradley, Hypnobirth, and Lamaze. I do offer personal one on one Childbirth preparation if you choose not to attend a local child birth class. I highly encourage every expectant couple to become educated during pregnancy.
Here are the options that are available in this area in my resource page http://gracefulbeginningsdoulaservices.com/resources/
Here is a list of just a few of the most common Child birth methods.
Lamaze classes educate women about practices that have been shown to maximize your chances of having a safer birth, such as allowing labor to start on its own, walking and moving around during labor and following your body’s urges to push. lamaze.org
The Bradley Method is a 12-week class for women and their partners who desire to have a medication-free birth. bradleybirth.com
HypnoBirthing is a five-week course that emphasizes natural childbirth and teaches self-hypnosis techniques to combat fear and pain during labor. hypnobirthing.com
The International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) trains and certifies educators to be advocates of the natural process of childbirth. Find ICEA-certified instructors in your area at icea.org.
Below is a chart that shows what each offers:
| Hypnobabies | Bradley | Hospital Class | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How to breathe (properly) and vocalize with contractions | yes | yes | no |
| Birth partner confidence & training | yes | yes | no |
| Positive affirmations for pregnancy & birth (CDs) | yes | no | no |
| Deep hypnotic relaxation (specific guidance) | yes | no | no |
| Guided meditation and visualization | yes | yes | no |
| Eyes Open Childbirth Hypnosis | yes | no | no |
| Finger Drop Technique for instant relaxation | yes | no | no |
| Choosing a support team | yes | yes | no |
| Staying healthy and low-risk through diet and exercise | yes | yes | yes |
| Stages of birth | yes | yes | yes |
| Pushing techniques | yes | yes | no |
| Comfort techniques (info./hands on practice) | yes | yes | no |
| Pain coping techniques (info./hands on practice)* | no | yes | yes |
| Working with challenging baby positions | yes | yes | no |
| Epidurals and pain medication | yes | yes | yes |
| Cesarean birth (indications & procedure) | yes | yes | yes |
| “A Change of Plans” special script | yes | no | no |
| “Plan B” Birth Plans | no | yes | yes |
| When to go to the hospital | yes | yes | yes |
| Baby kindness & bonding | yes | yes | no |
| Breastfeeding | yes | yes | yes |
| New mom & baby care | yes | yes | yes |
| Optional resources: parenting, diapering, etc. | yes | yes | no |