The Importance of Childbirth Education: 6 Reasons You Should Take Prenatal Classes
At Roots Community Birth Center, we believe strongly in education and support. We want you to feel empowered during labor and birth, and we are happy to encourage you as you work through contractions to welcome your baby into the world.
However, it’s important for you as the birthing parent to prepare before you go into labor. In fact, understanding the basics of physiologic birth is essential for having a positive birth experience.
That’s why we recommend that all of our clients participate in childbirth education during pregnancy. You may be wondering, “What are the benefits of childbirth education?” In this blog, we’ll answer that question and share six reasons you should take prenatal classes during pregnancy.
What is Childbirth Education?
Childbirth education typically consists of a series of courses that cover the birth process. Some occur over a weekend, while others might be divided up over a few weeks. We suggest that gestational parents, along with a partner or support person, attend prenatal classes between 30-36 weeks.
Classes are often available at your birthing facility, and there are private childbirth educators who offer courses. Online programs are also popular. At Roots, all first-time clients are required to take our three childbirth education classes: The Stages of Labor, Complications, and Early Home Care. These courses are specific to our birth center and are not intended to take the place of a full childbirth education series.
During childbirth education classes, you’ll build a foundation of knowledge about childbirth. You should expect to learn about the following general topics:
Stages of childbirth and the phases of labor
Strategies for coping with the discomfort of contractions
Suggestions for positions during labor
Options for pain relief
Possible complications and how they are managed
Medical interventions, especially if a hospital birth becomes necessary
Basics on newborn care and lactation
If this is not your first pregnancy, you might consider enrolling in a refresher course. And depending on your previous birth experience, a class that covers specific topics, like VBAC, may be helpful.
What Are the Benefits of Taking Childbirth Education Classes?
When you participate in prenatal classes, the information you gain will benefit you — and probably your partner — in many ways. Let’s explore six reasons why you should attend childbirth education courses.
Better Health Outcomes
Studies indicate that expectant parents who participated in childbirth education classes had higher rates of vaginal births and were less likely to experience a preterm birth. This is important because preterm birth, according to the CDC, puts babies at risk for breathing problems, feeding difficulties, development delays, and vision and hearing problems.
Connection with Your Partner
As the gestational parent, you get to experience all of pregnancy firsthand. It’s always exciting when you can include your partner, and childbirth education is one of the most tangible ways to do just that. When they attend prenatal classes with you, they have the opportunity to learn more about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. The two of you will likely connect in a new way. And if you’re not partnered, childbirth education classes are also a great time to foster a deeper relationship with your labor support person.
Friendship with Other Expecting Families
Whether this is your first baby or you’re expanding your family with subsequent children, having a community of other parents is helpful. When you take birthing classes, you’re sure to meet and connect with other expectant parents who are having their baby around the same time as you. Plus, following the birth of your little ones, you might want to establish friendships by taking a walk together or meeting for coffee.
Improved Communication with Your Provider
The more you know about birth throughout childbirth education, the more you’re able to understand the terminology your care provider uses. Evidence shows that this leads to improved communication, especially when you discuss birth preferences and express your desires during labor. You’re also more likely to share your concerns, when you have them, with your practitioner.
More Satisfying Birth Experience
Researchers have found that parents who take childbirth education classes feel more confident in their ability to give birth, and they report a high level of readiness for labor and birth. When you prepare in this way, you are more likely to feel satisfied with your care. In addition, birthing people who attend prenatal courses are less likely to request epidural anesthesia and more likely to use nonpharmacological methods of pain relief.
A Good Start to Breastfeeding
While lactation is a natural biological process, learning how to feed your baby human milk takes time and practice. The physiology behind breastfeeding/chestfeeding is truly amazing. Since most childbirth education classes offer a basic overview of lactation, it makes sense that data suggests higher rates of breastfeeding initiation among parents who attend prenatal classes.
Takeaways about the Importance of Childbirth Education
When you’re planning to deliver your baby at Roots, we know that you want to have an unmedicated physiologic birth. One of the best ways to prepare you for this experience is through childbirth education! Taking prenatal classes builds your knowledge and your confidence in your body’s ability to do the work of labor and birth.
Are you ready to learn more about prenatal care, birth services, and postpartum support at Roots? Fill out our form or call the front desk at 612-338-2784.