Is Childbirth Education Really Worth It?

Shawna Lewkowitz, M.Ed, CD(DONA), CPD(CAPPA), LCCE

Congratulations on your pregnancy. Being pregnant is an exciting time in a woman or couple's life and it is also a time where you are transitioning into becoming parents. It is important that you take the time to plan for this transition and to find the answer to questions and concerns you may have about your pregnancy, birth and postpartum period

A question some pregnant couples have is “Do I really need to take Childbirth Education classes?” The answer is a resounding yes as research has shown that childbirth education has an impact on both your birth experience and your transition into new parenthood. By taking preparation classes you will gain a better understanding of the birth process and be better able to manage your labour, all the while making informed choices. Each birth is unique and although we can learn a lot by talking to friends and reading books. we also need to make sure the information we are getting is evidence based and that we have the tools to take this information and apply it to our own experiences. This is what good childbirth education does.

When looking for a class some of the things you may want to consider are:
1. Are the educators trained or certified and what is their experience around birth?
2. Is the class consumer oriented – meaning that it provides an array of alternatives for birth planning while giving you the benefits and risks of all your options?
3. How large is the class? Some people prefer learning in a large group environment where they can hear a lot of different perspectives from the other participants, while others will prefer a smaller setting where they can ask more questions, do more hands on practicing and the pace can be more relaxed.
4. Timing of the classes? Some classes are offered as 5 or 6 weeks series while others are offered in a weekend format.

There are a variety of styles, settings and trainers out there so often it is quite easy to find the one that is right for you. Ask friends for recommendations search the internet and call and speak to the organizations offering the classes. The best time to start looking into classes is early in your pregnancy and that way you will ensure you have a spot in the class you want for sometime during your third trimester.

Good childbirth education is more then just receiving information it is time for you to reflect on choices, take inventory of your current coping strategies and to work together with your birth partner to envision the birth experience you would like to have. Like everything else with your pregnancy, you want to take the time to ask questions, do your research and then make the best decision for your unique birth.

Shawna Lewkowitz, Babeeze in Arms Doula Centre. ©