If you have found your way to this blog, then you are clearly interested in learning about childbirth education. And there is a lot to learn about the learning, so to speak! Please allow me to break down a few burning questions you may have, like why taking a class is so, so, so important, as well as which ones are worth your while.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I am a midwife, labor support doula and childbirth educator. But I’m writing this blog because I see the huge value in excellent preparation as a birth professional, and I too was once a pregnant mom, faced with an overwhelming number of choices regarding how to prepare. It’s tough out there in Pregnancy-Land! How are you supposed to know what you are supposed to know?

I have seen the difference on countless occasions an excellent childbirth education class makes for women and their partners during labor and birth. Knowledge is power, my friends. Women and their partners who prepare in advance (especially in these modern times) tend to have much easier labors, give birth vaginally and cope better with the challenges they may face along the way. And they feel more positive about their experience.

The Basics: Why Should I Take a Childbirth Education Class?                                                           

The anatomy and physiology of childbirth remain unchanged. It’s not as though labor and birth in the 21st century are different as our bodies have changed. So if none of the actual process has evolved, don’t we just know enough about birth by now? Well, we would, if this were the early to mid 1900s or we lived in other parts of the world. See, although we have made major technological advances in modern medicine, many trust technology more than ourselves, and these advances are not serving the vast majority of the healthy population of childbearing families. Routine intervention in the normal natural process of having a baby risks more harm than good - which is documented in the research. It is harmful to fix what isn’t broken. Our culture lures us more into our thinking minds, on smart phones and computers, creates more stress, is less active, less in nature and connected to our bodies and are deeper more intuitive spiritual essence. And our culture no longer provides us the opportunity to witness birth as a normal, everyday event.

In many places around the world, people still approach birth in the same ways that their ancestors have for generations. A woman is surrounded by her mother, sisters, cousins, aunts, grandmothers and friends, creating a rock-solid foundation that cradles her through pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period. Which means that these lucky people are around birth all the time.

It was like this in developed countries as well, until a few key events took place:

1. People began to move away from their communities, putting distance between mothers and close relations, and the wisdom of elders.

2. When childbirth moved out of the home and into the hospital in the early to mid 1900s, it came to be viewed as a medical condition, an emergency waiting to happen, a potential law suit. As a result, clinical staff and hospital protocol created an even greater chasm between a woman and the support she would have received in the past from her circle of family and friends. And it is getting worse not better, despite the rising maternal mortality rates in the US and that the this country ranks the worse among developed countries of the world in terms of outcomes for moms and babies around childbirth.

Therefore, a proper childbirth education class series helps moms and their partners learn about and believe in the process, about how their bodies and babies really instinctually know what to do, about normalcy in labor and birth, about the importance of relaxation, about how to gain confidence and find their inner strength. And it empowers you in so many ways - from taking back responsibility over your body, your pregnancy and birth, to taking back your power, knowing your legal and ethical right to autonomy, informed consent, and standing up for what you want, what is best for you.

So if my body and my baby know what to do, why do I need a class?

Great question! Well, it all goes back to our not being around birth. For most women in our country today, birth is something foreign that takes place in a medical institution. It’s also viewed as something really, really scary. Why? Because most women in our society don’t witness what birth really looks like until they have their own babies. Instead, they hear lots of negative stories that frighten the heck out of them. Or, they watch birth scenes of hysteria and horror in movies and on TV (oh, those “reality” shows, where they cue the dramatic music at exactly the same time in every episode even if nothing dramatic is happening. Social media that shows brief 30-60 second clips of a beautiful birth do expecting mamas a disservice creating false expectations - even simply around concept of time and apparent ease of the situation, without empowering them with what is needed to achieve that. So although you may understand that a woman’s body is designed to give birth as much as she is designed to breathe, taking a class to describe how it all goes down and best ways to handle it all is really even more critical these days.

Okay, okay, I get it. I should take a class. Can’t I just do my own reading or scroll social media or talk to my best friend’s cousin’s sister-in-law’s co-worker?

Yeah, sure, there are books (some of  which – by the way – you should absolutely read, like my Natural Birth Secrets book second edition). And there are a bajillion websites to peruse. There is simply no substitute for a thorough comprehensive preparation class online such as my Guide to Pregnancy Birth and Postpartum or in-person, created and dedicated to preparing you, empowering you, giving you the tools you need to have the experience you desire, effective ways of coping with the intensity of sensations and experiences, and really master your ability to relax yourself and tap into your primal, instinctual self that knows how to give birth, ways to shift your mindset to succeed in ROCKING and LOVING your birth no matter what challenges you face along the way.

Why are these things so important? Well, for starters, you will undoubtedly have of questions. And you deserve answers to those questions. Not just standard, general, statistically-average, run-of-the-mill answers that may or may not be correct that you find by googling. But answers specifically for a mama like you by a trained seasoned midwife and childbirth educator. And even more importantly, if you are a first time mama you don’t know what you don’t know and may not even think of the questions, let alone know the answers. Also, if you had a traumatic previous birth, are planning a VBAC, your first home or even natural birth - you need to prepare differently than last time, in a much better way, a way that empowers you to have a different much better experience and outcome.

In addition, you’ll learn comfort techniques for pregnancy and labor – things you can rely on yourself – and those that actively involve your partner. Trying to get a sense for these positions, etc. is a lot easier when an instructor is right there with you, offering guidance along the way. And you partner will learn what to expect, ways to help themselves so they can best help you.

Next, if you also take an in person class you will be creating community with your classmates. There is great value in going through such a profound, life-changing experience with others:

• You will understand each other on a level no one else really can.

• It’s priceless when someone asks a question that you hadn’t thought of (and it becomes one that you must have the answer to, immediately!)

• You can learn a lot from one another.

• You might just meet your new best friend (oh yes, this happens more frequently than you think)!

How do I find a class that suits my needs and preferences?

My first piece of advice is to do your research. Don’t just check out an instructor’s website – get her on the phone and actually interview her. Read testimonials, online reviews. Get a sense for her philosophy and approach.

Secondly, ask to see a syllabus - which usually is on their website about the class series, what the classes cover. Make sure a class offers the specific topics in which you are interested. NOT ALL CHILDBIRTH CLASSES ARE CREATED EQUALLY. Do NOT take hospital classes, which often focus more on the epidural and cesarean, and do not provide essential tools you need whether or not you get an epidural. Some classes spend a lot of time addressing anxiety, shifting your perspectives and exploring relaxation techniques. Some focus on medical intervention without going into much detail about non-invasive coping techniques. Some include newborn care and breast feeding, some do not.

My advice is to look for a comprehensive, non-judgmental class where discussion is encouraged and a safe forum is created so that you feel free to ask questions and share honestly if it is in live real time. Even in online classes like my mine, there should be an option to reach the instructor to ask questions and discuss your unique issues not covered in the class - like a coaching call - which you can book yours here!

I’m so busy – I don’t have a traditional work schedule – I can’t possible dedicate all those precious hours – I just want to sleep in…those one-day intensives sound tempting…

I hear you. I really, really do. And a one-day intensive sounds like a perfect solution to this battle cry. However, I don’t recommend them, unless you find a truly extraordinary instructor. First of all, there is far too much information to cover in one day, so you won’t be receiving all that you need. Also, these types of classes are exhausting for all involved. I taught them early on in my career and trust me, instructors can’t give their all when they are on Hour Six. Nor can a pregnant woman fatigued from hormones and a full work-week possibly process all there is to learn. And when you are in a group, there is simply no way the instructor will have time to answer all of your queries. It takes time and personal work to shift your mindset. And many of the techniques take practice so they become habitual when you really need them in labor.

What if I really, truly can’t get to a class? 

If there aren’t any classes conveniently located near you; if transportation is a problem; if your schedule simply doesn’t permit, seek out an instructor who offers in-home, private sessions.…OR take an excellent on-line course, ideally with a Zoom or face time phone coaching for your personal questions (which is what I created and offer!). You won’t have the benefit of being with others, but: you won’t have to travel, you can schedule it according to your calendar, on your own time and availability.

If cost is an issue, many instructors are willing to arrange payment plans or barter deals. Scholarships are available in some locations. Ask for a discount or if they are running any promotions.

My motto is: “Take a class. It doesn’t have to be my class. Just take a class like it”. So if you need to register for one online go for it. If you can only take a one-day intensive, at least do that, as it is indeed better than not taking anything at all. Just know that you will likely have to fill in some holes with other resources in adjunct (like my Natural Birth Secrets book second edition or my other favorite books and movies) - but these are NOT the same as the comprehensive preparation class series, without the same results.

Results are essential. Truth be told: I track my practice stats. In > 29 yrs of practice, having attended > 1000 births, my labor transfer rate is 7% - the vast majority are first time vaginal birthers with stuck labors and maternal exhaustion after we tried everything, and many had another thing in common - they did not prepare in the way I recommended, they did not take a comprehensive childbirth class series and lacked essential preparation ingredients. I was so blown away by this that preparation classes like mine are now a requirement for first time mamas who want to have a homebirth in my practice.

I have never had to transfer a mom who could not handle the sensations of normal labor. Not once. It’s the way I encouraged the mamas in my practice to prepare & shift their mindset. They come from all walks of life & don’t have different bodies. Mamas who do not do as I recommend often end up not getting the birth they wanted. Why take that chance???

Being in the water helps. Movement and moaning helps. Relaxation & coping techniques to practice in pregnancy so you can just tap right in to them in labor are a huge help, as is bringing fun, joy, the primal & sensual, & enhancing pleasure using all your senses into the birth experience . But a complete change in mindset and perspective is key, as is my preparation. You can learn to use different language for the sensations of labor, instead of pain which implies illness and something that needs to be remedied, and to see them for what they are. You can learn to use other words for contractions, which imply tension and negativity, and the word contraction is not empowering, and does not fully explain what is happening. Yes, the top of the uterus contracts so the birth canal can open and expand, as well as push out your baby. So expansions are also happening in labor – that is really the goal of what you are doing – expanding so your baby can emerge from your womb to the outside world, and you can both be birthed as a new mother and baby.

Suffering is a choice. And you can chose to embrace your intense sensations for what they are, as healthy signs, what is needed to birth, what your baby needs to transition earth side - not that anything is wrong.
I go over this in much greater depth in my online Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth guide separately or bundled Pregnancy & Postpartum. 

Doing your research, taking a class, asking your questions – these are all tremendously worthwhile activities. They will serve you quite well as you continue this incredible journey. Don’t shortchange yourself – really dig deep so that you feel as confident as possible. Remember, there are no stupid questions. This is unchartered territory for most of you – let information be like hands that hold you up so that you can be and feel your best!

Thanks for spending some time with me – see you next month!

If you are interested in my online Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum course - sold separately or bundled, keep reading. You will be so glad you did.

Let Me Help You Create The Happiest Birth Experience Of Your Life...

Whether you're a first time or experienced momma,

Or a midwife, doula, or birth professional guiding mommas..

Regardless if you are planning a birth at home, a hospital, a birth center or need a cesarean section, or if you are taking another childbirth education class…

You Really Can Create The Delivery Of Your Dreams.

And have a blissful birth wherever you are.

More Precious Than A Wedding...A Birth Should Be A Celebration!

Let me show you how to…

• Understand the sensations of your body and connect your intuition with how your body is communicating and leading you towards what to do during labor

• Tap into your inner calm to deeply relax yourself, letting go of busy, stressful and fearful thoughts on demand for the health of baby

• Speak your truth from your heart in a way that deepens your relationships, sets clear boundaries, and has people listen to you and support you before, during and after pregnancy

• Trust yourself, connect with your body wisdom and communicate with baby in belly

• Connect with natural time and sync your body and mind up with your unique biological clock for ease from pregnancy to postpartum

• Reprogram negative patterns, stories, and beliefs that undermine your confidence, strength and self trust so you can rock your birth

Physicians and midwives around the world recommend my teachings to their pregnant clients and many Doulas across the country learn the secrets of blissful birthing from me to supplement their Doula Training & Certification process!

To learn more, visit:  LOVE YOUR BIRTH Online Childbirth Course which has the syllabus in detail; the course has been updated and made more mobile friendly at a cheaper price now called Anne’s Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum here.

It is based on my years of experience, as a midwife and yoga teacher, helping thousands of women tap into their calm and live and birth from a place of grounded relaxation and joy.