Which Birth Prep Class is Right for You?

by Julie Redl Choosing which type of childbirth preparation class to take can be a difficult decision -- which one "works" the best? Can I just take the hospital class? How much do classes cost?  A Washington Post writer recently provided a review of the classes she encountered on her quest for this information. Here are the courses she investigated, as well as a bit of additional MomSquawk input.

The Bradley Method

Founded in the mid-1960s by an obstetrician, Bradley is intended to help women deliver their babies without interventions such as drugs, forceps, and surgery, with the woman's husband in a crucial role assisting her in labor - the method's subname is "husband-coached childbirth." (So unmarried moms and lesbian couples need to take another class, apparently? Hmf.) Twelve-week courses teach methods of pain management and building strength and stamina, including a focus on relaxation and normal, natural abdominal breathing during labor. There's no suggestion of birth being painless, but rather an acknowledgement of the pain as normal and worthwhile, with emotional preparation and extensive understanding of the different stages of labor and what is really happening and why. Bradley also includes a nutrition focus, which is nothing more than the Brewer diet for pregnancy... which this MomSquawker believes to be unnecessarily high in protein and animal fats (EVERY day a quart of milk, two eggs, and two servings of meat...cholesterol much??). The single most brilliant aspect of the Bradley Method is the information about emotional signposts of labor - excitement, seriousness, and self-doubt. The awareness of these and what they mean in terms of where you are in the birthing process is more important and relevant than any vaginal check or number of centimeters dilated.

The Alexander Technique

Today this body modality is typically used for pain relief and improving functionality in daily activities, and originated in the 1800s as a way for actors, singers, and musicians to perform to their fullest potential. By promoting a greater awareness of how posture can affect every bodily function, including voice, the technique claims to alleviate pain caused by poor comportment and bad habits, such as slouching or bending over to lift. Adherents learn "to alter everyday gestures, and thus achieve greater freedom of movement, better balance and coordination". Apparently this "facilitates an easier birth process." As a former massage therapist, I was familiar with the Alexander Technique as a modality for improving general posture and movement, but not as a method of childbirth preparation. This article explains the connection more fully, and it sounds like a great way to learn to allow your body to do its thing naturally without impeding the process. AmSAT, the professional organization of Alexander Technique teachers, provides a search function on their website for finding a local teacher.

HypnoBirthing

Touting the "mind over matter" approach, HypnoBirthing (a registered trademark name) is a natural childbirth method that emphasizes what its practitioners call "the Fear-Tension-Pain syndrome." In the absence of fear and tension, the method suggests, severe pain does not have to be an accompaniment of labor. The self-hypnosis you will learn in your series of classes isn't a state of sleep or being "in a trance," but rather "... similar to the daydreaming or focusing that occurs when you are engrossed in a book or a movie or staring into a fire." The language of HypnoBirthing is important as well:

A contraction is a wave, or a surge of power. A coach is a companion. A baby is not delivered; he or she is birthed. Water does not break; rather, membranes are released. And, most important, pain is not really pain, but merely pressure.

Lamaze

Everyone has heard of Lamaze, and many uninformed assume this is the only or "default" method of childbirth preparation. Evolved since the days of focused breathing being mom's only option for "escaping" the pains of labor, Lamaze now uses the word "natural" all over the place in their philosophies and classes, and emphasizes movement and position changes during labor. Where does an epidural fit into this picture? Lamaze classes teach natural pain relief options and also provide information on epidural anesthesia, while pointing out "The ability to use many of the comfort techniques learned in Lamaze classes, such as changing positions, walking, and hydrotherapy may be limited" by being stuck in bed with numb lower body and the necessary continuous fetal monitoring that comes with having an epidural. Lamaze classes are potentially more convenient than some other methods - though classes typically average six weeks, classes can be taught as a two-day "intensive" version and a one-day "express" course for couples who lack the time for a weekly class or the foresight to sign up far in advance. Tip: when seeking a Lamaze class, be sure the instructor is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE) and not just a general childbirth educator who is errantly using the Lamaze name (or calling their course "based on Lamaze principles" or similar wording).

Hospital Classes

If you've waited until the last minute, your hospital's birthing courses may be your only remaining option. Most hospitals provide separate classes for baby care and breastfeeding as well, or you can sign up for the series. Instructors of these courses are typically bound by hospital policy to teach birth "methods" that best fit the needs of the hospital staff who will be present during your birth. Yes, THEIR needs, not yours. If you just want to go in and get birth over with and aren't concerned at all about the circumstances, take the hospital class and call it good. If you desire more input on the experience many women consider to be one of the single most significant events in their lives, go elsewhere for childbirth education, or at the very least read a few books on the subject so you'll be aware or your options and rights as a patient.

Additional Birth Prep Options

Birthing from Within is a book by Pam England that has a series of related childbirth preparation classes. The book suggests some visualizations and "art therapy"-type activities for getting into the mindset of birthing, so if "artsy fartsy" isn't your thing, the classes might not be for you. Birth Works is another option with a "trust your body's wisdom" approach, though their official website doesn't appear to have a way for site visitors to find a local practitioner. Prepared Childbirth courses are those taught by professional nurses who have taken a two-day course and observed a series of birth classes; these courses are typically offered by hospitals. If you're seeing a midwife for prenatal care, she may be able to refer you to a good course locally or your birthing center may have classes available. Happy Birthing!

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