You hear a lot of thoughts about birth class online. Some people think they’re helpful, some don’t — but today I want to dispel 5 myths about birth class that you need to stop believing it.
And, how did I come to all these conclusions (frankly, I’d call them facts) — it comes from being at the bedside of thousands of births, teaching birth classes at my hospital and seeing the outcomes from people who take classes. I’m so glad you’re here, because we (as a society) need to stop believing these!
If you’re looking for a birth class that dispells these lies — I recommend The Online Prenatal Class for Couples.
Take One That Focuses on Pain
This is the one that’s been promoted FAR too long. That birth class is just about managing the pain of labor.
Yes, managing pain is a part of every good birth class, but it isn’t the MAIN part of birth class. We’re strong women who need to make our own choices — and we really need to understand how to do that in the medical system.
A good class can really do that. AND a lot of pain comes from the anxiety of the unknown — so, getting that out of the way by being informed can actually help a LOT!
Truth: Take a well-rounded birth class that focuses on making you the captain of this birth!
You Don’t Need To Know About the “Medical Stuff”
I see a LOT of birth classes that focus on the physiology of birth, and again — pain mangement.
They entirely skip all the interventions you may face as you go through your birth.
Then, 5 nurses charge in your room asking you to turn, giving you IV fluids and maybe even some oxygen and you’re freaked out — even though 80% of pregnant people experience that intervention during their labor….
Take a class that shares:
- Common interventions in labor
- Inductions (and making the choice)
- C-sections (which means you need to learn from someone who’s been in a lot of them).
Truth: Take a birth class from someone who understands medical interventions and how to make choices when circumstances change.
Hospital Classes Are Best
The hospital class has been the standard for a LONG time. And I get it — that person is vetted by the hospital, so you know that they’re a good source of information.
BUT, times have changed, and the way we get information has changed.
And, as someone who’s taught hospital classes, hospital classes have NOT changed.
They tend to be at inconvenient times. They tend to involve a lot of finding a parking spot, and hard hospital chairs.
They’re just tough. That isn’t to say that the hospital doesn’t provide a good class. I really think they do — I just think there’s better options.
I will also say that as an instructor you’re often “run off the rails” by someone who wants all their nit-picky questions answered in front of the whole class (including the color of their discharge). Honestly, being in a class without other people has it’s benefits.
Truth: While they can be great, hospital classes haven’t changed much in the last 20 years, but how you learn HAS changed — there’s better options!
Just Ask Your Provider
A lot of people think they won’t need a class because their provider can review it at their office visits.
Man, I wish this was true. But that isn’t particularly effective and most providers can’t spend all that time going through all of birth with you.
I think it’s important to go through the basics on your own — and save that precious prenatal appointment time to learn how all of the basics apply to YOU — get deeper questions answered by your provider!
Truth: Your time with your provider needs to focus on how pregnancy is progressing for you and how that may affect your birth. Learn the basics on your own, so you can use that time more effectively.
Only Mom Needs It
Often people only think mom needs to sit in the birth class, but I can’t dispell this one any more.
Your want a teammate in the labor room — not just a cheerleader sitting off the side.
There are things your partner can do when they’re in labor and you will feel SO much better having them in the game with you.
BUT they can only be in the game if they know how to play — so them getting prepared is a big win.
Truth: Be sure to take a birth class that includes your partner (and works with both of your schedules).
Just Follow Some People Online…
I hear this one most of all — I’ve watched some videos, and I follow some people online — so I think I’m ready.
And I get that, I LOVE engaging with my communities online and I love how my preparation deepens their knowledge.
BUT endless scrolling of my posts, videos or podcasts wont’ prepare you like a class can.
In fact, the class can save you a TON of time from all that scrolling — and you know you’re not missing something.
Truth: Following some people online won’t be enough preparation for your birth — you need a class that goes from beginning to end of the pregnancy > labor > birth > postpartum experience.
Bonus Lie:
This isn’t so much a “lie” but more about how many classes are laid out. They’re really just about LABOR, not so much about life after baby is out.
- How to cope with a new baby
- How to heal yourself, while also coping with a new baby
- How to keep your relationship, heal and cope with a new baby.
All of those things are so important, and planning ahead can make them so much easier. So, be sure to take a class that has some postpartum tips as well!
Truth: Take a class that shows a focus on postpartum as well as birth. It will serve you VERY well!
Getting prepared for birth really isn’t complicated, as long as you do it with someone who knows what you need to know — and hasn’t bought into the lies of previous generations about how women birth.
The Online Prenatal Class for Couples is:
- Taught by an expert
- Includes interventions & postpartum missed by other classes
- Takes only 3 hours for the “meat” of the class (lots more to look at if you have time)
- Is ON DEMAND so you can fit it easily into busy schedules
- Is a “one-stop-shop” for birth education and has a bundle with breastfeeding, nutrition and more!
Want to do a vibe check before diving into the whole thing with me? — check out my free labor pro tips. It’s your first step toward getting in the driver’s seat of your birth.
- About the Author
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A nurse since 1997, she has worked in various fields including pediatrics, geriatrics & hospice. She has 20 years of labor and delivery experience in the San Jose, CA and Phoenix, AZ areas.
As an evidence-based prenatal educator Hilary has delivered thousands of babies and has educated hundreds of thousands of parents from a diverse patient population to help them have a confident birth.
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