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Childbirth Education
By  Lori Ramsey of Stages-inPregnancy.com

It only takes moments to create a baby and then 9 months to grow it.  In that length of time – and especially if you are a new mom – you need to learn all you can about the process in which the baby will enter the world – the wonderful day you give birth to your baby.

It’s true that you don’t have to do a thing to prepare because regardless the baby will be born whether you have prepared and educated yourself or not.  But in the best of circumstances being prepared should be one of your priorities.  Taking a childbirth education class certainly can help you be prepared for one of the best and most exciting days of your life.  Even if this is your second or third child – taking a refresher course would be smart.

These are a few of the classes on childbirth:

Grantly Dick-Read

These classes combine relaxation techniques and prenatal education to prepare you for labor and delivery. This thought was originally from a nurse, Margaret Gamper who inspired Dr. Dick-Read to develop this method in the 1940's. These classes usually begin in the 4th month of pregnancy. You can obtain information on local classes by writing to : Midwest Parentcraft Center, 627 Beaver Rd, Glenview, IL 60025 or by calling 312-248-8100

Bradley Method

Also known as the original "husband-coached" delivery method. Bradley teaches nutrition and exercises to prepare for the big day. Classes usually start in the 5th or 6th month of pregnancy. This method is opposite of Lamaze in that it incorporates deep breathing and coaching the laboring mom to look inward and focus upon what her body is doing - opening up to allow her baby to be born. Bradley promotes drug-free births and is used by a lot of homebirth moms. For more information contact: American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth, P.O. Box 5224, Sherman Oaks, CA 91413; 1-800-4ABIRTH

Lamaze

Developed by Dr. Ferdinand Lamaze, teaches the laboring mother to look outside her body - to a focal point - while incorporating breathing techniques to ease through labor and delivery. You may obtain more information on Lamaze by contacting the American Society for Psychoprophylaxis in Obstetrics, 1840 Wilson Blvd.., Suite 204, Arlington, VA 22201; 1-800-368-4404

"Prepared" Childbirth Classes

Some HMO's and health-care providers sponsor classes which take no particular school of thought. Some of these classes are offered by educators certified by the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) while others are taught by labor and delivery or obstetric nurses employed by a specific hospital or clinic. These classes go over "general" natural childbirth methods as well as teaching the soon-to-be parents about hospital procedures and what to expect in all types of birthing experiences - from natural childbirth to planned cesareans. You may contact ICEA at P.O. Box 20038, Minneapolis, MN 55420; 612-854-8660

Also available with most clinics and hospitals are “generic” childbirth preparation classes.  You can usually find an assortment that covers all areas such as:  first birth, refresher courses, cesarean preparation, VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), breastfeeding, siblings and infant care.