
by: Anne Ferguson
www.bywaterbirth.com
So you're having a baby and considering what type of childbirth education class to take. There are so many options! They can be categorized primarily into two groups: Hospital classes and out-of-hospital classes. Hospital classes tend to emphasize what to expect as a patient, what medication options are available, perhaps a little about breathing techniques and the stages of labor, and usually include a tour of the hospital. If the hospital has a high epidural and cesarean rate, the focus will likely be on what to expect around the type of birth that hospital does most often. Little may be taught about normal, unmedicated birth and all the techniques out there to support a family striving for this type of experience.
www.bywaterbirth.com
So you're having a baby and considering what type of childbirth education class to take. There are so many options! They can be categorized primarily into two groups: Hospital classes and out-of-hospital classes. Hospital classes tend to emphasize what to expect as a patient, what medication options are available, perhaps a little about breathing techniques and the stages of labor, and usually include a tour of the hospital. If the hospital has a high epidural and cesarean rate, the focus will likely be on what to expect around the type of birth that hospital does most often. Little may be taught about normal, unmedicated birth and all the techniques out there to support a family striving for this type of experience.