The Value of Childbirth Education

According to a recent New York Times article, childbirth is an expensive business. Even with insurance coverage, the cost of giving birth can run into the thousands of dollars. When confronted with all of these expenses, some families may choose to skip childbirth education classes. While it is true that childbirth education classes are an added expense, they can also give you great value for your money by increasing your chances of having a positive childbirth experience.

Some of the benefits of taking an evidence based childbirth education class at the Lamaze Family Center include:

• Learning things you never knew about labor, delivery, and postpartum care. You'll find out how to identify the signs of labor and what happens to your body as your baby makes his or her way into the world. Understanding the different stages of labor can demystify the birth process and increase your confidence.
• Connecting with your partner or labor coach. Childbirth education classes aren't just for moms to be. Childbirth classes provide your partner with education about the childbirth process and teach them how to support you during labor. Good labor support can make a world of difference in your experience of childbirth!
• Discuss options for handling pain. During your childbirth classes you will learn and practice various methods for coping with contractions, including breathing techniques, relaxation, massage, and visualization. You will also learn about the pros and cons of common medications such as epidurals. At the Lamaze Family Center no one will tell you that you should or should not have an epidural, but we will give you the information to make the best choice about pain medication for you and your family.
• Get information on common medical interventions. As the NYT article above outlines, medical interventions, such as labor induction, epidural anesthetics, and c-sections all increase the cost of childbirth itself. Of course, sometimes these interventions are necessary and even life-saving. During childbirth classes, you will learn more about common interventions and how they affect the birth process. This knowledge will give you the confidence to better advocate for yourself during labor, and to opt in or out of common interventions.
• Create a social network. During childbirth classes, you will meet other pregnant women and their families, and learn about their experiences. You can share your joys and your concerns with others in similar situations. 

Would you or someone you know benefit from a childbirth education class? Click here to learn more or to register for a class.