Birth Matters developed a Childbirth Education class to help women and their partners understand the range of birth choices, and to crystallize their desires, and gain confidence to advocate for themselves during the birth experiences.

I'm considering an epidural. Do I still need to take classes?

Yes! Regardless whether you choose medication, there are many decisions to be made during labor and birth. Taking our Childbirth Education class helps pinpoint your specific needs throughout the process and identify ways for you to best be supported.

Why not take classes offered at the hospital?

You may want to do that also, but much of the time spent in hospital-based childbirth classes details hospital procedures and protocols. In contrast, our class teaches about the actual birth process and prepares families to make informed decisions. We take time to explore the emotional, spiritual, physical, and medical aspects that are all a part of the labor and birth experience. In addition, we offer more contact hours with an educator, allowing for more instruction, discussion, and practice of everything a woman and her partner need to prepare for their birth.

Upon completion of our Childbirth Education classes, you will...

• understand the birth process, including the stages of labor
• be able to anticipate and prepare for emotions that can arise while being in labor
• be familiar with your physical and emotional coping styles
• have practiced positions and movement to aid in pain-coping from early labor through delivery
• have an empowered partner who has learned and practiced hands-on support techniques
• have accurate and detailed information about all pain medication and medical technology available during labor and birth
• learn how to write an effective and individualized birth plan
• be empowered and prepared to navigate choice-making in labor

The Childbirth Education class is offered as a five-session weeknight series and also a weekend intensive. This class can be taken individually or together with Breastfeeding and Newborn Care as part of the Comprehensive Package. We recommend you complete these classes prior to 36 weeks of pregnancy.