Why should I take a childbirth preparation class?

As a childbirth educator I have an obviously biased view of the question so I will share some of my top answers with you.

1.  Knowledge is power–Childbirth is unpredictable. Many women have very positive birth experiences and many do not.  For those that do not it usually comes down to one reason: they didn’t feel in control. It could be these women felt out of control because they couldn’t manage the pain, they couldn’t feel anything due to anesthesia, or felt their doctor or nurses were doing things they didn’t want but didn’t know how to say so.  In order to feel in control of the situation you need to know what is happening, why it is happening, what the medical staff means when they use words you don’t understand, what medical procedures they are suggesting and what that means to you and your baby.

2.  Skills–Most of us have not experienced the kind of pain that compares to childbirth. A childbirth preparation class can provide skills to effectively manage pain. There is no one magic key–not even an epidural–to pain management so it is important to have a couple of tricks up your sleeve to help deal with the pain.

3.  Prepare Coach–Knowing what is expected and how he/she can help is essential. If the coach is the baby’s dad and hasn’t experienced a birth setting before it can be a shock, to say the least.  My husband said what he wasn’t prepared for was seeing me in so much pain and feeling unable to do anything about it.  A childbirth preparation class can teach Dad/Coach skills to help manage pain and effective ways to be a good labor partner.

There are oodles of other benefits like knowing about helpful resources, meeting other expectant parents, the bonding that takes place between couples that are preparing for birth and much more.

Welcoming Little Wonders

I am a childbirth educator in Gilbert, Arizona. I have a passion for learning and sharing what I learn. I love teaching about birth and helping couples prepare for one of the most special moments of their life.

I've been teaching for a year and I'm now making it official with a website. I decided to call it Little Wonders because of the Rob Thomas song "Little Wonders." The chorus says, "Our lives are changed in these small hours, these little wonders these twists and turns of fate. Time falls away, but these small hours these little wonders still remain." I get chills when I hear that part. I think it gives a little glimpse into having a baby. Though labor may last only a few small hours (you know, in your life. I mean, 18 hours of labor is no small thing!),  time does fall away and these little wonders are the result.

There will be twists and turns and surprises, but hopefully I can help you prepare for those and you can have a satisfying experience.