Since you’re here and reading this post, I assume you realize that trying to sift through the entire Internet’s worth of information and opinions about birth is not the best way to prepare. It’s an easy way to waste a ton of time and accumulate a ton of extra worries (and even more questions). You probably also realize that a birth class with an actual human teacher behind it is the way to go. Awesome! Now, the question is: which class should you choose?
I am biased (really, really biased) because I teach Birthing from Within classes and I LOVE them. When I decided to certify as a childbirth educator, I spent a lot of time figuring out which type of childbirth class I wanted to teach. Here are five of the reasons I picked Birthing from Within and why I think it’s worth your valuable time:
1. Effective Pain-Coping Techniques
The pain-coping techniques are super helpful. You’ll learn a variety of ways to cope with pain—whether you choose not to have an epidural, are waiting for one, or if it doesn’t work as expected. Even with an effective epidural, you may still feel overwhelmed or anxious, and we equip you with tools to manage those feelings.
In addition to comfort measures like labor positions and partner support, you’ll practice pain-coping breathing techniques (think mini-meditations, NOT the forced breathing from old birth classes on TV). And, you practice these meditations while holding ice! I know, it sounds a little strange. But think of it this way. If you practice a breathing technique while comfortable and relaxed, it can be hard to bring that technique to mind during intense parts of labor. On the other hand, when you practice with some amount of discomfort added (cue the ice), you train your brain to use those techniques while you’re uncomfortable.
I had two babies before practicing Birthing from Within’s pain-coping techniques and two babies after. They helped me so much! I have a vivid memory of waiting at a red light on the way to the hospital while in labor with my fourth baby. I was using a Birthing from Within pain-coping technique in the car, and the thought floated through my mind that I would be losing my sh*t if I wasn’t using that technique. Not only did Birthing from Within help me immensely during labor, but I still use the breathing techniques in various situations – like when I’m running out of patience with my children, or nervous at the dentist, or want to ground myself before helping someone in labor.
2. A Non-Judgmental Environment
This is your birth, your body, and your baby. Your choices will not be judged in a Birthing from Within class. Instead, you’ll be encouraged to explore your own preferences and how you want to be supported by your birth team.
I’ll never forget being pregnant with my first baby and attending a childbirth class (long before I certified to teach birth classes myself). While I got a lot of valuable information in that class, I remember being so sad when a classmate and I exchanged birth stories a few months later. The class touted their “success rate” of students having “natural” births. This classmate’s birth required intervention and she still carried a lot of guilt about it. She said to me, “I guess I’m part of the failure rate, huh?”.
It’s just not true that intervention means failure. And it’s so far from how I want parents to feel about themselves as they enter parenthood. What’s so much more important than the way you give birth is feeling that you were informed and respected throughout your birth process. A good birth class like Birthing from Within will help you feel informed and arm you with strategies to communicate with your care provider when decisions need to be made.
3. A Holistic Approach to Birth Preparation
Society often focuses on the baby shower, the logistics, and the to-do lists. Birthing from Within delves into the deeper aspects of childbirth. Birth is a huge rite of passage, whether it’s your first baby or your third.
In Birthing from Within classes, in addition to tons of evidence-based info, you’ll engage in reflection activities that help you connect with your inner wisdom. For example, you may be asked to think back to your early perceptions about birth or brainstorm ways to be “strong” during labor (including leaning on others for support). You may be asked to think about how you’d cope if labor is MORE intense than you’d imagined. You may even be asked to draw a picture representing birth in our culture. (Don’t worry—stick figures are more than welcome!) I was skeptical about drawing in birth class. But the occasional drawing really helps us use our brains differently and tap into different thought processes. Plus, it’s entertaining! This leads to my next reason why Birthing from Within classes are the best…
4. Engaging and Interactive Learning
Forget dull, lecture-style classes. Birthing from Within classes cover a bunch of important info about what to expect during birth and postpartum. But it’s not your typical dry, unengaging class. From holding ice during pain-coping practice, to laughing with your partner over an art project, to thinking through your birth preferences and discussing decision-making strategies, to trying out some massages to use during labor, Birthing from Within classes are both practical and engaging.
This approach is not just more enjoyable, it also helps you integrate the information so you can actually use it!
5. Flexible Formats, Customized for You
Birthing from Within instructors hold their classes in a variety of formats. There’s no strict schedule or one-size-fits-all format. You can find a one-afternoon class if that’s what you need to fit into your busy schedule, or a comprehensive series of 5 classes over 5 weeks (for example). Some Birthing from Within instructors (like me!) even hold private classes over Zoom in addition to their in-person group classes. This allows us to accommodate a variety of schedules.
Similarly, while Birthing from Within gives its instructors plenty of guidance, teaches great processes, and provides lots of content ideas, there is no rigid, required curriculum. We can customize class content based on what would be most helpful to class participants. For example, if I’m holding a class where everyone plans to have a hospital birth, I can skip over homebirth info. If I notice my class has a lot of questions about postpartum, I can leave more time to cover that topic. This makes classes much more interesting and relevant (not to mention more fun to teach!).
I hope this gives you a clearer picture of what to expect from a Birthing from Within class: evidence-based information, effective pain-coping techniques, thoughtful reflection activities, and open-minded instructors.
Ready to take the next step?
- Schedule a virtual private class with me here.
- Join an in-person group class in Chicago here.
- Interested in connecting with a doula trained by Birthing from Within? Click here for details and to schedule a free interview.