One of the best ways to prepare for childbirth is to learn about what’s to come. Unfortunately, not all advice that’s available to expecting parents is accurate or helpful. A childbirth education class can help cut through the noise by offering a personalized experience and evidence-based information from a trustworthy source.
“What we’re sharing is information about the emotional experience, physical support, partner involvement, communication skills and self-advocacy pieces and how to help create optimal experiences, even when the outcome is not what was expected,” said Yale New Haven Health childbirth educator Maura Jo Lynch. “Your provider would love to spend two, four, eight hours with you but they can’t. This helps people get the information they really need.”
What happens during a childbirth education class?
Most people getting ready for their baby’s due date may be looking for a childbirth education class, which at Yale New Haven Health is offered in person or online. These classes cover:
- The stages and phases of labor
- Support techniques and comfort measures
- Medical interventions
- Pain management options
- Surgical birth
- Recovery
“The goal of a childbirth education class is to help the birthing person, and their partner understand their options,” said Staci Vergati, RN, CBSN, program manager of Women’s Services at Yale New Haven Hospital. “Childbirth education can also help prevent complications and help support informed decisions, ensuring healthier futures for the birthing person and the baby.”
Who should attend a childbirth education class?
Vergati recommends all first-time parents attend a class because “you don’t know what you don’t know.” Learning about all the possible ways that labor and delivery could go can help parents feel empowered on the day of delivery.
In addition, partners should attend so they can help support the birthing person during labor and advocate for their wishes when they are understandably distracted.
“It’s about learning what questions to ask,” said Lynch.
Classes aren’t just for first time parents. They can also be helpful for second time parents looking for a refresher or those hoping for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).
Additional classes
In addition to childbirth education, patients may also opt to sign up for supplemental classes. Some options include topics such as breastfeeding, newborn care, infant child CPR, classes about introducing pets to babies, and education for grandparents. Building Your Tool Kit for Labor and Hypnobirthing and Mindset basic webinars further help the birthing couple learn comfort measures and coping skills for when the big day arrives. These classes include online resources and recordings for participants to practice with and refer back to throughout pregnancy and on their birthing day.
“It’s really customized to the people who are participating, and they have the benefit of being in a space with other pregnant people. For some, that’s an important interaction for them socially and it allows them to have a level of support and camaraderie,” said Lynch.
Classes are not covered by insurance but those who are uninsured, have Husky or Medicaid can qualify for discounted classes. There are 11 different eClasses that patients can do on their own time at their own pace and meet ADA requirements as well as coming in eight different languages.
“There are many opportunities for people to get the hands-on practice or learning that they may desire if they want to. Some people don't need more. Some people don't want more, but we certainly have plenty of opportunities if they do,” said Vergati.
Learn more about how to sign up for a class.
