A childbirth education class can increase your chances of having a successful birth.
But what exactly IS a successful birth?
Around here, a successful birth has very little to do with where you had your baby – hospital, birth center, home or car.
It’s not about how much your birth hurt, how fast it went, how much intervention you had, or how close to your birth plan it ended up being.
At Ma Yoga, a successful birth has 3 elements:
1.) Baby and mom were healthy
2.) Mom felt supported and nurtured throughout
3.) Mom understood enough of the pro’s and con’s of her choices that she could fully participate in the decisions that were made.
We’re going to focus on #’s 2 and 3, since #1 is beyond the scope of this blog. Listen to your body, walk every day, eat food as close to whole as you can.
If you don’t feel supported and prepared enough to participate in all the choices, we can feel regret every time we remember our birth.
We can heal and learn afterward, gleaning the lessons from our birth, but it takes time and effort and support.
But since we remember our birth forever – it’s nice to have a rush of gratitude and power every time we think of it, right from the start.
Even if you go in to labor at home and end up in the hospital; if you’re planning not to use intervention and end up with a Cesarean; if you’re meant to be in the hospital and things move so quickly that you end up at home – you can have a beautiful, meaningful, successful birth.
How can you make sure these two essentials are in place for you?
Find a childbirth education class that helps you envision your ideal birth, and create it.
Your birth is something you’ll remember forever – it’s not a way to appease family or friends who would be thrilled to be there.
Having someone who is experienced in coping tools and hospital lingo can help you stay connected to your body’s power and wisdom.
Look for a childbirth education class that doesn’t focus on natural birth, or hospital birth, or any particulate kind of birth.
Because again – that’s not up to you.
Instead, find one that gives you objective information about every aspect of the birth journey so that you can make choices that are right for you.
Of course, you have many options regarding childbirth education classes.
Some couples choose not to take a class and instead gather information from the web, friends and books.
Here’s why I believe taking an evidence-based childbirth education class is best:
1) No-Slant, Real-Life Info
The new generation of birth educators are experienced, informed and non-biased.
We share with couples the latest research along with a variety of options.
We feel there is no “wrong or right” way to conceive, birth or parent a child.
We’re here to help you understand all the pro’s and con’s of all the choices you’ll have, and support you in the decisions that feel right for you and your family.
2) Community
By attending a class with other expecting couples, you will learn so much from hearing others’ concerns, questions and tips – and feel connected to others on their own “Ma” journey.
Great childbirth education classes will offer more than information – you will find a sense of humor and the opportunity to start great friendships.
Plus, you’ll get connected to doulas in your area – some of whom may be almost free, if they just took their training and they’re doing their first births.
3) Myths vs. Reality
Many people approach childbirth with ” I have always heard….” ” I always thought…” or even “in my friend’s birth….”
Childbirth education classes are a great opportunity to differentiate myths from reality, and get all your questions answered, even the ones you are too embarrassed to ask your care provider. Such as…
“Do women poop when they push the baby out?” or “do vaginas spring back after childbirth?”
These may seem like silly questions but they deserve an answer and attention, and you can talk about these topics with sense of humor in a nurturing, supportive childbirth education class.
4) Confidence
There are no absolutes in childbirth or parenting. It is okay not to know everything; it is okay to trust your instincts as a parent, couple and as an individual. The more knowledge you have, the more confident you feel to access your inner wisdom.
In choosing a childbirth education class, couples should look for an atmosphere that will induce feelings of trust and comfort.
The new styles of childbirth education classes are taught in a comfortable space, with delicious food and some great information.
Don’t settle for a boring class! Childbirth education classes have evolved into a fun, informative and social event.
Our Live Online Option: The Yoga of Birth
We set out to make the best birth preparation available to anyone anywhere, and at an affordable price.
We worked with othe top birth teachers, birth doulas and postpartum specialists in Los Angeles to create an online birth class that will prepare you for anything that arises… and help you co-create the birht you want.
We’ll guide you live with personalized care through the phases labor, giving you the pro’s and con’s of all the choices you’ll have, plus all the tools you need to co-create your most meaningful birth.
In addition, we’ll give you the practices and principles of breath, movement, alignment and mantra that can help you stay connected to your body’s power and wisdom – no matter what.
We’re not coming from any slant or preference, only that with a combination of outer knowledge and inner wisdom – educate and meditate – you will know what’s best for you and your family.
Taught by birth and postpartum doulas Melanie
Wachsman and Rachelle Luczynski, The Yoga of Birth Childbirth Education Class gives you the benefit of their expertise both from being at hundreds of births, as well as teaching prenatal yoga for decades.
Get more information here.
Pregnant mamas get 50% off the total price if you’re not taking this childbirth education class as part of the Ma Yoga Prenatal Certification Program for teachers, but just to get you 100% for your birth.
To save 50%, use discount code PregnantYOB
