I was 20 years old when I expected my first child. I had heard the birth stories from family and friends as most women have. I remember feeling nervous and wondering what childbirth would look like. I asked couples about their experiences and someone suggested that I should watch “A Baby Story” on TLC. The show was supposed to depict the experience of couples as they encountered birth. When I watched it I was clueless about what was headed my way! Watching this “reality” show once (because I didn’t have cable TV), was definitely not enough education. As a young mom-to-be I needed more than this TV show to prepare me for labor and birth. I needed something that would help me gain the confidence I needed to birth my daughter.
Maybe this sounds like you. You’ve heard the stories that create fear and hesitation. Let me reassure you that getting the right support and information can change the way you feel. It can also help how you and your birth partner walk into labor together.
Now that I work as a Doula with couples one on one and in group setting (see below for current classes schedule), I have been able to see how “knowledge” is the secret sauce to a labor that is positive and empowering.
Most women who are preparing to birth for the first time carry uncertainty of what lies ahead. Most birth partners question if they will know how to support it once labor begins. Both of these combined can create a very stressful environment and can turn unpleasant, ask me how I know.
However, when given the right tools to the couple, these tools will support how each individual will execute their role. It will bring a sense of comfort knowing that they have prepared for this moment. They will walk in confidence to know who they are as a unit, working together to bring their newborn into their family with love, peace, and anticipation, even if the birth were to need intervention.
what I learned about Childbirth Education
Let me share what I have learned about childbirth education.
There are many classes that offer to prepare you for labor. Here are some to name a few. You can go to Lamaze class, Bradley’s Method, HypnoBirthing, breathwork class, hospital childbirth class, and the list goes on and on.
I believe these are all great. However, when you are pregnant and trying to prepare, having so many options can be daunting as you will always want to pick the best there is. To which I say childbirth class should speak to who you are as a parent.
My take on childbirth is to support the couple to have a harmonious environment that feeds the star of the show. A hormone called Oxytocin A.K.A “the love hormone”. I teach with the perspective that if we support what the mothers body does naturally, then the results will be evident even after your baby is born.
To sum this all up.
I wish I had the opportunity to teach my 20 year old self about Childbirth classes, and how they are tools that can come in very handy the day you begin laboring, how “knowledge” can drive your confidence level higher. So, here I am now encouraging you to find a class that will support you during your journey, and encourage you in choosing the right class(es) that will support your view on birth and prepare you without judgment for your ideal birth experience while also confidently preparing you for the unexpected.
If you are interested in taking childbirth classes with me, here is the next date our 3 day class begins:
February 1, 2025