The reasoning behind childbirth education classes is not to teach your body how to birth. You already have this knowledge. The reason is to help dispel fears around birth and provide tools for you and your partner to understand the process better.

Childbirth education classes are a very individual decision. There are all different types of classes to take, with all of them having unique benefits. Choose one that sounds like fun and that matches your type of learning.

The following is a description of five common childbirth education classes. After each description is a list of resources, with a condensed list at the end. This was updated in March 2014. Please see the website or a web search for the most current pricing and locations.

LAMAZE INTERNATIONAL

Main principles:

• Seeks to provide education through evidence based practices.
• Guides parents to make the best possible choices for themselves throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum
• Encourages the natural birth process and women’s body ability to give birth.
• Women have the right to choose with who, where, and how they give birth based on education.
• Bonding extends from the pregnancy and birth into parenting. Knowledge and support enhance parenting choices.

Strengths of this childbirth education:

• Encourages bonding during the prenatal time for both parents
• Helps women gain confidence in their body and instincts
• Teaches natural pain management strategies for labor and birth
• Strongly supports skin-to-skin bonding with newborn after birth based on evidence
• There is a significant amount of resources available for parents through their website and educators 

Weaknesses of childbirth education:

• The thought that comes first to most people about Lamaze are the breathing techniques that were encouraged during earlier education. This type of breathing has been replaced with better techniques to help women have the birth experience they desire.

Local resources are available by filling out a form online:
http://www.lamaze.org/FindALamazeChildbirthClass

Web resources:
http://www.lamaze.org/p/cm/ld/fid=1

INTERNATIONAL CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

What it is?

• ICEA is a childbirth education certifying agency. Teachers that go through this certification have met standards for childbirth education.
• Teachers with this certification may have additional childbirth education certifications and choose to create more flexible programs.

Strengths of this childbirth education:

• The teachers are able to create a flexible education series
• Educators are trained in pregnancy, labor, and postpartum

Weaknesses of childbirth education:

• They aren’t a “brand” name childbirth education system, which has its benefits and its downfalls.
• One downfall could be that if the educator isn’t well organized, then she may not cover important information for the class.