Childbirth classes vary in approach and content

Before you look into childbirth classes, you'll want to give some thought to how you feel about labor and birth and what's important to you. Do you want to follow the "medical model" in which you have pain medication and the doctor makes the decisions? Are you more comfortable with maternal choice being important and with a woman-centered model with a more natural approach with few interventions?

You may want to use a particular method in labor and birth and take a class to prepare you for that method. Here are several methods that may be the focus of a childbirth class:

Lamaze Method

This is probably the best known and most popular childbirth class in use in the United States. The hallmarks of a Lamaze birth include:

Learned and practiced relaxation and breathing techniques

Continuous emotional support from the partner or friend trained in the Lamaze method

The Lamaze Method is based on the idea that pain is a learned reflex and that, through breathing techniques and relaxation, a woman in labor can control pain. Classes concentrate on these techniques and often involve a lot of practice so that the breathing techniques are almost second nature during labor. Comfort techniques such as water therapy, as well as communication skills between the woman and her partner, are covered.

Bradley Method

This was one of the first classes to stress the importance of the husband or partner as a birth "coach." Bradley involves the partner more than any other method. It also stresses that women work with their bodies during labor. Exercise and nutrition are a major focus, and there is a strong stance against pain medication.

Leboyer Method

This method involves delivering the baby in water or having the baby immersed in water right after birth. The method regards birth as a traumatic event, so women should deliver in a quiet, dimly lit room. You'll need to check with the hospital to see if this is possible.

Whatever your choice, the best advice is to be prepared. Most classes meet over several weeks toward the end of your pregnancy. Weekend classes may be the answer to your harried schedule, though it may be hard to cover the information you'll need to know in just two days. Your provider's office may offer childbirth classes, or check with the hospital where you plan to deliver.

Date last reviewed: October 2002.

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