Childbirth Class Options

General Childbirth Classes
Many general classes are taught by a hospital, birthing facility or employee of a specific birthing facility.  These classes can be great general overviews on how to prepare for the birthing process without a specific concept in mind for the birth experience.  Many times the classes are basic and review specific facility policies and procedures.  Often, these classes don't have a set philosophy or model of instruction and are often advertised on the facilities website.  

International Childbirth Education Association

This is an organization that also offers general childbirth classes. It was founded in the early 60's and is not aligned with a particular philosophy or method.  Their main goal is to educate mothers and decrease the fear surrounding childbirth. This organization was one of the original supporters of father involvement and midwifery.  They not only certify childbirth educators but doulas, prenatal fitness educators, postnatal educators, and postnatal doulas.

Lamaze
Ferdinand Lamaze, a French obstetrician, developed the Lamaze Method of childbirth.  Traditionally known from their breathing method or techniques, their core values are about building confidence in the mother, providing support, and using evidence-based practices and techniques in their instruction. Each certified lamaze instructor works a bit differently; but, the classes are usually limited to 10-12 couples and are broken up into 4 or 6 sessions. 

The Bradley Method
Dr. Bradley & his Bradley method was one of the first obstetricians to bring father's into the delivery room and strongly believes in partner-coached childbirth.  He wrote the book Husband-Coached Childbirth.  Bradley classes are usually some of the most comprehensive classes and are taught in 12 installments over 12 weeks. Partners are strongly encouraged to attend. Some certified teachers break up the classes into 8 longer sessions.

Hypnobirthing
Hypnobirthing, also known as the Mongan Method is a childbirth educational series that utilizes relaxation techniques and self-hypnosis.  It was founded by Marie Mongan, a hypnotherapist, and has beliefs that pain does not have to accompany labor.  It is traditionally taught in 5 sessions lasting 2.5 hours each. Marie wrote the book Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method.

Calm Birth
The method focuses on meditation and progressive relaxation techniques.  The method blends psychosomatic medicinal practices and mental awareness focusing exercises.  Influences into the method come from Buddishm, Tao, & Hinduism.  Special techniques include womb breathing and giving and receiving mediation. The founder wrote the book Calm Birth and published a CD with sounds for relaxation and meditation.

Birthing from Within
This is more of a philosophy of birth than a method of preparation yet their are certified birthing from within teachers.  The philosophy focuses on inspiring and teaching expectant parents that birth is a rite of passage.  The goals include co-creating holistic prenatal care and minimizing emotionally difficult birth through preparation.  Pam England, the founder, wrote Birthing from Within.

Other Childbirth Preparation Programs
Dancing for Birth Link
Purebirth Link