Canada.com - Rhonda Gordon Interviewed    

Choosing a Childbirth Class "Do you have a class that fits my due date?  Is it offered on a convenient day and time?  Is it held at a location that is convenient for me? When looking for a childbirth class, most people ask only these three questions.  They establish that the class is convenient, but what will be taught in these classes?  The kind of childbirth class you choose will have a profound influence on the birth experience you will have.  In order to find the childbirth class that is best for you, consider determining the following things and adding the following questions.  You will find that childbirth classes are not all the same.   Questions to Ask: Determine the instructor's qualifications, training & experience: Do you have specialized training in childbirth education? Are you currently certified by an international organization? Have you given birth using the method and techniques you teach? Determine who the instructor works for: Are you an independent instructor (or does she teach for a particular health care provider or institution that may restrict what can be covered in class)? Determine the method and techniques taught and if they work well in labor: Do the majority of your students go on to have unmedicated births? Do you collect accurate statistics?  Does your organization? Will this class provide my coach the training he will need to help me avoid unnecessary pain and find positions and techniques that will help me labor efficiently? Determine whether you find this instructor informative and interesting: Do you offer a free introductory class? Determine specifics about the class and the environment in which it takes place? Is the class size kept small so that you can get to know us and our needs? Will labor techniques be practiced in every class? Will the classes provide childbirth education as well as weekly support and motivation throughout the last trimester?  (If not, how many classes are there?) Are free review classes offered until we give birth? Do these classes provide comprehensive educations (covering nutrition, exercise, coaching, first stage, second stage, prositive communications, making a birth plan, breastfeeding, newborns, postpartum care, cesareans, etc.) or will I also need to take additional classes? Determine the cost of the course so that you can compare prices: What is the total cost of this course (including workbook and materials)? How many total hours of instruction are included?