Full Moon's Daughter

Why is it important for moms to attend a childbirth class?
Most hospital care providers can only spend, at most, 15 minutes with you during your prenatal appointments. That is not enough time to ask your questions, receive informed care and choice and practice labor positions and comfort measures. Even if you are working with a midwife who spends a full hour with you at each prenatal, it’s still important to receive education from a different perspective.

What happens during most childbirth classes?
That all depends on the type of class you are taking. If it’s a hypnobirthing class, you’ll likely end each session with a realizing visualization / meditation to prepare you for birth. If you’re attending Birthing From Within, then you’ll have a more tactile experience with art supplies and crafts to discover your inner fears and concerns regarding the birthing process. If you’re a Lamaze type of girl, you’ll learn very practical comfort measures to use during birth. The Yoga Way to Birthing is a physical practice and the Bradley Method ensures your partner is involved. And then there are the more eclectic styles of childbirth classes, like those offered at Full Moon’s Daughter – where you get to experience a little bit of everything. So it really depends on what type of childbirth class is being offered.

When should I sign up for a childbirth class?
Most classes are 4-6 weeks long, with the exception of the Bradley Method which is 11 weeks. So around your 30th week is a good time to begin a class. Everything will still be fresh by the time your baby is ready to be born, but it won’t be so late that you’re stressing about missing the last 2 classes because you have a new baby to care for.

What questions should I ask of the instructor?
What is your childbirth philosophy?
Where were you trained?
How many couples per class?
Will there be homework?
Will there be physical activity during class?
Will community resources be provided?
May I see the agenda prior to signing up for the class?

What if the father of the baby isn’t in my life? Can I bring a friend?
Of course! There isn’t a childbirth class in Portland that wouldn’t welcome your birth support person. If you’re having a friend or family member support you because the father of the baby isn’t involved, you might want to consider working with a doula during your labor.