Why an Evidence Based Birth Class is Better Than a Hospital Class
Choosing a childbirth class is a big decision. The right class helps you feel prepared, confident, and ready for labor. But not all classes are the same. Hospital classes mostly cover policies, procedures, and medical interventions. In contrast, an evidence based birth class teaches real comfort measures, advocacy, and how to support a physiologically normal birth.
What is a Physiologically Normal Birth?
A physiologically normal birth happens naturally, without unnecessary interventions. It works with your body’s design for labor and birth. Research shows that when birth is supported in this way, both mother and baby benefit. Outcomes include higher satisfaction, fewer complications, and an easier recovery (National Library of Medicine, 2013).
However, hospital classes rarely teach how to support this natural process. Instead, they focus on routine interventions and hospital policies. They may briefly mention comfort techniques but often prioritize medical pain relief (Birth Savvy, 2020).
The Problem with Hospital Childbirth Classes
Most hospital classes prepare parents for a specific hospital’s policies. While this information can be helpful, it does not always provide a full picture of all birth options. Many parents finish these classes feeling unprepared for anything outside of hospital routines.
For example, hospital classes might mention breathing techniques. However, they often dedicate much more time to epidurals, inductions, and fetal monitoring. Parents may not learn how to manage labor naturally or how to use hands-on pain relief. They may also miss out on learning the role of continuous labor support (Birth Savvy, 2020).
Why Evidence Based Birth Classes Are Different
An evidence based birth class gives you the tools and knowledge to approach birth with confidence. Here’s what makes these classes stand out:
1. Learn Proven Comfort Measures
Unlike hospital classes, evidence based classes focus on real pain relief strategies. You’ll learn hands-on techniques such as counterpressure, movement, hydrotherapy, and guided relaxation. These methods can make a significant difference during labor (National Partnership for Women & Families, 2022).
2. Understand Your Rights and Options
Advocacy is essential during childbirth. Evidence based classes teach you how to ask the right questions, communicate your preferences, and make informed choices. This knowledge helps you feel in control, no matter what happens (Evidence Based Birth, 2023).
3. Get Personalized Support
Most independent birth classes are smaller than hospital classes. This setting allows for more interaction, deeper discussions, and personalized guidance. You can ask questions, get individualized advice, and gain support for your unique birth plan (Birth Savvy, 2020).
4. Focus on How Your Body Works
Instead of centering hospital routines, evidence based classes teach how birth naturally progresses. Understanding the role of hormones, movement, and different labor stages can help you work with your body rather than against it (National Library of Medicine, 2013).
5. Create a Birth Plan That Works for You
Planning for birth is more than writing down your ideal scenario. Birth can be unpredictable, which is why it’s important to have a Plan B and even a Plan C. To help you feel prepared, I’m offering a free birth plan template. This tool walks you through key decisions, from pain management preferences to postpartum care. It ensures you and your birth team are on the same page so that you feel confident no matter how your birth unfolds.
An evidence based birth class is an investment in your confidence, your knowledge, and your birth experience. Parents who take these classes often feel more prepared, more in control, and better equipped to handle whatever comes their way.
Ready to prepare for birth in a way that puts you in control? Sign up for my class today and download your free birth plan template to get started!
References
Birth Savvy. (2020). Independent birth classes vs. hospital classes. Retrieved from https://birthsavvy.com.au/independent-birth-classes-vs-hospital-classes
Evidence Based Birth. (2023). The evidence based birth childbirth class. Retrieved from https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class
National Library of Medicine. (2013). Supporting physiologic childbirth. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3647729
National Partnership for Women & Families. (2022). Comfort in labor: How you can help yourself. Retrieved from https://nationalpartnership.org/childbirthconnection/giving-birth/labor-pain/comfort-relief