Childbirth Class or Epidural?

What should you say when a friend says “I am planning on having an epidural—Do I need to take a childbirth class?”

Yes! — Classes are about pregnancy, the stages of labor, birth and the many choices parents will make.  They will help you to know what to expect during labor and birth, and understand hospital routines. They are not about how to avoid pain medications (unless you choose to).

Yes! — Classes teach coping skills and relaxation techniques that all parents can use at home in early labor, in the hospital before getting an epidural, and after birth when a fussy baby or difficulty feeding make it difficult to stay calm.

Yes! — Sometimes labor does not go as planned and the pain medication you think you will get is not an option.  It is great to have some other options.

Yes! — Our childbirth series also include information about the postpartum period, newborn care, and breastfeeding, and all that information will be beneficial to you no matter what choices you make about pain medications.

Back to top | Return to Articles Home