Childbirth education classes strive to inform expecting parents about childbirth, while covering a plethora of topics related to labor and delivery. Class participants may want to learn about birth choices, or explore birth topics that are personally important. How well they benefit from class information, however, varies on factors which can have an impact on learning and class outcome.
Past Experience
A participant's past experience with birth, or childbirth education class, can affect her learning outcome in a subsequent class. A negative birth experience, such as a painful labor, or complications during delivery, may make it difficult for a woman to revisit childbirth education and the birth process with a positive mindset. Additionally, a negative experience in a prior childbirth education class may cause a woman to be skeptical about the benefits of childbirth education. Childbirth educators can speak with participants about past negative experiences, and help navigate information in a way that helps ease fears and preconceived emotions for a better class outcome.
Participant Ideology
A childbirth class participant may have preset ideas, assumptions or feelings related to birth before coming to class which can play a role in how she responds to class material. Women and their partners receive information from doctors, the media and family members which can influence thoughts and beliefs about childbirth, as well as choices for labor and delivery. Learning outcomes can be affected if class information and a participant's philosophy about birth don't coincide. Educators can help by working with participants on information that is important to them, while gently presenting additional information that may be helpful. Class participants and educators can have an open discussion at the beginning of class about expectations and class material to help facilitate a positive learning experience.
Instructor Presentation
The ability of a childbirth educator to effectively conduct class is important to how well participants learn. Ultimately, a childbirth educator should facilitate trust and exude current knowledge about the childbirth topics she is teaching, while having a professional image and personable attitude. Class participants may not respond well to an instructor who appears inexperienced, unorganized or unapproachable. Lamaze International recommends that expectant parents interview childbirth educators about class philosophy and teaching methods, before taking a class.
Class Structure
Childbirth classes vary in length, class size and curriculum. How well participants learn depends on all of these things. Effective classes are held in a comfortable environment, are short in length and spread out over several days, and offer a well-developed curriculum. Additionally, smaller class sizes allow for one-on-one interaction with the educator, the ability to ask questions and practice techniques, and express thoughts or concerns. Class sizes which are too large, or too long in length, can inhibit participation and lower learning outcomes.
