A million and one things go through the minds of expecting moms such as yourself all throughout pregnancy. While it is definiely a joyful experience, it is also filled with anxious thoughts. 

For example, you could be thinking of things that can go wrong, or how much delivering the baby would hurt.

To try and make sure that they’re prepared, a lot of moms look for ways to ease their anxious thoughts. Some moms book one of our doulas so that they have a companion to go through their journey. Other moms look for birthing classes to make sure that they have an idea what they will go through once they enter the delivery process.

If you’re a first-time mom, you might be wondering which help you need in particular. And if you get one, do you really need to get the other?

Well, not to worry. In this article, we’ll take a look at what doulas do, how birthing classes can help you, and which one ultimately you should get.

Let’s get to it, shall we?

 

What are childbirth classes?

Childbirth classes are a series of classes for parents-to-be to better prepare for birth and cope with the anxiety accompanying pregnancy. 

It’s actually a popular method of preparation. According to the Listening to Mothers survey, 53% of pregnant women took childbirth classes. 

These classes cover a variety of topics such as relaxation techniques, labor positions, options for pain relief, and newborn care. Expect to learn about what happens in labor and birth when you and your partner attend a childbirth class.

 

What’s a doula?

A doula is a trained labor companion that provides emotional, informational, and physical support to you just before and right after childbirth. Though they are not medically trained, doulas undergo a training program. And for them to become certified doulas, they need to pass an exam.

Labor doulas provide care and support during labor. Doulas also meet with moms once or twice before labor to provide informational and emotional support as the big day arrives. Once your little one has arrived, postpartum doulas provide support for the first few weeks.

An increasing number of childbearing women are receiving supportive care from a doula. From 3% in 2005, the figure has doubled to 6% in 2011. 

In fact, one in four pregnant women who have heard about a doula would have liked to have been assisted by one! 

 

Do I still need to attend a childbirth class if I already have a doula?

Let’s say you got a doula from us at Doulas of the Valley. Do you still really need to attend a birthing class?

Well, if you talk to our doula about this, she would answer a resounding YES! Why? 

The reason for this is that childbirth classes and having a doula as a birth companion go hand in hand in making pregnancy and childbirth a more joyful, loving, and nurturing experience for you and your spouse or partner. Doulas understand that childbirth classes and having a doula as your birth companion is not an either-or matter.

Our doulas in particular would want expecting moms like you to take childbirth classes with your spouse or partner so you can go through the experience of birth preparation together. There is value in having you and your spouse or partner gain extensive knowledge base about what to expect during pregnancy and childbirth.

Our experienced doulas also know the scope of their responsibility and the support and care that they provide. They know that they are not necessarily childbirth educators, although they can be. But a doula’s primary function is to provide support and care, not to educate.

 

Why doulas and childbirth classes complement each other

Taking childbirth classes and having a doula provide parents with clear benefits that you and your spouse or partner will get in making both of you better prepared for the arrival of your newborn. Here are some of them:

 

Childbirth classes can tell you more about the delivery process.

Even if you have a doula, your time with her before birth is limited. Doulas primarily will be with you during labor. They can also conduct 1-2 prenatal visits and several days of post-delivery visits. 

These visits may not provide parents with enough time to ask plenty of questions that may be better asked during childbirth classes. Your doula will also not have enough time during visits to give you a full-length childbirth course.

That’s why childbirth classes are important. During these classes, there is more time to ask questions about routine newborn procedures, epidural compared with narcotic relief, or when to start pushing. 

 

Doula visits are more about building relationships.

You get the services of a doula to be your source of emotional, physical, and informational support. A successful partnership between you and your doula, therefore, relies heavily on a high level of comfort and trust.

Prenatal visits by your doula are therefore more focused on relationship and trust building rather than learning anything new. Learning most of the things you need to learn during labor should happen in a childbirth class.

 

Childbirth classes help doulas primarily focus on support.

Parents who prepare ahead by attending childbirth classes mean doulas can focus on providing emotional and physical support during intense moments of labor. 

Think of it as stages of preparation. Childbirth classes are a pregnancy and childbirth preparation stage that you can do about 4 months before giving birth. Having a doula is another stage of preparation that you can have when you are much closer to giving birth.

 

Reap the benefits of taking childbirth classes and hiring a doula.

Taking childbirth classes and having a doula provide parents with different sets of information, knowledge, skills, and support. Parents who go through childbirth education have a much better idea of what moms need during labor and birthing and how their doula can actually help.

If given a choice, moms would hands-down choose to be confident throughout pregnancy and during childbirth. Taking childbirth classes and having a doula ensure better pregnancy experiences and delivery outcomes. You will need all the help and support during pregnancy and childbirth and both a doula and childbirth classes give you that.

Your family’s success is a doula’s success as well. A more positive birth experience is a feather in a doula’s cap. Also, doulas love to see parents learning and working together, spending focused quality time preparing for one of life’s most joyful moments.

If you are a new mom and want to be better prepared for the arrival of your little one, get in touch with us at Doulas of the Valley. We are proud of our trained and experienced doulas that provide you with deeply personal care and support to make your overall pregnancy journey and childbirth experience more joyful. We can walk you through decisions about the best path forward for you, your spouse or partner, and your little bundle of joy.

Reach out to us or give us a ring. We look forward to being part of your joyful pregnancy and childbirth journey.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!