Childbirth Education… is it Worth the Hype?
In Short.....ABSOLUTELY!!!
THE ROAD TO PARENTHOOD IS NEVER SMOOTH SAILING! BUT IF YOU ARE AS PREPARED AS POSSIBLE FOR THE PROCESS OF BIRTH, YOU WILL HAVE A MUCH SMOOTHER START! CBE (CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION) IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT STEP TOWARDS NOT ONLY A CALM BIRTH EXPERIENCE, BUT AN INFORMED BIRTH AS WELL. KNOWLEDGE REALLY IS POWER! IF WE ARE NOT FULLY INFORMED ON OUR OPTIONS FOR BIRTH AND THE BENEFITS AND RISKS OF EACH OF THOSE OPTIONS, THEN HOW CAN WE GIVE INFORMED CONSENT? THATS JUST IT. WE CAN'T.
SO LETS TALK ABOUT THE BENEFITS CBE CAN HAVE ON YOUR BIRTH!
Women who have used evidence based childbirth education in their births experience a variety of benefits. From reducing the use of interventions and pain medication to having a more positive birth experience, women and their partners benefit greatly from evidence based childbirth education. So what is the criteria for evidence based CBE? It is curriculum based on current up-to-date evidence based research and care practices. Sadly, most free hospital based programs are far from evidence based. And center more on hospital policies, what to expect in labor and delivery as well as common interventions. What they do not cover are current ACOG guidelines for evidence based care at birth. How to advocate for yourself. Benefits of positioning during the second stage of birth (pushing phase). Or even the risks of the common interventions they offer!
This is why it is of utmost importance to insure that you receive education on all topics surrounding birth! You can not avoid risks associated with an increase in cesarean birth, an increase in vaginal tearing, an increase in elongated pushing time, risks involved in elective induction..... if you DON'T KNOW WHAT THE RISKS ARE. In comes CBE!! CBE will educate, empower, encourage & excite you to have the birth you desire. As well as prepare you for any complications that may arise during birth. So that you can make swift informed decisions on the care of yourself and baby! These benefits aren't just for first time parents either!! Some times we find ourselves desiring the education we didn't receive the first time around, or desiring a VBAC or even simply wanting a more positive experience than we had before!!! No matter where you are at in your personal birthing journey, CBE is of utmost benefit to you!
GOOD LUCK! AND TAKE A CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION CLASS!!!
Knowledge IS POWER!!
