Not all childbirth classes are created equal.  How does your childbirth class compare?  I hear new moms tell me over and over again "I had a great class!  We learned a lot!"  However, as our conversation continues it becomes quite apparent that although their class was entertaining it did little in regards of preparing them for the actual birth.  A childbirth educator needs to be current in evidence based research and needs to have recent time spent with a woman in labor.  Although birth never changes, the management of birth does, often quite rapidly.  What was taught last year is now a thing of the past.  So how do you know if you are getting the most current class?  Here are my
Top 10 Clues of an Clueless Class...

10.   If the instructor does not praise the benefits of being in water, sitting on the ball, laying over the ball, walking in the halls, etc.  then you can plan on being teethered to the bed unless you advocate for yourself.

9.  If they tell you there is an epidural window beween 4 and 7cms.  WRONG!

8.  If you cannot tell me what the 2 requirements are before getting an epidural.

7.  If they talk in absolutes...you will never need an epidural, you will never...etc.

6.  If you were taught the crazy breathing...hee hee hoo...run out now!

5.  If you did not discuss the beneifts of a doula or if you don't know what a doula is!

4.  If you cannot tell me at least 5 ways you know it is Baby Day.

3.  If you cannot list alternate positions to be monitored in and how to accomplish that.

2.  If you are told the the IV drugs (stadol/nubain) will take the "edge off" and will make pain go away.

1.  If you leave class more anxious than when you went in.  A great childbirth class WILL relieve anxiety and show you how great the body is at birth!

It is your right as a consumer to ask questions about your instructor, talk to them before hand and make sure you are a good fit.  Here's wishing you are great class experience!