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Childbirth education is important if you are a first time mom, but also a good idea as a refresher if this is your second or subsequent pregnancy.

You've planned and planned and finally got pregnant. You have religiously attended all your prenatal visits, decorated the nursery, maybe even packed your hospital stay bag. But have you attended a childbirth education class? It's so important to prepare for this grand day by being properly educated. Knowing what to expect while you go through labor and the birth takes a lot of the fear away.

Giving birth, although one of the most natural situations in the world, can be quite scary. Don't let your wonderful day cloud with fear. Childbirth education explain in detail the process of labor and birth. Most classes go into detail on how to deal with the process and the pain, which is what so many fear. There is absolutely no reason to face this day without being completely prepared.

Most hospitals and birthing centers offer childbirth classes. You can search online and find classes, many times individuals in your area teach them. Go to your library and check out books on the subject if childbirth classes aren't offered. If you have the opportunity to attend one - do, it's so well worth it. If this isn't your first baby and you've taken one before - take one again as a refresher course.

These are the top 4 childbirth education classes:

1. Bradley Method - http://www.bradleybirth.com/
   Also known as the original "husband-coached" delivery method. Bradley teaches nutrition and exercises to prepare for the big day. Classes usually start in the 5th or 6th month of pregnancy. This method is opposite of Lamaze in that it incorporates deep breathing and coaching the laboring mom to look inward and focus upon what her body is doing - opening up to allow her baby to be born. Bradley promotes drug-free births and is used by a lot of homebirth moms. For more information contact: American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth, P.O. Box 5224, Sherman Oaks, CA 91413; 1-800-4ABIRTH
   
   
2. Grantly Dick-Read

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   These classes combine relaxation techniques and prenatal education to prepare you for labor and delivery. This thought was originally from a nurse, Margaret Gamper who inspired Dr. Dick-Read to develop this method in the 1940's. These classes usually begin in the 4th month of pregnancy. You can obtain information on local classes by writing to : Midwest Parentcraft Center, 627 Beaver Rd, Glenview, IL 60025 or by calling 312-248-8100
   
   
3. Lamaze - http://www.lamaze.org/
   Developed by Dr. Ferdinand Lamaze, teaches the laboring mother to look outside her body - to a focal point - while incorporating breathing techniques to ease through labor and delivery. You may obtain more information on Lamaze by contacting the American Society for Psychoprophylaxis in Obstetrics, 1840 Wilson Blvd.., Suite 204, Arlington, VA 22201; 1-800-368-4404
   
   
4. "Prepared" Childbirth Classes - http://www.icea.org/
   Some HMO's and health-care providers sponsor classes which take no particular school of thought. Some of these classes are offered by educators certified by the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) while others are taught by labor and delivery or obstetric nurses employed by a specific hospital or clinic. These classes go over "general" natural childbirth methods as well as teaching the soon-to-be parents about hospital procedures and what to expect in all types of birthing experiences - from natural childbirth to planned cesareans. You may contact ICEA at P.O. Box 20038, Minneapolis, MN 55420; 612-854-8660

Some clinics and hospitals offer specialized classes on breastfeeding, cesareans, infant care and siblings. Check with your doctor and hospital about the available programs.

I took prepared childbirth classes with my first pregnancy. Still, I learned a lot about hospital procedure and not enough about the birth process. I felt I wasn’t as prepared as I could have been. When I was pregnant with my second baby I wanted to learn more about birth so I looked up a Bradley Method class. This class was more expensive and I learned a lot more. Had I been having a home birth, it would have been perfect. As it turned out my baby was breech and I ended up having a cesarean. Still, I'm glad I took the class.

It's important to discuss any class you plan to take with your healthcare provider. Make sure they agree with the philosophy and will support you in your wishes. Childbirth education is very important and an excellent way to prepare for the most exciting day of all - the birth day.