When you choose an out of hospital option for birth then you are choosing to experience birth fully without numbing medications. In our society this is so rare that many people have not even talked to a mother who birthed on her own. In the hospital this is a difficult option to achieve since many protocols interfere with a mother’s natural instincts.
http://www.birthnaturally.org/
http://www.childbirth.org/
This is why we strongly recommend that a mother and her partner take a high quality, independent birthing class. Taking a birthing class will help prepare a mother and her partner with knowledge about pregnancy, comfort techniques, tools for labor, information about natural responses to labor, and caring for a new baby.
There are many types of classes, what type of class you choose is personal and may include the teacher’s personality, the techniques used, when and where the class is taught and the cost of the class. You should make choices early, by about your 20th week of pregnancy, to assure that you have time to complete the series and the teacher has space for you in his/her classes.
BRADLEY
Bradley classes focus on relaxation and working with your body. It is one of the oldest childbirth technique classes available and is a good choice for first time mothers since the classes include: information on stages and phases of labor, what to expect in labor, common medical interventions, nutrition, exercise, and caring for a new baby including breastfeeding. The class series is 12 weeks long so you need to register early.
http://www.bradleybirth.com/
LAMAZE
Lamaze classes teach breathing techniques and distraction. It is another type of class and teaches much of the same information as in Bradley classes. The classes are generally 6 sessions.
http://www.lamaze.org
Hypnosis techniques are taught in several classes including
HYPNOBIRTHING
http://www.hypnobirthing.com
HYPNOBABIES
http://www.hypnobabies.com
HYPBIRTH.
These classes offer great techniques that you can utilize in your everyday life and work wonderfully in labor but the classes don’t generally include basic information such as is taught in the former classes, therefore the series is shorter – about four sessions.
BIRTHING FROM WITHIN
Classes are unique and offer an insight into your subconscious to see what blocks you from your full potential and your natural responses. The classes give you basic information as well so the series is longer than hypnosis classes
http://www.birthingfromwithin.com/
DOULAS
Doulas are childbirth professionals who specialize in knowing techniques of comfort in labor and can be hired to stay with a mother throughout her labor to assist her and her partner using techniques to help labor, give comfort, and giving information to assist them in making good decisions. We strongly encourage a hospital birthing mother to hire a doula and welcome doulas at our birth center births.
National Organization
http://www.dona.org
Utah Organization
http://www.lythgoes.net/uda/
For General Questions
http://www.childbirthingconnection.org
