Classes & Events

There are so many class options available to expectant and new parents today that the choices can be overwhelming. Here we’re sharing our favorites with you, along with weekly community events that we find interesting and useful.

Aware of a local happening you’d like to share?  Post it here.

While all childbirth classes aim to educate participants, their philosophies vary considerably. Most classes available to couples today are designed simply to acquaint you with the “medical model” and educate you about the drugs, equipment, and medical procedures that are routinely used in the hospital, in essence, teaching you how to be a good patient.  There should be no room for this kind of “assembly-line mentality” in today’s society.  Many hospitals are “suiting up” with homey atmospheres, but unless there’s a corresponding shift in the birthing philosophy of the caregivers who attend to you in these places, the decor becomes merely a disguise.  The emotional and spiritual needs of laboring couples and their babies need to be respected and addressed with patience and kindness. In order to experience a safe, empowering birth experience for both you and your baby, it is essential that you familiarize yourself with available options so that you can make the best choice class choice possible, one that corresponds with your birthing philosophy.

 

 

 

SUGGESTIONS

 

  • Sign up early. The ideal time to attend a course is during your second trimester (or even earlier). Completing classes early allows you more time to practice the class exercises and supplement what you have learned with additional childbirth books, on-line research, and workshops.
  • Get to know the instructor. Once you have verified that the instructor is certified as a childbirth educator, make sure he or she played an active role in developing the curriculum. Some instructors (particularly those employed by hospitals) may be limited to teaching according to the guidelines of a particular institution. Independent childbirth educators do not have such limitations and may address your questions and concerns more impartially. Most importantly, find an instructor whose overall philosophy closely matches your own.
  • Attend classes with other people. Many independent childbirth educators offer expectant couples private, one-on-one instruction. While this virtually guarantees you a more personalized experience, it may not warrant the extra cost. Having other people in the class gives you the chance to learn from their observations and experiences. Frequently, women who attend childbirth classes together go on to form friendships, support networks, and play groups that ease some of the isolation associated with being a new mom.
  • Opt for thorough instruction. The longer the course, the more in-depth your education. Having a baby is a life-altering event, one in which you are responsible not only for your own well-bing but also for your baby’s.  Taking a one-day course (those usually last eight hours) is better than nothing, but can be exhausting and deprives you of many of the benefits of a more in-depth class. It’s impossible to retain all the information in this “crash course” type education option.

 

 

 

BENEFITS OF TAKING A CHILDBIRTH COURSE

 

  • Childbirth classes will build your confidence in your body’s innate ability to give birth.
  • You can discuss your fears about labor and birth with the instructor and other couples with the same concerns.
  • Your partner will learn about childbirth and how to best support you on your birth day. You may find that attending childbirth classes together creates a closer bond between the two of you.
  • Childbirth classes reduce the use of unnecessary Interventions.
  • Childbirth education gives the expectant parents a feeling of control as they learn the various stages of labor and what to expect, as well as labor and birth comfort techniques.

 

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER ASKING TO FIND THE BEST CLASS FOR YOU

 

  • Are you certified by a national organization? Which one?
  • How long have you been teaching?
  • Are you employed by a hospital, a private practice, or do you practice independently?
  • What method of childbirth education do you teach? Does your course advocate a specific birthing philosophy?
  • What topics does your curriculum cover?
  • Is your class environment welcoming, regardless if my partner is my spouse, partner, relative or friend, or if I attend alone?
  • How much does the course cost?
  • How often does the class meet?
  • How many other couples are in the class?
  • When do you recommend that pregnant women begin the class?
  • How far in advance do you recommend that I register to reserve a place?

 

 

 

CLASS RECOMMENDATIONS FROM LOCAL FAMILIES

 

 

 

HypnoBirthing:

 

www.hypnobirthing.com

 

Combining visualization, self-hypnosis(deep relaxation), & calm breathing, women learn how to eliminate the fear and tension that can cause long, painful labors, replacing them with self-confidence, calm, & comfort. This natural childbirth class option and philosophy returns birthing to the beautiful, peaceful, empowering experience nature intended.

 

 

 

*Class available at Bethesda North Hospital: www.trihealth.com / 513-475-4500

 

*Questions about the philosophy and content: contact Sharon @ birthbabe1@cinci.rr.com or call 513-683-6990

 

 

 

HypnoBirthers, please share your experiences here!

 

 

 

The Bradley Method:

 

Named after its founder, the Bradley Method stresses the importance of a well-prepared, birthing coach. Interactive class exercises, focusing on natural birthing, include labor rehearsals where partners can practice their communication, breathing and relaxation techniques as a team.

 

 

 

*To find a local class visit  www.bradleybirth.com

 

Bradley families, please share your experiences here!

 

 

 

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Babies, toddlers and young kids are like sponges when it comes to observing, growing and exploring their new world. Participating in parent/child enrichment programs gives you the knowledge and confidence to give your child the best start in life and focus on the developmental areas that are important in helping to instill them with self-esteem and confidence. Here we share some of our favorite locations for classes; please submit yours.

CINCINNATI FAMILY ENRICHMENT CENTER

  • tummy time
  • parent/baby yoga
  • infant/toddler signing
  • baby yoga/brain play
  • crawler developmental play
  • toddler exploration
  • art
  • imaginary play
  • culture class
  • family story time
  • spanish
  • creative movement/musical play

SIGNING SAFARI

  • infant/toddler sing, sign & play
  • signing at the Cincinnati Zoo