If I know I’m getting the epidural, do I really need a childbirth class?

In short – YES!

Ok and now for the longer answer:

1. Your anesthesiologist won’t come to your house and you won’t be admitted to the hospital if you are too early in labor. 
2. So, what do you do while you labor at home?  How do you know when to go into the hospital?
3. What if your labor is too quick for them to insert the epidural before you need to push?
4. Did you know they turn off the epidural for pushing?  You need to feel your contractions to push effectively.  How will you cope with the new pain or discomfort you feel?
5. What about your partner? How will he/she know how to best help you?
6. What about all the other possible medical interventions?
7. Placenta?  Oh, yeah that squishy thing that comes out after the baby…
8. How about initiating breastfeeding?
9. What if you need a c-section?
10. How do you know what’s normal and what’s not?

A childbirth class is about much more than natural pain relief.  A childbirth class encompasses the whole experience from pre-term labor, to postpartum recovery.  It will help you avoid unnecessary medical interventions and connect with your partner.   A good, independent childbirth class will help you and your partner both feel more confident about your choices in childbirth and the entire birth experience.

Do check out our Confident Birthing classes.  We support all your choices in birth.