The very most important thing to learn, or remember, is that women’s bodies know how to give birth, just like they know how to be pregnant and support the baby. Partners are there to support the woman, and be a part of the birth, and all they need, is their connection to the mother. So why take a class?

Having specific information about labour and how it progresses, can give couples peace of mind. It can reassure them that what is happening is supposed to be happening. It can give them knowledge, like to know when to call their care provider, when should they head into the hospital or settle in at home for their birth. It can also give them information, so that they know how to ask questions, working with their care providers, so that they can help make the birth go in the direction they want it to. And, perhaps most importantly, having a bit of knowledge can help them trust in the birthing process!

When a woman is giving birth, she enters into a different way of viewing life. This allows her to cope with the growing sensations within her, and also allows her to be intune to what her body's needs. For the new mother, knowing a bit more about what to expect in birth, actually allows her to simply give her body the fullest opportuity to do what it is meant to do; birth their baby! And for the partner, having this knowledge, means that they can be supportive of the mother, helping her get into and stay in the best state possible, by helping her feel safe and nurtured.

With breastfeeding, since it is natural and normal, yet also learned, couples can prepare themselves in many ways. If they know what to expect, what is normal, what is unacceptable, what to look for, and who to contact should they need help, then they will be able to avoid many difficulties, or get the help they need right away should they need it.

With the postpartum months, most of it will be a huge learning curve, since no books are written about this particular baby. However, there are many things familes can learn about ahead of time, to help prepare for them what it is actually like having a new baby, and thus to help them better cope, and enjoy, the newborn days!

All in all, any childbirth education class is about empowering yourself!