Childbirth Education for Doula Clients
Should people with doulas take a childbirth education class?
YES, YES, YES!
When planning for your birth many people seem to think it is an “either/or” approach to choosing doula support and childbirth education. However, if the goal is to have an empowered and informed birth experience, then adding as much value to your birth as possible is the way to go. Being prepared for your birth is essential. When you are in labor it is not the time to figure out how to have a baby.
I think the confusion stems from not knowing exactly what your doula’s role is in your birth. So let’s chat about that! A doula is not a “fairy god doula” waving her wand and creating a magical birth experience for you (although, I do have clients who would argue that point lol). A doula is more of a coach during your labor. If you think about the traditional role of a coach, what do they do? A coach guides you on the field, teaches you new skills, motivates you, and helps keep you focused under pressure. But a coach can not play the game for you. As the player, you bring all of your skills to the game. Your acquired knowledge, your intuition, and your strength. Without a good player, a coach is nothing, and without a supportive coach, a player can not play at their full potential. Together they make a great team. Birth is exactly the same!
As a birthing person, if you put in the time to educate yourself through books, videos, and Childbirth Education classes then you increase your chances of having a positive birth experience. As your doula, it allows me to offer multiple techniques to use during labor. It helps establish trust as a team as well because when I share information with you, you have heard it multiple times from different sources so it will sound familiar and is less likely to trigger feelings of fear or anxiety. Childbirth Education classes help you gain confidence and feel more empowered during your birth. Childbirth Education will introduce you to new ideas and give you the opportunity to decide what you might like for your birth well before your contractions start.
Once you recognize that having both a doula and childbirth education classes will complement each other, then you have to choose a Childbirth class. I recommend asking your doula what class she recommends. Many doulas offer childbirth education classes as well. Choosing a class that will complement your doula’s style of care can help elevate your entire birth experience.