Childbirth Education is the key to an Empowered Experience!

Childbirth is one of life’s most transformative experiences, but it can also feel overwhelming without the right knowledge and tools. Childbirth education is the foundation of empowerment—it helps replace fear with confidence, uncertainty with clarity, and anxiety with a sense of control.

Pregnant woman relaxing at home, reading a book on the couch with her dog nearby, enjoying a cozy moment.

When you understand what’s happening in your body, what to expect during labor, and the choices available to you, you become an active participant in your birth journey.

In this post, we’ll explore how education can be your greatest ally, helping you prepare for childbirth with practical knowledge, emotional resilience, and the power to advocate for the birth experience you deserve.

Table of Contents

Fear is natural and actually a GOOD thing

Fear is a natural response to the unknown, and when it comes to childbirth, it can actually be a powerful motivator. Instead of letting fear control you or spiral into anxiety, you can use it as a signal to explore and prepare.

Fear often highlights areas where you may feel uncertain or unprepared, which is an opportunity to seek knowledge and support. By leaning into that fear with curiosity, you can uncover resources that build your confidence, such as childbirth education classes, evidence-based articles, or conversations with trusted care providers.

This proactive approach transforms fear into empowerment, guiding you toward informed decisions and a deeper trust in your ability to birth.

5 Steps for Fear-Busting During Childbirth Preparation

Identify Your Fears. Take time to reflect on what specifically feels scary or uncertain about childbirth. Write it down or talk it out with someone you trust. Naming your fears is the first step to addressing them.
Educate Yourself. Seek out evidence-based resources, like childbirth classes, books, and articles, to understand what happens during labor and delivery. Knowledge helps replace the unknown with clarity and confidence.
Build Your Support Team. Surround yourself with people who uplift and empower you—your partner, doula, midwife, or a supportive friend. A strong support system provides reassurance and practical help when you feel overwhelmed.
Practice Relaxation and Mindfulness. Use techniques like deep breathing, visualization, or yoga to calm your nervous system and train your body to release tension. These practices are powerful tools for quieting fear during pregnancy and labor. Check out this blog post for more techniques!
Plan, but Stay Flexible. Create a birth plan based on your preferences and values, but remain open to adjustments. Knowing you’ve prepared for various scenarios reduces fear of the unexpected and keeps you focused on the ultimate goal: a safe, supported birth.

Download My Free Birth Plan Template

Start preparing for your Dream Birth by printing this template, fill it out and take it with you!

Tips for Choosing a Course:

Consider your birth goals: Unmedicated, medicated, home, hospital, VBAC, cesarean, etc.
Reflect on your learning style: Hands-on, in-person, online, etc.
Look for inclusivity: Ensure the class aligns with your values and supports diverse birth experiences.

Types of Childbirth Education

Lamaze Classes

Focus: Evidence-based education and comfort techniques.

Emphasis on understanding the physiology of birth, empowering informed decision-making, and using natural pain management strategies like breathing, movement, and relaxation.
Often includes tools for partners to provide effective support.

Best For: Those seeking a balanced approach to labor, whether unmedicated or medicated.

HypnoBirthing

Focus: Deep relaxation and visualization techniques.

Teaches self-hypnosis to release fear and reduce pain perception during labor.
Includes affirmations, breathing techniques, and guided imagery for a calm, serene birth experience.

Best For: Those wanting a peaceful, meditative approach to birth.

Bradley Method

Focus: Partner-supported, unmedicated birth.

Comprehensive education on labor stages, nutrition, exercise, and breastfeeding.
Encourages active partner involvement and emphasizes preparation for natural childbirth.

Best For: Couples committed to working as a team for an unmedicated birth.

Spinning Babies®

Focus: Optimal fetal positioning for smoother labor.

Offers body-balancing exercises and techniques to encourage baby to move into the best position for birth.
Focuses on anatomy, movement, and comfort measures for easier labor progression.

Best For: Those seeking a proactive way to improve labor efficiency and reduce complications.

Evidence-Based Birth® Classes

Focus: Science-backed education and advocacy.

Provides tools to navigate the healthcare system, understand interventions, and make informed choices.
Often tailored to those planning hospital births.

Best For: Those wanting a focus on advocacy and understanding medical practices.

Cesarean Awareness or VBAC Classes

Focus: Preparing for a cesarean birth or vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).

Teaches what to expect during a cesarean or how to increase the likelihood of a successful VBAC.
Focuses on recovery, emotional support, and advocacy.

Best For: Those planning or considering a cesarean or VBAC.

Hospital-Based Classes

Focus: Facility-specific birth preparation.

Typically include an overview of hospital procedures, pain relief options, and a tour of the maternity ward.
May focus more on medical aspects than holistic approaches.

Best For: Those giving birth in a hospital and wanting familiarity with its policies and environment.

Postpartum-Focused Classes

Focus: Preparing for life after birth.

Covers topics like newborn care, postpartum recovery, and breastfeeding.
Often combines practical advice with emotional preparation for the postpartum period.

Best For: Parents wanting a smoother transition into parenthood.

Online or Self-Paced Courses

Focus: Flexible learning tailored to your schedule.

Covers a variety of childbirth topics through videos, worksheets, and guided practices.

Best For: Parents that need to learn at their own pace, and tend to either be busy or homebodies.

Trust Yourself and Embrace the Journey

Choosing the right childbirth course is such a personal journey, and there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution—only what feels right for you and your growing family. Trust your instincts, seek out what aligns with your values, and don’t hesitate to ask questions along the way. Preparing for birth is about more than just knowledge; it’s about building confidence, creating connection, and honoring this incredible experience ahead.

Good luck as you step into this magical chapter of your life. You’ve got this, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way!

With love,

Chelsea Eckler