Intermountain Childbirth Education Class Options Help Busy Moms-to-Be Prepare for Labor and Delivery

When a woman finds out they’re pregnant for the first time, there are so many things to think about — like finding out the gender, choosing baby equipment and decorating the nursery. But don’t forget about the most important event – the birth.

Many women are nervous about labor. One of the best ways to help calm those fears is to take a childbirth education class to help prepare for and know what to expect during labor and learn about some of the different childbirth options available.

Why childbirth education is so important

During pregnancy there are so many changes to your body and there’s so much to learn. Women’s bodies are made to give birth. Knowing how a laboring body works is empowering. Childbirth education classes help decrease fear and increase knowledge of the labor and birth process. More knowledge can help patients make better decisions as they arise.

Every labor is different

Classes help moms and their labor partner understand not only the common path that labor typically takes, but also the variations in the process and how to be flexible when labor doesn’t go as planned. The classes teach how to manage the pain and contractions of labor without medication, options for a low-intervention childbirth and also about various pain relief options.

But even if a patient opts for an epidural, the classes help mom and partner better prepare for the labor and delivery. The curriculum also covers pregnancy, managing common discomforts, and safe exercises, plus how to care for mom and a newborn baby after childbirth and breastfeeding basics and common concerns.

By learning more, patients can identify their birth plan preferences. During the class parents can develop their own personalized birth plan. Every labor and delivery is unique and unexpected complications can arise. Intermountain’s women’s health providers help ensure the health and safety of both mom and baby and help patients make informed decisions about their care.

Intermountain has in-person and online versions of childbirth preparation classes.

Advantages of in-person childbirth classes

Many women like having a childbirth class to attend, so their partner or labor coach can attend and understand how to best provide support.

Many women like to attend a class where they can meet other women who are expecting a baby so they can share ideas, experiences and offer each other support. Check with the nearest hospital to find out when in-person classes are offered. Numerous hospitals in the intermountain system are now offering live in-person childbirth prep classes.

In person classes are held once a week for two hours for six weeks. Price is $90 and includes a book and App for expectant parents. The cost of the course may be able to be reimbursed by insurance or paid through a Health Savings Account. Parents should check with their specific insurance plan.

Advantages of online childbirth classes

Online childbirth preparation classes can match up with any schedule. Parents can log in at any time and watch videos that de-mystify the birth process and teach about pregnancy as well.

There are videos about pregnancy and also videos that show a vaginal birth, a c-section, how to breastfeed, diapering and baby’s bowel movements, and basic newborn care.

Patients can go at their own pace and re-watch the videos reference the links and resources any time. The Birth Basics online course is offered by YoMingo. Cost ranges from $12 to $95. Registration is available at intermountainhealthcare.org.

When to sign up

Parents can look at the online classes as soon as they find out they’re pregnant. For in person classes it’s recommended to start those late in the second trimester, about 28-30 weeks.

Tours of the local hospital’s labor and delivery unit may be available in a virtual format or in-person. Check with a local hospital or visit the hospital’s webpage.

Birth plan preferences

Intermountain also has an online tool for pregnant patients to fill out their birth plan preferences such as if they prefer an epidural for pain relief, or if they want a low intervention childbirth or non-medicated childbirth. But they need to keep their minds open and be flexible on some of those points as their unique labor and delivery situation evolves. The health and safety of both mom and baby is the most important goal.

Patients can specify preferences for some of the large or small details that will aid in their comfort and experience during labor such as:

• Relaxation, comfort and distraction measures – breathing techniques, tub, shower, massage, hypnobirthing, cold packs, music, aromatherapy, etc.

• Visitors and environment during labor, birth and postpartum – visitors, children, still photography, students or residents in training.

• Hydration options – ice chips, popsicles, slushies, clear liquids, IV fluids.

• Birth positions – semi-sit, squat bar, birth ball, bedside chair.

• Monitoring of labor and baby – cordless, intermittent, continuous.

• Stimulation of labor – breaking of water, or Pitocin to assist labor.

• Pain-relief preferences during labor and postpartum – epidural, IV medication, natural, non-narcotic or as prescribed by provider.

• Pushing preferences – including rest and descend, breathe baby down, a mirror etc.

• Cord clamping and cutting – delay or not and who performs it.

• Skin to skin contact with baby and bathing the baby – timing.

• Newborn procedures, screenings and circumcision – where performed and who is present.

• Feeding the baby – breastfeeding, lactation consultant, pumping, formula feeding.

• Length of hospital stay – routine or shortened.

Another great resource for is https://www.facebook.com/intermountainparents.

About Intermountain Healthcare

Headquartered in Utah with locations in eight states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, 385 clinics, medical groups with some 3,900 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called SelectHealth with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For more information and updates, click here