You have an opportunity to ask questions of the instructor and to interact with other class members. The classes focus on the physical and psychological changes that occur during pregnancy and labor, and emphasis is placed on providing the parents with an opportunity to actively participate in physical conditioning, relaxation, and breathing techniques. Whether you sign up for classes at a hospital or with an local instructor, early registration is recommended, with a starting date in your sixth or seventh month. It is suggested that you plan on finishing a series of 4-6 classes several weeks before your due date. The earlier you sign-up, the more options and flexibility you have regarding class dates and times.
Classes generally run two to two and a half hours in length and are very informal.
Many health insurance companies will reimburse you for childbirth education classes. Some hospitals or educational programs even offer a single, eight-hour class, which is a condensed version of the series. Ask about the qualifications of the instructor for any class for which you register. You especially want a childbirth educator certified by a national childbirth education organization. The majority of programs use a combination of all three in what and how they teach.