BirthingBetter Childbirth Preparation is a skills-based approach to childbirth education. Developed by hundreds of parents in the 1970s and carried forward by the Common Knowledge Trust, it emphasizes that birth is an activity that the birthing person and their partner do together, regardless of the circumstances or the type of birth (vaginal, cesarean, medicated, unmedicated, home, or hospital).
Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of BirthingBetter:
- Skills-Based Focus: Unlike some methods that heavily emphasize specific philosophies about birth or focus solely on relaxation, BirthingBetter teaches practical, hands-on skills that can be used during labor and birth. These skills are designed to help the birthing person and their partner work with the baby’s journey.
- For All Births: A core principle is that the skills taught are applicable to any type of birth. Whether you plan a natural home birth or anticipate a scheduled cesarean, the techniques for managing sensations, communicating, and working together are relevant.
- Partner Involvement: BirthingBetter strongly emphasizes the active role of the partner as a birth coach. The program teaches specific coaching skills that the partner can use to provide continuous support, comfort, and encouragement throughout the entire birthing process.
- Body Awareness: The method encourages a deep understanding of the birthing person’s body and the sensations of labor. Techniques like “Internal Work” (preparing the soft tissues of the vagina) are taught to promote a more comfortable and potentially less traumatic second stage of labor.
- Communication: Effective communication between the birthing person, their partner, and their healthcare providers is a key focus. The program aims to equip families with the language and skills to advocate for their needs and make informed decisions.
- Positive Birth Experience: BirthingBetter reframes the idea of a “positive birth” away from achieving a specific type of birth and towards feeling empowered, capable, and proud of how you navigated the experience, regardless of how it unfolded.
- Adaptability: The skills taught are designed to be adaptable to changing circumstances during labor and birth. If interventions become necessary, the skills can still be used to cope and maintain a sense of control.
Benefits of BirthingBetter Childbirth Preparation:
- Increased Confidence: Learning practical skills can empower both the birthing person and their partner, leading to greater confidence in navigating labor and birth.
- Enhanced Coping Abilities: The techniques taught can help manage the physical and emotional challenges of labor, regardless of pain relief choices.
- Stronger Partner Support: Partners learn specific ways to actively support the birthing person, fostering a deeper connection and shared experience.
- Improved Communication: The program promotes clear and effective communication with the healthcare team.
- Greater Sense of Control: By having skills to use, individuals may feel more in control of their birthing experience, even when unexpected events occur.
- Reduced Fear and Anxiety: Understanding the process and having tools to cope can alleviate fear of the unknown.
- Potential for Reduced Trauma: Techniques like Internal Work may contribute to a gentler second stage of labor.
- Applicable to All Births: The skills remain relevant regardless of the type or location of birth.
- Increased Birth Satisfaction: Feeling skilled and supported can contribute to a more positive and satisfying birth experience.
Accessing BirthingBetter Childbirth Preparation:
BirthingBetter is primarily offered through online courses and resources available on their website (www.birthingbetter.org). These resources often include:
- Comprehensive Online Courses: Covering a wide range of skills for pregnancy, labor, birth, and birth coaching.
- Short Courses: Focusing on specific skill sets like body skills, breathing, touch, and communication.
- Ebooks and Other Materials: Providing additional information and guidance.
While traditionally not taught in in-person group classes in the same way as some other methods, the online format allows couples to learn at their own pace and in the privacy of their homes.
In summary, BirthingBetter Childbirth Preparation is a unique and comprehensive approach that focuses on teaching practical skills to both the birthing person and their partner, empowering them to actively participate in and navigate any type of birth with greater confidence, communication, and a sense of shared accomplishment.