I believe that when it comes to your birth, you should treat it just like any other major event in your life.

Think about your wedding day. You carefully researched venues, tried on a variety of dresses, sampled various foods and desserts to create your menu, and interviewed a handful of people such as your DJ, wedding planner, florist, etc.  who would all help make your vision and dreams come alive. The time and investment for preparing for your birth should be no different and taking a childbirth class can provide you with invaluable information. Taking a childbirth class can boost your confidence in your body’s ability to birth, help bond you with your labor partner(s), and can help minimize pain and reduce the use of unnecessary interventions. 

When it comes to taking a childbirth class, you will find that there are a variety of classes out there and it can all be a bit overwhelming in deciding which may be the best fit for you. Should you take Lamaze? Hypnobabies? Bradley Method? The one offered at your local hospital? Or how about a class through Birth Boot Camp? While the list of classes offered in our area is extensive, I’m here to help you decide if one with me, a certified Birth Boot Camp instructor, may be the best fit for you. 

•  You want an unmedicated birth

 If you know you are wanting an unmedicated, natural birth our classes are designed to provide you with the tools and resources to help you prepare for that. Depending on the class you choose, you will learn about the benefits and risks of common interventions and procedures as well as possible alternatives. We will discuss how the right care provider and birthing location can play a role in your birth.  A variety of labor and pushing positions, as well as their benefits, are taught in our classes in addition to comfort measures and relaxation techniques. Because birth can be, as we know, unpredictable, we will also cover variations of labor and possible alternatives. 

• You want a curriculum that is evidence-based

Our board is made up of several birthing professionals from educators to lactation consultants to chiropractors and more. They continually ensure that the curriculum we are providing is up to date and evidence-based. Having this information for our students is important so that they can make informed decisions throughout their pregnancy and birth. 

• You want your support person to be involved 

One of the things that pulled me into choosing Birth Boot Camp as my certifying organization was how much they strive to get dad (or other support partner) involved in the pregnancy and especially the birth. Our curriculum and classes are designed with partners in mind. He plays an important role in the birth and we will equip him with a variety of tools to support mom that he will use from early labor to postpartum. 

• You want an intimate class setting

My classes are small and are not going to be filled with an overwhelming number of people. I want you to feel safe and comfortable with asking, sharing, and having open, honest conversations. If you take a series class, you will have the opportunity to make connections with other couples who are going through the same stage of life with you. We often hear about the friendships that are made in class and how they carry out to life outside of class. 

• You want fun and engaging activities 

Another thing that excites me about Birth Boot Camp is the way we deliver the curriculum to our students. As a former elementary teacher, I know that people all learn differently and it was important to me as a childbirth educator to carry this over to teaching adults. Throughout our classes we have videos, hands-on practice, and engaging activities that make learning the material fun. You and your partner will leave class with a variety of things to practice at home to help you prepare for your birth. 

Some of the classes that I teach include: Preparing for an Amazing Hospital Birth, Preparing for an Amazing Out of Hospital Birth, Siblings at Birth Prep Class, and a 10-week Comprehensive Class. 

About Our Guest Blogger

Kelly Lipscomb is a Birth Boot Camp Instructor in the Kansas City area. To read more about the classes she offers and see what’s coming up, visit her website. Don’t forget to give her a follow on Instagram & Facebook for some great tips and information too!