No amount of books, blogs, or videos can truly prepare someone for childbirth. This is why childbirth classes are so crucial for first time parents. The act of childbirth is often mysterious or even frightening for people who haven’t done it before. A good childbirth class can prepare expecting parents for this insane experience, help them get through it effectively and safely, and take away some of that fear of the unknown.
Taking on the responsibility of being a childbirth educator is a big deal and should be treated as such. You’re helping these parents navigate a traumatic experience that will change their lives. If you’d like to teach childbirth classes or are looking for ways to make your current classes more effective and helpful, follow these tips!
7 Tips for Teaching Effective Childbirth Classes
- Know Your Topic
The first step in teaching anything is making yourself an expert on the material. You need to know this topic like the back of your hand before even thinking about teaching a class. Read books and blogs, watch videos, take courses, and sit in on some childbirth classes yourself.
- Practice Ahead of Time
Even if you know the topic super well, explaining it to a classroom is a whole different ballgame. Make sure to write out and practice how you’re going to structure the class and what you’re going to say ahead of time, so you’re going in with a solid plan.
- Have Notes With You
Work smarter, not harder, right? Don’t overburden yourself with trying to memorize all of this information then end up stumbling over your words when you get in front of people. To effectively teach a clear and helpful class, have note with you! This will ensure that you never forget valuable information or get lost in the middle of a presentation.
- Encourage Engagement
If expecting parents wanted to be lectured for an hour they would save their money and watch a video presentation. They’re going to a class to experience activities, ask questions, and connect with other expecting parents. Be sure to incorporate engaging activities periodically throughout the class, give the students time to mingle, and leave ample time for answering questions.
- Consider Different Learning Styles
Not everyone learns the same way. Some people may learn best from listening to you talk, some learn by taking part in activities, and some learn by viewing a presentation. Your class should incorporate all three. Have a visual presentation, like a slideshow, for example, in view the entire class to cater to those visual learners.
- Have the Right Props
Another way to engage visual learners and give your whole class a more stimulating experience is through props. Try incorporating things like a cervical dilation wheel or a fetal, uterus & placenta model. This, along with your other presentation material and activities, will help make the class more interesting and effective.
- Take an Educator Course
The best way to guarantee that you’re prepared to teach an exciting and effective childbirth class is taking a comprehensive course. Birth Beautifully’s childbirth educator training will set you up with all the knowledge and tools needed to teach a remarkable class. In addition to the training, you’ll receive a full presentation with videos that is completely customizable, educator notes to use during the class, and sample activities and handouts to engage your students.
Begin your journey as a childbirth educator with the confidence that you’ve been trained by experts and given all of the resources needed to succeed.
Christine Herrera helps people become amazing birth professionals.
