Providers for Childbirth Education

When financially possible, Birth Network recommends an independent childbirth class (not associated with a hospital) as these classes often have fewer couples, allow more time to practice non-medical pain coping techniques, and are not restricted by hospital policy. The type of childbirth class chosen can have a great impact on the childbirth experience.

Below is a brief description of some of the types of classes offered here in Santa Cruz County:

Hospital classes cover basic anatomy and physiology, relaxation techniques, pain-coping options, medical interventions, postpartum recovery, and labor and delivery room tours.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Childbirth and Parenting Education(R) increases education and openness for all possibilities of labor, birth, and postpartum, and develops skills for managing stress in pregnancy, birth, parenting, and beyond.

Birthing From Within(R) classes offer a holistic approach to birth preparation. In addition to practical information, parents will deepen their intuitive knowing through thought-provoking dialogues, interesting birth videos, and pain-coping exercises.
v The Bradley Method(R) is a system of natural labor techniques in which a woman and her coach play an active part. The Bradley Method(R) encourages mothers to trust their bodies using natural breathing, relaxation, nutrition, exercise, and education.
Hypnobirthing®is a unique method of relaxed, natural childbirth education, enhanced by hypnosis techniques, that allows women to use their natural instincts for more comfortable birthing.-->