FAQ

Find out answers to some of the most common questions parents ask about Birth Ready.

• Is Birth Ready right for me?
• Who teaches Birth Ready classes?
• What is their training?
• Why is it important to take a Christian childbirth class?
• What are classes like?
• What topics are covered?
• How many classes are there?
• How long are they?

Is Birth Ready right for me?

If you are pregnant and want to be prepared for birth and learn about childbirth from a physiologic and Christian standpoint, then Birth Ready is right for you.
We are here to prepare you as a couple for birthing under different circumstances.

• low-risk mother or high-risk mother
• home birth or birthing center or hospital
• natural birth or planned interventions or C-section

We do stress natural pain coping techniques which you will need even if you choose to get an epidural (as you must learn to cope with the pain of early labor without medication and sometimes epidurals do not work or only partially work). We encourage fathers to be active participants in labor support but do not pressure them to be the lead coach. We encourage you to build a labor support team and a postpartum support team to optimize your birthing experience and recovery. We also stress giving breastfeeding a good start, whether you plan to eventually incorporate formula feeding down the road or not. We do not under any circumstance endorse unassisted birthing. We encourage all parents to make sure they are served by a qualified, legal care provider. ​What we teach is rooted in physiology and a Biblical worldview.

Who teaches Birth Ready Classes? What is their training?

Birth Ready Childbirth Educators are ALL Christian Certified Childbirth Educators that have successfully completed an intense 4-week long Childbirth Educator and Doula training through the School of Midwifery at Hartland College. Their extensive training ​includes lessons on maintaining a healthy pregnancy, understanding the labor process, natural Christian-based techniques for coping with labor pain, preparing for birth in a hospital or out-of-hospital setting, including C-sections, and how to care for newborns and support mothers in postpartum recovery. They are passionate and equipped to serve families in this delicate time of life, uplifting our Savior as our guide and friend through the whole process.

What are classes like? Yes, virtual classes are available!

Birth Ready classes take into account all the different learning styles to make sure that participants have an enjoyable and memorable experience.

• Each group class starts with a fun warm-up activity or game with discussion opportunities throughout the lesson for social learners.
• Lessons include visual diagrams, helpful acronyms, and practical illustrations and or props for visual learners.
• Audio learners enjoy class discussions and teacher led lessons.
• Kinesthetic learners will appreciate the practice sessions for labor coping techniques and newborn care.
• Tactile learners will enjoy the carefully selected brainstorming and response activities.
• Spiritual learners will connect with each lesson's Bible verse, opening and closing prayer, and the overall focus on God's design in the birthing process.

Birth Ready classes have clear learning objectives. After class, teachers will leave you with super-practical handouts that review the most essential information and encourage you to practice the labor coping ritual you are learning in class. Your teacher may also point you to specific Divine Design video episodes to watch.

Why is it important to take a Christian childbirth class?

Unfortunately, the birthing world is filled with all kinds of New Age and Evolutionary teachings. Have you heard any of these ideas?

• Birthing is not supposed to be painful at all. Look at how the other animals birth.
• Or if you experience pain in childbirth, you are lacking faith or confidence.
• During labor, you should empty your mind through meditation and chanting and assume yoga positions which are pagan worship/channeling poses.
• Self-hypnosis empowers you to overcome the fear of birth and the pain of labor.
• Use birth affirmations that teach you to put all your trust in your body and your inner power.
• The placenta should be left attached to the baby till the cord falls off because some animals do that.
• Eating your placenta is healthy. We should do it because the animals do it.

You may find it helpful to watch this video regarding the New Age practices that are becoming mainstream in the birthing community.

In contrast with the above ideas, in Birth Ready, we believe the following about childbirth.

• We should thoroughly prepare for the hard work of labor. It is an opportunity to build trust in the Creator's process of birth.
• The pain of labor is to be expected. Natural labor pain is manageable with effective coping skills and a prepared labor support team.
• During labor, we do not mentally escape the pain or the present circumstance, we focus our minds on Biblical affirmations that put our trust in God and engage our full cooperation with the labor process.
• Birth is a family-bonding experience. A spouse's active support in the process is transformative for the father and comforting for mother.
• Due to the fallen nature of this world, sometimes things do not go as hoped or as planned. It is important to prepare for such outcomes as well, so that we can ensure an optimal birth experience in light of difficult circumstances. We thank God for medical interventions during this time.
• The amazing placenta once born is a dead human organ, which should be properly and quickly retired, whether through disposal or burial. We do not eat human flesh.

It was out of these very concerns that Birth Ready was formed - to provide families with a birthing education free from such teachings and solidly based on reliable childbirth methods that do not contradict Biblical principles.

What topics are covered? How many classes are there? How long?

There are 6 total available class sessions in Birth Ready. Below is a list of specific topics covered in each class. Note, in each class there is opportunity to learn and practice effective labor coping techniques.

1. Healthy Pregnancy, Happy Baby
   1. 8 Laws of Health
   2. Common Pregnancy Complaints
   3. 5 Love Languages
   4. Breathing Techniques
2. Birth Step-by-Step
   1. Birth Anatomy
   2. Stages of Labor
   3. Positions for Labor
3. ​Pain Coping Skills that Work
   1. Natural Coping Techniques for Labor
   2. The Labor Support Person
   3. Movement in Labor
4. Know Your Options
   1. BRAIN and Birth Plan Preparation
   2. C-sections and the Slippery Slope
   3. Resources for Loss
   4. Biblical Affirmations
5. Welcome Baby, Caring for Mom
   1. Newborn Behavior
   2. Newborn Care
   3. Postpartum Self-care and Support
   4. Low Moans and Surrender
6. Great Start Breastfeeding
   1. Benefits of Breastfeeding
   2. How to Breastfeed
   3. Pumping
   4. Take Charge Routine

Your local Birth Ready instructor can offer you classes in a variety of formats that fit a variety of schedules. Below are some options that may be available. However, you will need to check with your Birth Ready instructor to find out her specific class offerings.

• GROUP CLASSES: 6 weekly group class sessions, virtual or in-person, up to 2 hours each
• PRIVATE CLASSES: 6 weekly private class sessions, virtual or in-person, 1 to 1.5 hours each
• 2-DAY WORKSHOP: Day 1 includes classes 1 - 3 with meal, Day 2 includes classes 4 - 6 with meal, 6 hours each day
• BIRTH BOOT CAMP: 1 Day, classes 2 - 4 only with meal, 6 hours total

Check with each instructor to find out her fees and any other services she may provide.

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