Education about pregnancy and birth is the best possible plan for a woman facing a pregnancy and its end result, birth. Especially for first-time moms, there is no substitute for what educating yourself can do for a positive experience from conception to birth.

Every woman should take a childbirth class,preferably, one that is not affiliated with a hospital. These types of classes have the advantage of describing all your choices to you; the hospital will only tell you what they are willing to offer. The classes help to answer questions, educate and prepare you for the best possible experience in childbirth. There are a number of childbirth classes offered from prepared childbirth classes - which teach about hospital procedures - to specialized classes that teach different labor-coping means. All teach the mechanics about the birth process and the choices you may have to make. The English physician Grantly Dick-Read is credited for developing many of the methods used in childbirth education today. He advocated the need for education on the subject of childbirth, and his teaching method included lectures, exercise, and a focus on breathing and relaxation techniques. Most childbirth classes today build on Dick-Read's foundation.

The two most common methods in the United States are the Lamaze technique and the Bradley method. Though they all provide the same basic types of information, they each embrace a particular philosophy about pregnancy and birth.

The Lamaze technique is the most widely used method in the United States. The Lamaze philosophy holds that birth is a normal, natural, and healthy process, and that women should be empowered through education and support to approach it with confidence. The goal of Lamaze is to explore all the ways women can find strength and comfort during labor and birth. Classes focus on relaxation techniques, but they also encourage the mother to condition her body's response to pain through training and practice. This is called psycho prophylaxis. This conditioning is meant to teach expectant mothers constructive responses to the pain and stress of labor (for example, controlled breathing patterns) as opposed to counterproductive responses (such as holding the breath or tensing up). Other techniques, such as distraction (a woman might be encouraged to focus on a special object from home, or a photo, for example) or massage by a supportive coach are also used to decrease a woman's perception of pain. Lamaze courses don't advocate for or against the use of drugs and routine medical interventions during labor and delivery, but educate mothers about their options so that they can make informed decisions when the time comes.

The Bradley method (also called "Husband-Coached Birth") places an emphasis on a natural approach to birth and on the active participation of the baby's father as the birth coach. A major goal of this method is the avoidance of medications unless absolutely necessary. Other topics stressed include the importance of good nutrition and exercise during pregnancy, relaxation techniques (such as deep breathing and concentration on body signals) as a method of coping with labor, and the empowerment of parents to trust their instincts and become active, informed participants in the birth process. The course is traditionally offered in 12 sessions. Although Bradley emphasizes a birth experience without pain medication, the classes do prepare parents for unexpected complications or situations, like emergency cesarean sections. Bradley is the method of choice for many women who give birth at home or in other non-hospital settings.

Other tips include lying on your side during the last few months as it is the most comfortable position for the mom and the healthiest for the baby. Changing positions during labor is very important. Even if you are confined to the bed, moving around, changing sides you lie on, or sitting up will help to dilate and efface the cervix. Gravity will also aid in bringing the birth about quicker. After birth, immediate breast-feeding and constant contact between parents and baby is stressed.

There are several other types of birthing classes available. Some include information from the two previously mentioned techniques, and some are offshoots that explore one particular area. Two options that might be available in your area are active birth classes that teach yoga techniques to prepare for labor and "hypnobirthing" courses, which use hypnosis as a relaxation technique.

In addition to offering many techniques and curricula, birthing classes also vary greatly in terms of duration. There are classes that begin during the first trimester and focus on all the changes that pregnancy brings; 5- to 8-week courses offered late in pregnancy aimed at educating parents mostly about labor, delivery, and postpartum issues; and one-time-only refresher courses for repeat parents.

There are varying degrees of pain relief management for childbirth. Medically, there is the epidural, spinal, intrathecal injection of narcotics, narcotics given through an IV, and the pudendal block. Naturally, childbirth classes teach methods of breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and focusing to alleviate the pain during labor and birth.

Prepare for childbirth from the time you know you are pregnant. Knowledge melts away fear - ignorance only leads to fear. Read all about childbirth and speak with the doctor in depth about any concerns. Take childbirth classes, subscribe to pregnancy magazines (many are free) and read through quality websites. An informed customer can make the best choice. Childbirth is an unforgettable experience that is to be treasured all life.