At Magnolia Birth House, we are committed to helping you feel empowered during pregnancy, labor, and birth. Whether it’s your first baby or you are pregnant with your second, third, or fourth (or beyond!) little one, we are here to support you.

Natural childbirth can be a transformative experience. One of the best ways to get ready for unmedicated birth is to take natural birthing classes. For many of our clients, we realize this may not be your first baby, and perhaps you already attended childbirth courses with a previous pregnancy.

You may be wondering, “Should I take childbirth classes if it’s my second pregnancy?” The short answer is: It’s up to you. But we certainly recommend all of our clients enroll in natural birthing classes through our sister company, The Gathering Place.

Why is childbirth education important for expectant parents, even those who have given birth before? There are several reasons, especially if you are new to unmedicated labor and birth.

Here are five reasons why you should take natural birthing classes for a second, third, or fourth pregnancy.

It’s your first time birthing outside the hospital.

If your most recent birth took place in a hospital, you may have experienced many of the typical hospital birth protocols, such as continuous fetal monitoring, restricted movement, and lack of food and drink. Perhaps you had an epidural or chose other pain medication during your labor.

Even if you had an unmedicated hospital birth, you may be looking for a new, different type of experience. That is what we offer at Magnolia Birth House.

When it comes to childbirth education, the information at hospital classes is often presented through the lens of the medical model. That means viewing pregnancy and birth as a condition that needs to be treated, rather than a normal, physiological process.

Through the Gathering Place, we offer prenatal classes on topics like preparing for out-of-hospital birth, giving birth with confidence, and coping with fear and pain in labor. Our “Preparing for Out of Hospital Birth” course is required for all clients, including those who may be having their second, third, or fourth babies. The class is designed to help clients know what to expect in an out-of-hospital setting and understand the roles and responsibilities of everyone on the birth team as well as reasons why a transfer to the hospital may become necessary during labor.

It’s your first time planning an unmedicated birth.

In our modern society, plenty of birthing families are unfamiliar with the natural process of birth, including the sensations and stages of labor. Some folks have seen childbirth only in videos or movies — not in person.

Natural birthing classes fill this gap when knowledge is lacking. Childbirth education will reduce confusion about when labor begins and help you feel more confident because you’ll know whether things are normal or abnormal. (And they’re usually normal!)

In addition, childbirth courses will teach you how to cope with discomfort during labor. This is incredibly important when you plan to give birth at Magnolia because we do not offer pain relief through medication, epidurals, or nitrous oxide. Our educational program through the Gathering Place teaches you how to trust your body, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to approach labor and birth confidently. Parents who have participated in this education tend to experience less fear and tension, which can help reduce the perception of pain.

It’s been a long time since your last birth.

If it’s been several years since your most recent birth — even an unmedicated one — you may benefit from natural birthing classes. Taking a course will remind you about basic coping techniques and labor comfort measures. Depending on the type of childbirth class, you may even learn some new strategies and tips for this birth experience.

The natural birthing classes at The Gathering Place range in length from one hour to six hours, so if you’re looking for a shorter “refresher” course, we have plenty to choose from.

If you don’t have time to come to the birth center for a class, self-education or online courses may be good options for you. We’ll be happy to recommend some resources that will align with the birth experience you are seeking.

You previously had a less than optimal birth experience.

No matter where you previously gave birth, you may have memories that seem to be stuck in your mind and still bother you. Your heart’s desire was for a vaginal birth, but you found yourself in the operating room undergoing a C-section. Maybe you planned an unmedicated hospital birth, but you feel you were coerced into an epidural. Perhaps you had the natural birth you wanted, but you are disappointed with how loudly you worked through your contractions.

Whatever the source of your negative feelings, natural birthing classes through The Gathering Place may help you. You can share your feelings, heal, discover your options at Magnolia Birth House, and find the support you need.

You want to connect with other expectant parents who have a similar due date.

Whether you’re becoming a new parent or expanding your family with more children, having a community of other families is important. There is nothing like connecting with others who are experiencing the same thing as you at the same time.

When you take natural birthing classes, you will meet and connect with other parents-to-be who are having their baby around the same time as you. After your babies are born, you may want to establish friendships by taking a walk together or meeting for coffee.

Are you interested in learning more about natural birth at Magnolia Birth House and natural birthing classes at The Gathering Place? Inquire today about a free consultation!