Childbirth Education

Throughout history generations of women helped each other through childbirth, now that role is now facilitated by certified childbirth educators.

The educators goal is to provide you with the best possible information on your journey into parenthood.

Childbirth educators teach parents-to-be about the begining signs of labor, what happens while in labor, when to leave for the hospital, information about procedures and medications utilized by your health care provider during labor and birth and provide information about breastfeeding. Educators can demonstrate patterned breathing techniques, positioning, theaputic touch and discuss the advantages of the uses of water for a woman in labor.

While there are many styles of childbirth education, here is where one size does not fit all. Your educator should be familiar with most of the more specialized techniques for labor, such as HypnoBirthing®, and can help you in your search to find which one may be the most helpful.

Here are three main areas you will learn about.

* The stages of labor and delivery

* How your partner can help you in labor

* Various types of breathing and relaxation techniques to help you through labor.

This breaks the Fear-Tension-Pain cycle.

Knowledge is power and relaxation brings control.
These are very important concepts to learn.
 
As educators, our job is listen, not judge, and present accurate information. We teach "tools" for use in labor. We present risk versus benefit with medications. Ultimately, we want to encourage the healthiest decisions possible for women and their babies.

We support natural birth and we encourage women to trust their bodies and the birth process. We want parents to make informed decisions, rather than decisions based on what they've heard, or other people's experiences.

We encourage parents to read and surf the net to gather as much information as possible. It's empowering to do your own research, rather than just go with what your best friend recommends...or what your Mother thinks...or what your partner decides.

Be informed!

	Sue Vromen RNC, CCE Childbirth Educator Staatsburg, NY
	Dawn Greer RN, CCE Childbirth Educator Outreach Cordinator Kingston, NY