Why do Childbirth Classes have Low Turnout these Days?

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Childbirth class started with the intention of education people that childbirth is not an illness that requires medical intervention and treatment. It became a movement to eradicate the notion that its not about stupefied by drugs during labor and if you wish there could be people accompanying you in the delivery room during the child birth. There were growing number of people participating in these classes and the highest recorded attendances were in the ’80s and ’90s.

But things have changed a lot since then and in the last few years’ people attending childbirth classes shrunk from seventy percent in year 2000 to fifty-six percent in 2005 for the first time mothers.

Instead of attending classes most of the expecting mothers are turning towards the other sources of information like television, internet, books and some are even taking help of their friends and relatives. A small part of expecting mothers still consider taking up a childbirth course to get information.

The main reasons that contribute to the dropping number of people attending childbirth classes are:

Increasing use of Epidurals: According to a study three-fourth of the women had one during their childbirths. The promotion of Epidurals in done in such a way that they are best suited for preventing any pains during childbirth. So, women think that when they can escape the labor pains there is not need of learning about the breathing techniques. But according to the doctors, Epidurals are not risk free and women also have to go through pains until they go on drugs.

Cesarean Births: There have been an increasing number of women who have their delivery done using a c-section. Many expecting mothers simply do not want to adhere to the nature’s way of birth and asking for c-sections themselves.

Family and Friends: Instead of taking up a course of childbirth some people like to take help of their family members and other closed ones.

Internet: According to some expecting parents they have all the information available on the internet so why should they spend money on classroom sessions. Internet has strongly hit the attendance of people attending childbirth classes.

Magazines: There are specialized magazines through which people are collecting knowledge. Although, means like lack the interactivity factor but good for people who are not ready to step out of their homes.

Time: Most of the childbirth classes are very demanding when it comes to dedicating time. Some classes carry on for weeks and people these days are reluctant in devoting so much time into them. They are rather taking up short sessions conducted by hospitals which are generally a day long and comprehensive enough to suit their needs.

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4. What Scares the Expecting Mothers During Childbirth? – Part 1
5. How can a Pregnancy Prep School Help You? – Part 2
6. Risks Associated with Inducing Labor
7. The Real Picture of Due Dates
8. Factors Influencing the Labor Pain
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