Childbirth classes are an excellent forum for expecting parents to ask questions, learn new methods, techniques and information pertaining to pregnancy and connect with others who are going through the same process. Some facilities offer individual classes – open to just the woman and her partner – while others offer group classes. If you are an expecting parent looking to join a childbirth class, how do you decide whether an individual class or a group class is better for you? Here are three things to consider when selecting the best kind of childbirth class for your needs.
Attention
When it comes to pregnancy in Morris County, childbirth classes are great because they provide you with a lot more intimate time than you often get with your doctor and carefully prepare you for the birth of your child. The medical professionals who lead these classes often do so for a few weeks at a time – so for a couple of hours each week, you get to meet with them and discuss everything related to your pregnancy experience. While group classes tend to be quite small, individual classes give you a lot more personalized attention. So, if you like the idea of meeting weekly with a healthcare professional to learn new information, share stories and gain hands on experience with new pregnancy techniques, then perhaps individual classes are the way to go.
Cost
When considering whether individual or group classes are best, perhaps it is a good idea to take a look at your budget to determine which one most closely fits your financial needs. Traditionally, group classes are more widely offered and are typically cheaper than individual classes. While the cost may not vary by much, it is still something to consider if you are working off a rather tight budget. While individual classes provide you with a bit more time and direct attention, they tend to be a bit more costly.
Availability
Another aspect to consider is availability. It is important that you enroll in a class that is convenient for both your location and schedule. The last thing you want to do as you go through your pregnancy is waste time and money on a class that is difficult to attend because it is either at “off” times, or too far away from home. Don’t stress yourself out- research different individual and group classes to see which one best fits your personal needs. Individual classes tend to be a bit more flexible; so perhaps meeting one on one with a healthcare provider for nine weeks is the best course of action. If you know you can commit to a set time and location each week and need that group accountability, then perhaps enrolling in a group class is even better yet.
