When you're preparing to welcome your baby, taking a childbirth education class feels like the obvious next step. Most parents start by looking at what their hospital offers. It's convenient, it's local, and it's marketed as "everything you need to know about birth."

But here's the truth:

Hospital birth classes are designed to teach you how to be a good patient - not necessarily how to advocate for yourself and create the birth experience you truly want.

The Problem With Hospital Birth Classes

Hospital-based childbirth education is taught within the framework of hospital policy. That means:

• You'll learn how to follow procedures, not question them
• The information you receive may be limited to what aligns with the hospitals protocols - not necessary what is evidence-based or individualized
• You may leave knowing how to "go with the flow," but not how to handle unexpected situations where your preferences matter 

If your goal is to understand your options, make empowered decisions, and feel confident in advocating for your needs, hospital classes often fall short.

What Independent Childbirth Education Offers

Outside the hospital system , Independent classes - like my Birth Rebels series - are designed with you at the center. Here's what sets them apart:

Evidence-Based Information - We teach you what the research says, not just what the policy says, so you can make informed decisions for your body and your baby.

Tools for Self-Advocacy - From understanding your rights to practicing real-life scenarios, we prepare you to speak up for your preferences confidently.

Strategies to Avoid Unnecessary Interventions - We discuss the most common interventions, when they might be necessary, and how to minimize them when they're not.

Inclusive & Personalized Approach - Every family's birth story is different. Our classes adapt to your needs, values, and goals - not the other way around.

Why Advocacy Matters in Birth

Birth is unpredictable. Even with the best intentions and planning, you may face decisions in the moment. Having the skills to:

• Ask the right questions
• Understand your options
• Say "yes" or "no" with confidence
  

... can be the difference between feeling powerless and feeling proud of how you navigated your birth experience. 

Birth Rebels: For Parents Who Want More Than "Good Patient" Status

If you're looking for more than just a list of hospital rules - if you want to feel informed, confident, and ready to stand up for the birth you deserve, Birth Rebels is for you.

Next Class: September 20th in Loveland, CO. Read more and register here.