Question
I intend to teach private classes in my home. What essential supplies would you recommend for a new childbirth class business starting out?
Answer
We would recommend to keep it simple. Do not purchase expensive supplies. Parents don’t need a lot of flash. They come to childbirth classes mostly wanting to learn breathing and relaxation techniques. Expecting mothers want to be affirmed and gain confidence in their bodies’ abilities to give birth.
Having your own confidence and inner wisdom about the birth process is a teaching tool that you cannot buy. This is an abstract task, but we encourage childbirth educators to nurture their understanding about the power of birth and pass it along to those they serve.
And to those that need something concrete here is a short list:
Essential Childbirth Class Supplies
Posters of Anatomy
Video clips
Birth tools
Music for relaxation
Class booklets or Handouts
Pelvic model (buy here)
Recommendations
Birth tools – Definitely a birth ball. Get as many of the items listed from this post that you can click here!. Check your local dollar store.
Posters of Anatomy – “Childbearing: The classic series flip chart”
Placenta model – read post
Video clips – YouTube Labor and Birth clip from Baby Center
Music – Instrumental music works best for breathing practices. Read this post for relaxation apps.
Class booklets – Comfort in Labor; a free download and Mother’s Advocate handouts
PowerPoint is not essential I suggest you just start teaching and worry about tech stuff later. However, if you feel the need to use it The Family Way $35 is a good option for anatomy slides.
With these basic tools your childbirth class business will be off to a successful start!
Click to email us other questions you have about teaching childbirth classes.