Articles > Do classes vary in quality?
Nicole compares her experience of classes with comments of some other friends who attended hospital classes
I was referred to Julie Clarke by a dear friend who had recently attended the Transition into Parenthood classes and who could only praise her experience. I had no idea that private childbirth educators even existed and it was nice to know that there was an alternative to the usual hospital run classes.
I had been told that the hospital based classes were set out in a classroom like environment and were quite limited in their information, so it was lovely to be welcomed into Julie’s home and sit in a relaxed and comfortable setting. Julie’s classes were well organized, informative and extremely helpful in preparing my husband and I for the many years we have to come as parents. It was great to be able to rely on the notes she gave us, as they came in very handy.
On one occasion I even brought my mum who was fascinated by the information we received and who even learnt a little herself after having had four children of her own. Julie was able to share her knowledge and experience, on alternative birthing in birth centres that I believe I would not have necessarily received at the hospital run classes, such as water & home births and alternative pain relief.
Her practical exercises showing us positions for labour were of great assistance and helped me during my own delivery. I was grateful for all of the visual aids that Julie showed us.
Julie gave us unlimited access to her extensive fabulous reference library which included both reading material and videos and DVD’s.
After having utilised same, I am now more open to try other methods of birthing for future pregnancies. I can honestly say that all of the guidance we received from Julie was practical and encouraging and have since referred to, many of her personal & useful suggestions for postnatal care of both myself and baby.
Julie made herself available to us outside of the class hours to answer any questions and reassure us of any worries that we may have been experiencing.
My experience of the Transition into Parenthood classes was an unforgettable event made more memorable by the long lasting friendships we have made not only with the other parents-to-be, but also Julie herself!
It seemed that not only were my husband Mark and I prepared for an easy birth, but so was our baby. She entered the world at 8am on Saturday, 10th July 2004 after a quick 3 hour labour and a speedy delivery.
Thanks to Julie I entered the birthing room at the birth centre with confidence (albeit with a slight waddle and 10 days overdue) and left with a healthy 7pound 4oz baby girl whom we named Chelsea Angelina Perriman!