Childbirth Educator Certification Course
Module 1: Foundations of Childbirth Education

Lesson 1.1: The Role of a Childbirth Educator

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IN THIS LESSON

Topics Covered:

  1. Professional Responsibilities and Scope of Practice
    Define the role of childbirth educators in diverse communities, including their ethical obligations and how they collaborate with other professionals.

  2. Supporting Families Through Education
    Learn how to create a supportive, judgment-free environment that empowers families with knowledge during the prenatal, birth, and postpartum periods.

  3. Building Trust and Cultural Humility
    Understand the importance of communication, trust, and cultural humility in building strong educator-client relationships.

DNT Network Childbirth Educator Certification

Introduction

A childbirth educator helps expecting parents understand pregnancy, labor, birth, and the early postpartum period. While medical care providers focus on diagnosis and clinical management, childbirth educators focus on education, preparation, and emotional support through knowledge.

Your job is not to tell families what to do. It’s to present clear, evidence-based information that helps them explore their options and make informed decisions that feel right for them.

1. Professional Responsibilities and Scope of Practice

DNT Network Childbirth Educator Certification

Definition & Explanation

Childbirth educators are trained professionals who provide evidence-based education to individuals and families about pregnancy, labor, birth, and the early postpartum period. Their main role is to inform and prepare—not to offer medical advice or manage care. They operate within a non-clinical scope, focusing on knowledge-sharing and emotional support.

Responsibilities include:

  • Teaching classes or workshops on topics such as labor stages, comfort techniques, postpartum care, and newborn basics.

  • Offering up-to-date information in a neutral, respectful, and culturally sensitive manner.

  • Collaborating with other professionals like doulas, nurses, and lactation consultants—but never acting as a replacement for them.

What educators do not do:

  • Diagnose or interpret medical conditions

  • Advise on medications or treatment plans

  • Perform physical assessments or offer hands-on labor support

Scenario & Tip

Scenario:
A pregnant client in your class is concerned about their provider recommending an induction. They ask, “What would you do if you were me?”

Response:
“As your childbirth educator, I can explain what induction typically involves, including common reasons for it and questions you might ask your provider—but I can’t give medical advice. My goal is to help you feel prepared to talk with your provider and make a decision that fits your values and needs.”

Professional Tip: Always lead with clarity. Reaffirm your scope of practice early in each class. A simple reminder—"I'm here to provide education and resources, not medical recommendations"—sets boundaries and builds professionalism.

Evidence-Based Insight

A 2021 article in the Journal of Perinatal Education emphasized that childbirth educators who clearly define their role early in the relationship foster greater client trust and satisfaction. The study found that when educators maintained boundaries and acted as neutral, evidence-based guides, clients were more likely to report feeling empowered and less anxious during labor (Brixey et al., 2021).

What does a childbirth educator do?

2. Supporting Families Through Education

DNT Network Childbirth Educator Certification

Definition & Explanation

Effective childbirth education goes beyond giving information. It means creating a space where families feel safe to ask questions, share concerns, and explore their options without fear of being judged. The goal is to reduce fear, boost confidence, and help expecting parents gain a sense of control and clarity.

Supportive education means:

  • Meeting families where they are—emotionally, culturally, and logistically.

  • Using clear language and visuals to explain complex topics.

  • Encouraging open discussion and validating diverse experiences.

Inclusive examples:

  • Offering classes in multiple languages

  • Showing diverse family structures in visuals and handouts

  • Making sure your teaching materials reflect different cultural norms and birth choices

Scenario & Tip

Scenario:
In your class, one parent says, “I’ve heard so many horror stories—I’m terrified to give birth.” The room falls silent. You pause and respond calmly.

Response:
“It’s completely normal to feel nervous, especially when we’ve all heard stories that stick with us. Let’s talk about what’s most concerning to you and walk through the options so you can feel more in control.”

Professional Tip: Normalize fear without feeding it. Acknowledge emotion, then gently bring the conversation back to informed choice and planning. This balance of empathy and information helps shift fear into preparedness.

Evidence-Based Insight

According to a 2020 meta-analysis published in Birth, participation in childbirth education classes was associated with significantly lower levels of birth-related fear and anxiety (Chen et al., 2020). The study found that the most effective programs combined information-sharing with emotional support and interactive learning.

Syllabus Examples

  • Duration: 2 Days (6 hours per day, including breaks)
    Audience: Expectant parents (ideal for 28–36 weeks gestation)
    Facilitator: Certified Childbirth Educator

    Day 1: Understanding Birth

    9:00 AM – 9:30 AM

    🟡 Welcome & Introductions

    • Icebreaker: “Your hopes and fears” card activity

    • Course objectives and outline

    • Creating a safe and inclusive space

    • Logistics (bathrooms, breaks, phones, questions)

    Suggested Readings:

    • The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin (Intro & Chapter 1)

    • Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn by Simkin, Whalley, Keppler et al. (Chapter 1)

    9:30 AM – 10:15 AM

    🔵 Anatomy & The Stages of Labor

    • Pelvic structure and how the baby moves through it

    • Uterine contractions and hormonal signals

    • Stages of labor:

      • Early labor

      • Active labor

      • Transition

      • Second stage (pushing)

      • Third stage (placenta delivery)

    Teaching Tools:

    • Pelvic model and baby doll

    • Labor stage visual timeline

    • Interactive group activity: matching signs/symptoms to stages

    Suggested Readings:

    • Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin (Chapter on Labor)

    • ACOG: Stages of Labor - Patient Education PDF

    10:15 AM – 10:30 AM

    ☕ Break

    10:30 AM – 11:15 AM

    🟢 Signs of Labor & When to Go to the Hospital/Birth Center

    • Braxton Hicks vs. true labor

    • “5-1-1” rule and when to call the provider

    • PROM and water breaking

    • Packing the hospital/birth bag checklist

    • Transportation and childcare planning

    Tools:

    • Decision tree handout

    • Packing list template

    • Sample birth center intake call role play

    Suggested Readings:

    • Evidence Based Birth: “When to Go to the Hospital in Labor”

    • The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide (Week 37–40 section)

    11:15 AM – 12:15 PM

    🟣 Comfort Measures & Coping Techniques

    • Breathing techniques (cleansing breath, patterned breathing)

    • Movement & positions using peanut balls, birth balls

    • Hydrotherapy, music, rebozo, visualization

    • Counterpressure and massage

    • Support person demo and practice

    Interactive:

    • “Labor Stations” activity to practice positions

    • Partner massage and hip squeeze demonstration

    Suggested Readings:

    • Mindful Birthing by Nancy Bardacke

    • Spinning Babies® Daily Essentials or website resources

    12:15 PM – 1:00 PM

    🥗 Lunch Break

    1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

    🔴 Medical Pain Relief Options

    • Overview of options: epidural, spinal, IV narcotics

    • Benefits and risks of each

    • Timing and how they affect labor progress

    • Common side effects

    Teaching Tools:

    • Pain relief comparison chart

    • Anatomy visuals of epidural placement

    • Decision-making guide

    Suggested Readings:

    • ACOG’s "Pain Relief During Labor" (patient handout)

    • The Doula Book by Klaus & Kennell (Chapter on Medical Pain Relief)

    2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

    🟠 Medical Interventions & Common Procedures

    • Induction methods: stripping membranes, Pitocin, Foley bulb

    • Continuous vs. intermittent monitoring

    • Artificial rupture of membranes (AROM)

    • Assisted delivery: forceps, vacuum

    • Cesarean overview, gentle/family-centered cesarean options

    Tools & Activities:

    • Intervention decision-making scenarios

    • Pros & cons sorting activity

    Suggested Readings:

    3:00 PM – 3:30 PM

    💬 Q&A + Wrap-Up of Day 1

    • Quick debrief: “One thing you learned today”

    • Preview of Day 2

    • Optional homework: Draft a birth plan using provided template

    ————————————————————————-

    Day 2: Preparing for Birth & Postpartum

    9:00 AM – 9:15 AM

    🟡 Review & Check-In

    • Share reflections or questions from Day 1

    • Quick birth plan recap

    9:15 AM – 10:15 AM

    🔵 The Birth Plan & Communication with Providers

    • What a birth plan is (and what it’s not)

    • Informed consent: BRAIN acronym (Benefits, Risks, Alternatives...)

    • Tools for respectful communication

    • Navigating hospital systems

    Interactive:

    • “Provider script” role play scenarios

    • Drafting a 1-page birth preferences sheet

    Suggested Readings:

    • Birth Your Way by Sheila Kitzinger

    • BRAIN acronym printable (Childbirth Connection or Lamaze resources)

    10:15 AM – 10:30 AM

    ☕ Break

    10:30 AM – 11:15 AM

    🟢 The Partner’s Role & Labor Rehearsal

    • Partner cheat sheet: how to stay calm and helpful

    • Rehearsing different labor positions and support styles

    • Using cue cards or apps to time contractions and manage pain

    • Encouragement and affirmation

    Interactive:

    • Partner role rehearsal with hands-on comfort techniques

    • Guided imagery practice

    Suggested Readings:

    • The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin (Support techniques chapters)

    11:15 AM – 12:15 PM

    🟣 Postpartum Recovery & Emotions

    • What happens in the hours after birth

    • Lochia, uterine cramping, perineal care

    • The Baby Blues vs. postpartum depression

    • Importance of rest and support networks

    Tools:

    • Postpartum recovery checklist

    • Local therapist, doula, lactation directory

    • Community postpartum plan worksheet

    Suggested Readings:

    • The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson

    • PSI (Postpartum Support International) website

    12:15 PM – 1:00 PM

    🥗 Lunch Break

    1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

    🔴 Newborn Care Basics

    • Feeding options: breast/chestfeeding, bottle feeding

    • Latching basics and hunger cues

    • Diapering, bathing, and safe swaddling

    • Understanding baby sleep patterns

    Demo Tools:

    • Newborn doll and diaper station

    • Swaddling & bathing demo

    • Feeding positions with props

    Suggested Readings:

    • The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League

    • Kellymom.com breastfeeding basics

    • Heading Home With Your Newborn by the AAP

    2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

    🟠 Infant Safety & Soothing Techniques

    • Safe sleep: ABCs (Alone, Back, Crib)

    • Soothing techniques: Dr. Harvey Karp’s “5 S’s”

    • Car seat safety basics

    • Home safety: pets, cords, visitors, and boundaries

    Tools:

    • Car seat checklist (AAP)

    • “5 S’s” video demonstration

    • Infant CPR and choking overview

    Suggested Readings:

    • Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp

    • CDC Safe Sleep Guidelines

    2:45 PM – 3:30 PM

    🎓 Wrap-Up, Resources, and Certificate

    • Final Q&A

    • Course feedback form

    • Local and virtual resource guide

    • Distribution of certificates of completion

    • Optional: Group photo & social media opt-in

    BONUS MATERIALS (Provide in Printed or Digital Format):

    • Birth Plan Template

    • Labor Coping Cards

    • Newborn Care Log Template

    • Packing Checklist

    • Local Doulas, Lactation Consultants, Mental Health Providers

  • Format: Private 1:1 Sessions (Virtual or In-Person)
    Total Duration: 4–6 hours (split into 2 or 3 sessions)
    Facilitator: Certified Childbirth Educator
    Audience: Expectant parent(s) – recommended for 28–36 weeks of pregnancy

    Session 1: Understanding Your Birth Journey

    Duration: 2 hours

    Topics Covered:

    • Welcome & Intake Discussion

      • Birth preferences

      • Prior birth experiences (if applicable)

      • Goals and concerns

    • Pregnancy Overview & Preparing for Labor

      • Physical and hormonal changes

      • Pre-labor signs vs. true labor

      • When to call your provider or go to the hospital/birth center

    • The Stages of Labor

      • Early labor, active labor, transition, pushing, delivery of the placenta

      • What to expect physically and emotionally at each stage

    • Birth Setting Prep

      • Hospital, birth center, or home birth overview

      • What to pack

      • Creating a personalized birth plan

    Session 2: Comfort, Coping, and Decision-Making

    Duration: 2 hours

    Topics Covered:

    • Pain Management Options

      • Breathing, movement, hydrotherapy, massage

      • Positions for labor and birth

      • Medical pain relief (epidurals, IV medications)

    • Support Person’s Role

      • Practical coaching and emotional support

      • Partner involvement and confidence building

    • Medical Interventions & Informed Choices

      • Induction, monitoring, assisted delivery, cesarean birth

      • Understanding benefits, risks, and alternatives

      • Navigating unexpected changes with confidence

    Session 3: Postpartum, Newborn Care & Final Prep (Optional)

    Duration: 1–2 hours

    Topics Covered:

    • Immediate Postpartum Recovery

      • What to expect physically and emotionally

      • Common challenges and when to seek help

    • Newborn Care Basics

      • Feeding (breast/chest and bottle)

      • Sleep and soothing

      • Diapering and safe swaddling

    • Final Q&A & Personalized Follow-Up

      • Review of birth plan and key takeaways

      • Community resources and handouts

      • Wrap-up and support options

  • Title:Planning for a Confident VBAC
    Audience: Expectant parents with a prior cesarean, seeking evidence-based information and support for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)
    Format: 1-on-1 or Small Group Session(s)
    Facilitator: Certified Childbirth Educator or VBAC Specialist
    Total Duration: 3–5 hours (can be broken into 1–2 sessions)


    Session 1: VBAC Foundations & Birth Planning

    Duration: 2 hours

    Topics Covered:

    • Welcome & Intake

      • Personal birth history

      • Goals, fears, and expectations

    • Understanding VBAC

      • What is VBAC? What is TOLAC?

      • Success rates and safety statistics

      • Myths vs. facts

      • Benefits and risks of VBAC vs. repeat cesarean

    • Candidacy & Care Provider Conversations

      • Assessing VBAC eligibility

      • Questions to ask providers/hospitals

      • Red flags for VBAC-unsupportive care

    • Making Your Birth Plan

      • Choosing your birth setting (hospital, birth center, home)

      • Creating a flexible VBAC birth plan

      • Informed consent and shared decision-making

    Session 2: Preparing the Mind & Body for VBAC

    Duration: 1.5–2 hours

    Topics Covered:

    • Physical Preparation

      • Prenatal exercises and body alignment for optimal fetal positioning

      • Nutrition and wellness considerations

    • Mental Preparation & Emotional Healing

      • Processing your prior birth

      • Building confidence

      • Partner support and trauma-informed care

    • Labor Preparation for VBAC

      • Recognizing spontaneous labor

      • Comfort techniques and movement

      • Labor positions that support VBAC success

      • Understanding the “VBAC window” and timing for arrival

    • Navigating Hospital Policies & Advocacy

      • Common protocols (e.g., continuous monitoring, IVs)

      • How to advocate respectfully and effectively

      • Tips for your support person or doula

    Optional Add-on: Postpartum Recovery & Emotional Integration

    Duration: 1 hour

    Topics Covered:

    • What to expect postpartum after a VBAC

    • Comparing cesarean vs. vaginal birth recovery

    • Emotional processing: healing regardless of birth outcome

    • Local resources for pelvic floor therapy, lactation, and mental health

    Included Materials:
    ✔️ Handouts on VBAC research
    ✔️ VBAC-friendly provider checklist
    ✔️ Birth planning worksheet
    ✔️ Sample advocacy scripts
    ✔️ Community and online support resources

  • Title: Confidently Preparing for Your Home Birth
    Audience: Expectant families planning a home birth with a midwife or licensed provider
    Format: Private or Group Session(s)
    Facilitator: Certified Childbirth Educator, Doula, or Midwife
    Total Duration: 3–5 hours (offered as 1 full session or 2 shorter sessions)

    Session 1: Planning a Safe, Supported Home Birth

    Duration: 2–2.5 hours

    Topics Covered:

    • Welcome & Intake

      • Reasons for choosing home birth

      • Individual goals, concerns, and prior experiences

    • Is Home Birth Right for You?

      • Understanding eligibility

      • Role of the midwife and birth team

      • What happens in case of hospital transfer

    • What to Expect in a Home Birth

      • Labor stages in the home setting

      • How home birth differs from hospital birth

      • Common practices: monitoring, hydration, comfort

    • Creating Your Ideal Birth Environment

      • Setting up your space: lighting, supplies, birth pool (if applicable)

      • Managing temperature, cleanup, and privacy

      • Music, scents, affirmations, and comfort tools

    • Building Your Birth Team

      • Who’s who: midwife, doula, partner, birth assistant

      • Role of older siblings or other family members

      • How to communicate expectations and roles

    Session 2: Comfort, Emergencies, & Postpartum at Home

    Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours

    Topics Covered:

    • Comfort & Coping Tools

      • Labor positions, water birth, vocalizing

      • Counterpressure, massage, breathwork

      • Support role of partners and doulas

    • Navigating Challenges & Transfers

      • When and why a transfer may happen

      • How to prepare mentally and logistically

      • Maintaining a positive birth experience even if plans shift

    • Immediate Postpartum in the Home Setting

      • What happens right after birth

      • Delayed cord clamping, placenta delivery

      • Golden hour and skin-to-skin

    • Caring for the Newborn

      • APGAR and newborn assessment

      • Initiating breastfeeding

      • When and how your midwife follows up

    • Postpartum Recovery & Planning Support

      • Setting up your recovery space

      • Nutrition, rest, and emotional wellness

      • Accessing lactation or postpartum doula support

    Included Materials:
    ✔️ Home birth supply checklist
    ✔️ Sample birth plan for home births
    ✔️ Partner support guide
    ✔️ Emergency transfer prep sheet
    ✔️ Postpartum care and resource list

  • Title: Affirming Birth: Inclusive Childbirth Education for LGBTQ+ Parents
    Audience: LGBTQ+ individuals and couples expecting a baby via pregnancy, surrogacy, or other pathways
    Format: Private or Group Sessions (Virtual or In-Person)
    Facilitator: LGBTQ+-affirming Certified Childbirth Educator or Doula
    Total Duration: 4–6 hours (split into 2 sessions or 1 workshop)

    Session 1: Understanding Birth, Language & Options

    Duration: 2.5–3 hours

    Topics Covered:

    • Welcome & Community Agreements

      • Inclusive introductions and pronoun sharing (optional)

      • Acknowledging diverse family paths to parenthood

    • Language That Honors Your Experience

      • Affirming terminology for bodies, identities, and roles

      • Customizing language to suit your family’s needs

    • Pregnancy and Birth Basics

      • Anatomy and hormonal changes

      • Stages of labor and what to expect

      • Physiological vs. medically managed birth

    • Pathways to Parenthood

      • Pregnant person carrying vs. surrogate

      • Legal considerations (co-parenting rights, birth certificate, etc.)

      • Planning birth as a non-gestational parent

    • Creating an Inclusive Birth Plan

      • Navigating hospitals and providers

      • Rights, boundaries, and advocacy

      • Roles of partners, donors, and chosen family

    Session 2: Advocacy, Comfort, and Postpartum Care

    Duration: 2–2.5 hours

    Topics Covered:

    • Comfort & Coping in Labor

      • Breathwork, positions, affirmations

      • Partner or support person’s role

      • Options for medical and natural pain relief

    • Trauma-Informed & Queer-Affirming Birth Advocacy

      • Preparing for misgendering or assumptions

      • Scripts and strategies for inclusive communication

      • Choosing affirming care providers

    • Postpartum Planning

      • Recovery and healing for all birthing bodies

      • Partner bonding and chestfeeding/breastfeeding/lactation options

      • Emotional health and LGBTQ+ parent support

    • Newborn Care & Attachment

      • Feeding, diapering, sleeping basics

      • Building attachment with both/all parents

      • Protecting your family legally and emotionally

    Included Materials:
    ✔️ Sample inclusive birth plan
    ✔️ LGBTQ+ rights in hospital and postpartum settings
    ✔️ Support person toolkit
    ✔️ Queer & trans parent resource guide
    ✔️ Legal and advocacy checklist

How Can You Get the Childbirth Education You Need?

3. Building Trust and Cultural Humility

DNT Network Childbirth Educator Certification

Definition & Explanation

Cultural humility is an ongoing practice of self-reflection and respectful learning about the experiences of others. In childbirth education, it means recognizing that every family brings its own set of beliefs, values, and traditions to the birth experience. Trust begins when families feel seen, respected, and included—no matter their background.

Core practices of trust-building and cultural humility:

  • Using inclusive language (e.g., "birthing parent" rather than assuming "mother")

  • Learning from your students, not just teaching them

  • Being mindful of how race, gender, socioeconomic status, and trauma impact birth experiences

Scenario & Tip

Scenario:
During class introductions, a couple shares that they plan to observe certain religious practices during birth. Another parent raises their eyebrows and asks, “Why would you do that?” You pause the discussion.

Response:
“We all come to birth with different values and traditions, and part of our job here is to honor and learn from those differences. Let’s give each other the space to explore birth in ways that feel right for our own families.”

Professional Tip: Establish a respectful classroom tone early. Include a welcome statement or group agreement that encourages openness, safety, and respect for cultural and personal diversity.

Evidence-Based Insight

A 2019 study in Midwifery found that perinatal educators who practiced cultural humility—especially those who asked about families' cultural preferences rather than assuming them—were more likely to build long-term trust and increase class engagement (González & St. Clair, 2019). The research highlights that cultural competence is a foundation—but humility and listening are what truly deepen educator-client relationships.

What Is Included in a Childbirth Education Curriculum?

    • Clarity builds confidence: Clearly defining your role helps families know what to expect. You're not replacing a doctor or doula—you’re here to guide, educate, and empower. Setting those boundaries builds trust.

    • Cultural sensitivity matters: Every family brings their own background and beliefs. Learn to approach differences with curiosity and respect rather than correction. Your flexibility is a strength.

    • Support over instruction: Families don’t need another person telling them what to do. They need someone who listens, offers balanced information, and trusts them to make decisions that are right for them.

    • Collaboration strengthens outcomes: Whether working with doulas, nurses, midwives, or partners, collaborative relationships enhance family care and reduce isolation. You are part of a broader care circle.

  • 1. The Role of Childbirth Educators in Diverse Communities

    2. Supporting Families Through Education

    • Suplee, P. D., & Glasgow, M. E. (2008). The role of the childbirth educator in promoting and supporting breastfeeding. The Journal of Perinatal Education, 17(3), 34–41.
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2491662/

    • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – Patient and Family-Centered Care
      https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/129/2/394/30711/Patient-and-Family-Centered-Care-and-the-Pediatric

    3. Building Trust and Cultural Humility