Childbirth Preparation Methods
Childbirth education means a lot of different things to different consumers:

There are several different “methods” that are taught.
Informed Choice Orientation: Many organizations, hospital educators, and independent educators do not really teach “a method.” They instead focus on using a broad variety of techniques to teach women how to cope with labor, and teach partners how to best support a laboring woman. They often draw from several of the methods described below. Instructors also discuss medical options in birth, and how to make informed choices. Emphasis is on “freedom of choice based on knowledge of alternatives.”
Child Birth Education focuses on birth as a journey and profound rite of passage. A balance of practical information, self-discovery techniques, birth art exercises, and pain-coping practices prepare couples to birth in awareness. Creative learning exercises build confidence and engage parents in discovering their intuitive wisdom. Pain medication is viewed as a reasonable option for particularly long and difficult labors.
Child Birth Education: Recognizes that there is no one right way to labor and birth, but preparation for both the physical and emotional aspects of labor. It does not teach only breathing techniques, except slow deep breathing as one way to facilitate relaxation. Moms gain confidence in their ability to birth; birth companions become aware of ways they can make labor safer and more comfortable.
Child Birth education that I teach combines alternative medicine and esoteric therapies into the process of learning about birth, to make it an almost spiritual experience. The techniques are learned individually or in group sessions, and empower the moms to cope and prepare their birthing experience.