A class just for partners

With Father's Day right around the corner, I thought this might be a good time to bring up the idea of teaching a childbirth class that is geared specifically and only for the partners of a pregnant person In the field of childbirth education, there are often specialty classes to meet the needs of different populations. Some educators teach classes for families expecting multiples, others offer instruction for teen parents. Still, other childbirth educators might facilitate a breastfeeding class for those people who have had a breast reduction or augmentation. There are many different types of specialty classes that can meet the needs of a variety of populations. One such class that might be very well received in your community is a class just for partners. Here are six great reasons you might want to consider teaching a "partners only" class. This post is one of several in our Building Your Birth Business' series.

1.  Freedom to ask questions and share concerns

In a room full of only partners, participants may find the freedom to express fears, share concerns and ask questions that might be awkward in a typical childbirth class filled with a mix of support people and pregnant people.  This format may provide the opportunity to discuss topics like "What if I pass out? or "I really don't want to cut the umbilical cord!" They may find comfort in finding out that others in the class share the same concerns and they can problem solve together.

2. Camaraderie

Attending a class together may help people to find things in common with other students, start the beginning of a friendship and offer an opportunity to make connections with someone who may be a supportive and understanding friend after babies arrive. When you offer lots of group activities and chances for building a connection with others, this is a common by-product that benefits everybody.

3. A partners class increases the desire to attend a standard childbirth class

Taking part in a class designed just for partners may spark an interest in attending additional class with their pregnant partner. Some partners are reluctant to commit time and energy to a childbirth class and your specialized class filled with information and tips just for them may encourage them to want to learn more with their partner, especially knowing that it will be as fun and applicable as your class now.

4. Information is focused on the support role

When you teach your normal childbirth classes, there is limited time and so much information and learning opportunities that you want to share with your students. You may not have time to squeeze in all the "partner focused" information that you want to given the time that you have. Offering a partners only class lets you allocate the time you need to deliver information that helps create engaged and competent partners and birth support.

5. Increase partner confidence

By attending a class that has a curriculum designed specifically for partners, the support person is able to increase their knowledge of how to fill a role that they may not have done before. This class gives them a chance to build their confidence and feel equipped and ready to support the birthing person in the best way possible.

6. You differentiate yourself and add value to your business

By offering this unique class just for partners, you are differentiating yourself from the many other childbirth classes that are also serving your community. You could offer this as a value-added class when a family signs up for your childbirth series. Or as a perk for early bird registrants, that assists your classes to fill early and quickly. People love the idea of getting a little bonus or add-on and this partners only class is just the thing to motivate t.hem. Alternately, you could charge a fair fee and increase your income stream using skills you already have.

Take the leap

Offering a "partners only" class is a great idea to consider. You could quickly develop some learning objectives and fun class activities that could easily fill a two or three-hour class session. Offering this as a stand-alone class or as a value-added product to your existing class catalog is a great way to distinguish your business and position yourself as a subject matter expert.

I reached out to Alice Turner, LCCE, and Lamaze Board Member, who is the co-creator of SupportingHer, a partners class in Atlanta, Georgia to share her thoughts on her unique offering.

"If you remove the pregnant people from the classroom, the discussions can really change!  I have witnessed partners open up in a way that was really different from what I've seen in a typical childbirth class.  I love being able to speak just to their questions and their role. 

Do you already offer such a class in your community? Have you considered doing so? Please share your experiences in our comments section below. Also considering checking out our other posts in the series: Building Your Birth Business on Science & Sensibility.

photo source: Lily Sophia Photography

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